Who let the dogs out? Scottie pups unleash sculpture trail by sea

Scottie dogs were unleashed in St Andrews yesterday to mark the launch of a new fundraising art trail.

Twenty-eight pups went for a walk around town as next year’s ambitious project Scotties By The Sea was announced.

The 10-week event is described as one of the most spectacular art exhibitions Fife has ever seen.

And organisers aim to raise £150,000 for Maggie’s Cancer Care.

Starting in September 2023, it will see 30 speciallycommissioned Scottie sculptures placed around St Andrews and other north-east Fife coastal communities.

Similar to the 2016 Oor Wullie Big Bucket Trail in

Dundee, the colourfullydecorated pooches could attract more than 100,000 visitors to the area.

Scotties By The Sea is the brainchild of business organisation Bid St Andrews.

And it has enlisted the help of Wild In Art, the people behind some of the world’s best art trails, including for the 2012 London Olympics and the Maggie’s Penguin Parade in Dundee.

The Courier and Kingdom FM have already signed up as the event’s official media partners.

And other companies also have the chance to get involved as sponsors.

The free art trail will celebrate north-east Fife’s vibrancy while showcasing the talents of both local and national artists.

All of the giant Scottie sculptures will be placed in streets, parks and open spaces during the threemonth event.

They will then be auctioned off in aid of Maggie’s.

Bid St Andrews chairwoman Louise Fraser said she was excited to be bringing them to the area.

“The trail will bring tourism and economic benefits to the region, put smiles on people’s faces, promote wellbeing and exploration and raise vital funds for Maggie’s Cancer Care,” she said.

“This is the largest event we have ever held.

“And we hope businesses and the local community will join us in the delivery of what I’m sure will be a spectacular event.”

Businesses are already lining up to leave their pawprints with Scotties By The Sea.

Stagecoach has just been announced as the first giant Scottish sculpture sponsor.

The bus company will launch “catch the coach” routes during the event.

Lee Skinner, of Stagecoach St Andrews, said it was a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness and support for Maggie’s.

Meanwhile, other businesses can register their interest in various sponsorship packages on the newly-launched Scotties By The Sea website.

But there are only 30 available so anyone hoping to take part is urged to do so soon.

“The trail will bring tourism and economic benefits to the region, put smiles on people’s faces and raise vital funds

PUPPY LOVE: Scotties take a lead in the fundraising project which involves 30 sculptures being placed around St Andrews. Picture by Kim Cessford.