Stockbridge giraffe parade will promote shops and raise funds

FIRST came the penguin parade. Then came the giant cows. Now the Capital will play witness to an even more exotic animal collection as more than 40 model giraffes line the streets of Stockbridge in the name of charity.

&149 From left, Rhona Johnston, Louise Mair and Sara Ebsworth get the parade started; below, Louise Mair decorates her giraffe

Two local shop owners came up with the concept of a giraffe parade to highlight the string of independent businesses in the area and make some money in the process.

Dozens of shops have adopted their own 5ft long-necked friend and are decorating them in time for a grand unveiling on November 11.

For a month the colourful creations will brighten up the local bridge and shop windows in honour of charity Children 1st and the Stockbridge House Day Centre for the elderly.

Rhona Johnston, owner of Kiss the Fish gift shop, explained that she came up with the idea after a model giraffe outside her business attracted a lot of attention.

She said: "I bought the giraffe and it was an instant hit with people. Kids would hug it and if it wasn't outside people would come into the shop and ask where it was.

"After all the attention myself and a friend, Eleanor, who owns the Laurel Gallery, decided to do something fun.

"Edinburgh's Cow Parade a few years ago was very catchy, so it made sense to go along a similar line. Nearly all the independent businesses in the area have taken one and they're making their giraffe unique. The Bead Shop is covering theirs in tiny beads, Chic & Unique has gone for a very bling look and we think we're going to make ours into a mosaic with a fish and kisses theme. Some people are keeping their designs a secret.

"After we decided to go with a giraffe parade I just bulk-bought them and they were quickly snapped up."

Ms Johnston has sold the animals on at the face value of 80 and it is planned that each of the giraffes will be sold off in a grand auction at the end of the run to raise charity funds. Organisers are hoping that some of the models will be signed by celebrities, including Craig Hill and Grant Stott.

Other businesses involved include Redwood Restaurant, the Antiquary pub and Napiers Herbalists, who has also donated two more giraffes to Stockbridge Primary School and St Ninian's Church, at Comely Bank.

Napiers owner Dee Atkinson said: "We got an e-mail asking to join and thought it was a fantastic idea. We're going to dress our own giraffe up with plants. Everybody is getting quite creative."

A spokeswoman for Children 1st said: "The giraffe parade is such a brilliant idea and we're really pleased to see so many businesses in Stockbridge getting behind the project. We're looking forward to seeing all the completed giraffes in November and we're sure the auction will be a great success.

"We'd like to thank the organisers of the event for choosing Children 1st as one of their charities."