Scotland’s iconic ‘Famous Grouse’ to be transformed into steel sculpture

LONDON - One of Scotland’s most iconic and loved brand images, the “Famous Grouse” is set for transformation.

The Edrington Group will build a 20ft statue of the bird in flight - a massive steel sculpture at the gateway to the Highlands as Perthshire’s answer to the Angel of the North.

The red grouse - Lagopus lagopus scoticus - has featured on every label of a bottle of The Famous Grouse since the bird was first drawn in 1896 by Philippa Gloag.

A preliminary model by leading sculptor Ruaraig Mciver from Beltane Studios in Peebles in the Borders has already been made. Now, the Group is seeking permission to build the statue as its “lasting legacy” to the Perth 800 celebrations.

“This is a gift from the Edrington Group to the people of Perth. Therefore they are covering all costs - both the structure and any associated costs regarding installation and maintenance,” The Scotsman quoted a spokeswoman for Famous Grouse, as saying.

Paul Shields, the president of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the initiative, “Perth is most definitely synonymous with The Famous Grouse. But these pieces of art may not be to everybody’s taste. They are not everybody’s cup of tea.

“As to whether or not the people of Perth and the businesses of Perth will think this is a good thing, I couldn’t speak on behalf of them at this point in time. But it is certainly something that would draw attention and interest - there is no doubt about that. And, if it was done tastefully, how could people be offended by it?” (ANI)