The Scotties in the City art trail for Maggie’s cancer charity launched last night at Trades Hall in Glasgow. The launch of ‘Scotties in the City’ made a formal call out for corporate sponsors and artists to get on board with the art trail – all in support of cancer charity, Maggie’s.
The vibrant trail is set to take place for eight weeks over the summer of 2026 – when a pack of 50 beautifully designed, giant Scottie dogs will take over Glasgow, including the city and its suburbs.
Following the trail, the Scotties will be auctioned to raise much needed funds for Maggie’s centres across Scotland.
Project Manager for ‘Scotties in the City’ at Maggie’s, Hayley Smith said: “For eight weeks over the summer of 2026, 50 Scottie dogs will take over Glasgow. Each will be beautifully designed and painted by talented artists. It’s hoped that this fun, art trail will play a key role in boosting the city’s social, cultural and economic development and draw in visitors to experience the charm of our city.
“The launch of Scotties in the City in partnership with Wild in Art, which showcased fabulously designed ‘Lochie’ – a Loch Lomond designed Scottie by Glasgow artist, Douglas Roulston – is to put a call out for artists and sponsors to get on board with this project exactly one year ahead of when the Scottie sculptures will take over the city.
“Alongside the trail we will run an educational programme where 60 schools can also apply their own small Scottie complete with resources and lessons pack, which they can design and decorate. These smaller sculptures will also form part of the bigger art trail and be grouped together in cultural and educational spaces. These much loved smaller sculptures will eventually be returned to the proud school owners to have onsite.
“At end of the trail, we will host an evening where we will auction off our beautiful, giant Scotties with the aim of raising as much money for Maggie’s, the cancer charity to support as many families going through cancer treatment as possible.”
Hayley adds: “We know people have travelled far and wide to see art trails like this and many famous faces have bought giant sculptures from Wild In Art charity auctions in the past. Celebrities including Lorraine Kelly have got involved and tennis ace, Judy Murray, even bought a giant ‘Andy Murray – Wimbledon inspired’ penguin from a Wild In Art trail in Dundee five years ago. It’s people like Lorraine and Judy and corporate businesses that we will be interested in hearing from to bid for a Scottie at auction time.
“Today’s launch is a call out for businesses to get involved in sponsoring a giant Scottie sculpture, and a call out for artists to take part.”
Artist Douglas Roulston who has also been involved in previous charity art trails with Wild in Art, including the Oor Wullie trail in Glasgow and the Scottie Dog trail in St Andrews, said: “I am honoured to introduce ‘Lochie’ the first big Scottie on the Glasgow Trail for Maggie’s cancer charity.
“My art work is inspired by the dramatic beauty of the Highlands and Islands. With Lochie, I have painted the beautiful landscape of Loch Lomond with Ben Lomond, the golf course, the loch itself and a few signature trees. Hidden on Lochie’s chest is a heart shaped by the trees – a quiet reminder of strength, love and compassion which also sum up the work of Maggie’s and the great work they do in supporting families going through cancer. I hope many people will come out to support us with this new Glasgow art trail which will be absolutely fantastic for the city.”
Charlie Langhorne, MD and Co founder of Wild in Art added: “We are thrilled to be working with our friends and partners at Maggies on our first standalone trail in Glasgow.
“Following the success of our previous partnerships in Dundee and St Andrews, we are confident that our Wild in Art Scottie Dogs will bring joy to both residents and tourists as they discover the trail and explore the city. Importantly, this initiative will also raise awareness and vital funds to support the invaluable work that Maggie’s does to help people with cancer and their families.”
Malcolm Group have also been announced as Maggie’s logistics partner for the Scotties in the City Art Trail. Andrew Malcolm, CEO of The Malcolm Group added:
“We are delighted to be the logistics partner for Scotties in the City, supporting Maggie’s. As a family business with deep roots in the community, we recognise the vital importance of organisations like Maggie’s, which provide life-changing support to people facing cancer. Being part of this creative and meaningful initiative allows us to give back in a way that combines our logistics expertise with a cause that touches so many lives. We’re proud to play a role in bringing Scotties in the City to life, and we hope it raises both awareness and much-needed funds to help Maggie’s continue their extraordinary work.”
