Iconic statues get a makeover to raise charity awareness

SPOTTING a statue with a traffic cone on its head or a pint glass in its hand is unfortunately not exactly an unusual sight across the city centre.

• Matthew Hogg from Kilts for Kids gives Bobby his new look

But two iconic statues have been kitted out in something far more pleasing to the eye.

The famous Greyfriars Bobby and Sir Walter Scott statues have been given a makeover in aid of the annual Kilts for Kids charity event.

The pair will remain dressed up for the rest of the week as part of the campaign by Children 1st.

• Do you think Greyfriars Bobby looks good in a kilt? Vote here

Locals and tourists alike stopped to check out the patriotic attire following their sudden and mysterious appearance yesterday.

Other cities, including Dundee and Glasgow, also saw iconic pieces dressed up in order to help raise funds and awareness for abused and struggling children.

Bobby, on George IV Bridge, was kitted out in a jacket and scarf, while Sir Walter Scott, who lives in the Scott Monument on Princes Street, is wearing a shawl.

A spokeswoman for Children 1st said a small team spent the day dressing up the various characters.

She said: "We went to Greyfriars Bobby first and put on his tailor-made outfit. As soon as we were done, plenty of tourists were flocking around and taking pictures. People seemed to love it and it seemed appropriate as it was quite cold.

"We then went to the Scott Monument, climbed up it using a ladder and put a tartan sash around Sir Walter Scott.

"The outfits were hand-designed and the tartan was made specially. We think they'll attract a lot of attention."

The charity, which is hosting Kilts for Kids for the third year, is encouraging businesses and schools across the Capital to don their own tartan outfits on November 26. The event, supported by Scots actor James McAvoy, has so far raised more than 175,000.

In Dundee, the Desperate Dan statue in the city centre has been dressed up in a kilt and sash, and in Glasgow a scarf was put round the comic book character Lobey Dosser, in Woodlands Road. His nemesis, beside him, was dressed in a tartan cape.

Mafe Marwick, director of fundraising and communications for Children 1st, said: "It seemed appropriate that some of our most iconic statues should get involved."

Councillor Deidre Brock, culture and leisure convenor, added: "We were delighted to help out. Requests involving any of our historic monuments need very careful consideration. We worked very closely with the charity to ensure that the statues were protected."