Artist Rae’s tall order for animal trail – a giraffe that’s like a Tunnock’s teacake

Unique animal sculpture joins 100 creatures on display in Hamilton before they are auctioned for charity

AScots artist has created a unique animal sculpture inspired by one of the country’s most iconic brands, as part of an new art trail in Lanarkshire.

At more than 8ft tall and 40kg in weight, Thomas the Tunnock’s Teacake giraffe is set to excite chocolate lovers and art fans alike.

The giant sculpture is the work of 23-year-old Scottish artist Rae Mcculloch and is just one of the many animals that will be visiting Hamilton this summer as part of Wild in Art event, The BIG Stampede.

Organised by Hamilton Business Improvement District (BID), in partnership with Wild in Art, The BIG Stampede will transform Hamilton into a sculptural animal kingdom from Friday 23 June.

The event will bring businesses, artists and schools together to create a spectacular and colourful trail which will positively contribute to the economic, social and cultural life of the town.

After the trail, the sculptures will go to auction for Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

Other animals include Sekhmet the lion and Albert III, a powerful gorilla crafted in a fibreglass space suit with an acrylic helmet, that have also been created by the young artist and graphic designer from Stonehouse.

Rae’s trio of designs are getting ready to join more than 100 other animals, including elephants, giraffes, gorillas, rhinos and hippos, which will be in town for ten weeks.

Gareth Walker, BID Manager at Hamilton BID, said: “The countdown is officially on with just over a week to go until the invasion of The BIG Stampede. Rae’s bold and adventurous designs are fantastic and perfectly capture the essence of the trail.”

“The Tunnock’s Teacake inspired giraffe is sure to be a highlight for visitors and I have no doubt Rae’s collection of animals will raise valuable funds for charity.”

From Friday 23 June, Thomas can be visited at Top Cross Street in Hamilton. To help spectators find the 108 animals on the trail, a special map has been created.

The BIG Stampede will launch in Hamilton and surrounding areas in June and will run until August when the animals will be auctioned.

0 Artist Rae with Thomas the giraffe