Callum Penman from CHAS, Wild in Art artist coordinator Rio Moore and Trail project manager Hayley Smith (Image: Steve MacDougall/DC Thomson)

Sculptures from popular Perthshire Coo Trail to be auctioned for charity

The herd of 37 colourful ‘coos’ was a hit with locals and visitors alike and will go under the hammer on Thursday, September 26, in aid of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS)

by · Daily Record

Sculptures from the popular Hairy Highland Coo Trail, which took place across Perth and Kinross this summer, are set to be auctioned at Scone Palace next week.

The herd of 37 colourful ‘coos’ was a hit with locals and visitors alike and will go under the hammer on Thursday, September 26, in aid of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

A final farewell weekend for visitors to get the chance to see all coos together before the auction has also been arranged for Saturday and Sunday (September 21 and 22) this week at Scone Palace.

The talented artists who painted the sculptures will be in attendance at the auction and there will even be some blank coos available to buy which include an artist commission – meaning lucky bidders could acquire their very own personalised sculpture.

It is hoped that the auction, which will be hosted by well-known compere and auctioneer Alex Fleming, will raise more than £100,000 in vital funds for CHAS to continue its work supporting children with life-shortening conditions and their families across Scotland.

Those behind the trail, which has been run by CHAS in partnership with Wild in Art and Perth and Kinross Council, have expressed their thanks for people’s support.

Rami Okasha, CHAS CEO, said: “We’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who visited our herd of bespoke Highland coo sculptures, and to all our sponsors and partners involved who worked tirelessly to make this coo trail possible.

“CHAS provides unwavering care to children who may die young and their families, at every step on this hardest of journeys.

“The bids received in this auction will make a huge difference to children and families.

“All donations help us to reach every family across Scotland who needs support from CHAS and to keep the joy alive even in the face of death.”

Hayley Smith, Hairy Highland Coo Trail project manager, said: “It has been incredible to see all the excitement and interest surrounding the coo trail with visitors exploring the trail and recording the coos they have located.

“At the end of the trail, more than 105,000 sculptures were collected on a dedicated coo trail app which achieved more than 5000 downloads.

“It will be sad to say farewell to the coos, however, we are happy that they are moving on to pastures new and looking forward to these beautiful coos finding their forever homes at the auction.”

There is some last-minute availability to attend the auction and anyone interested is asked to contact Hayley via HayleySmith@chas.org.uk.

Anyone wishing to bid online can do so via https://coo.wildinartauctions.com/.

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