The Tartan Army’s newest – and hairiest – recruit has been unveiled in Perth city centre.
It is hoped the striking highland cow sculpture, sporting the Scottish national football kit, will give local fans a boost after the team’s recent Euros defeat.
The statue on Perth’s St John’s Street, painted by Dundee care worker Craig Cairnie, is the latest in a trail of 30 Hairy Highland Coos being displayed across Perth and Kinross this summer.
Each sculpture has been uniquely designed and painted by a different artist. They have been placed in streets and public spaces around the region for the public to find until September 6.
A Hairy Highland Coo Trail app can be downloaded to help navigate the trail.
Mr Cairnie, a Senior Support Worker with specialist care group ASC – part of leading care provider, BCG – in Balbeggie, Perthshire, dedicated his artwork to the loyal Scotland fans who travelled to Germany for the UEFA European Championships.
A graduate in Fine Art from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, he featured on Channel 4’s Drawers Off series in 2022 – where he was challenged to capture a nude life drawing on canvas alongside five other contestants.
Now a Positive Behavioural Mentor at ASC, he supports adults with a diagnosed learning disability experiencing stress, distress and associated mental health conditions to live full lives and reach their potential.
Craig said: “My first thought for this project was to celebrate and support the national football team by designing the Tartan Army Coo. The outfit is designed as a supporter/superhero, combining elements of the custom Scotland kit with a superhero logo, and a lion rampant flag cape.
“The ankle flags represent the nations we played in the tournament. The map of Germany on the cow’s side marks the cities we played in, while the colourful horns represent the rest of the nations taking part in the tournament.”
Children’s charity set to benefit from Highland Coo Trail
Karen Johnson, Managing Director at BCG, said: “We are delighted to see Craig’s work being given a spotlight as part of this wonderful trail. He’s so well regarded by his teammates and residents at ASC. It will be fantastic to get out and visit his Coo over the summer.”
The Hairy Highland Coo Trail is being run by Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) in conjunction with Wild in Art and Perth and Kinross Council and it’s hoped it will contribute to the social, cultural and economic growth of the region by attracting tourists. At the end of the trail, all of the sculptures will be auctioned to raise money for CHAS.
Hayley Smith, Wild in Art Project Manager at CHAS, said: “We put a call out to artists to submit designs and were overwhelmed when we had over 200 design submissions. With our event partners, Wild in Art, we shortlisted these designs down to 60. The standard and quality of designs that were submitted was fantastic.
“Craig’s Tartan Army Coo really stood out. After shortlisting, sponsors had the opportunity to choose their favourite Coo. Bliss Beds, who have provided us with our artist painting space, immediately chose the Tartan Army Coo.
“I think it’s safe to say this Coo is quickly becoming one of the favourites on the trail. We’ve seen lots of photos being posted of people proudly wearing their Scotland tops next to it.”
