Sheep sculptures featured in national ‘Flock to the Show’ public art trail raffled off in 2 weeks
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There are less than two weeks to go until the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS) raffles off their colourful ‘Flock to the Show’ sheep sculptures, which featured in a popular national public art trail earlier this year.
There are 500 raffle tickets available for each sheep, at a cost of £25 each. The funds raised will support the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland Bicentennial Fund, which supports projects dedicated to sustainability in the rural sector.
The popular ‘Doddie’s Sheep’ will see a minimum of £20 from the sale of each ticket donated to the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation – this sheep was decorated by Megan Reilly in the distinctive bright blue and yellow Doddie’5 tartan.
The 38 fibreglass sculptures were decorated by local artists from across the UK in a range of striking designs and travelled around Scotland earlier this year, before flocking home to the Royal Highland Show in June.
The campaign celebrated the return of the Golden Shears World Sheep Shearing & Woolhandling Championships to the Royal Highland Show. Some of the sheep have already been purchased outright so won’t be available in the raffle, but the majority still need to find their forever homes.
RHASS Chairman, Jim Warnock, commented:“The Flock to the Show campaign was a resounding success, bringing joy to people across the length and breadth of Scotland and at the Royal Highland Show.
“We are delighted that our flock raised awareness of important issues in the agri sector and they will continue to do good by being raffled off to raise funds for the RHASS Bicentennial Fund and the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.”
Free online talk showcasing work in the Southern Ocean trails auction to support conservation
On Friday 7 July the South Georgia Heritage Trust and the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust are hosting a free, online talk about one of the world’s most iconic species – Orcas, or killer whales.
Southern Ocean Stories: The Orca’s Tale, provides a unique opportunity for the public to hear from two of the world’s leading whale experts about their work, and the fascinating insights it gives us into the life of these amazing creatures.
Speaking at the event will be ecologist, author and skipper Jared Towers, alongside Bay Cetology Director and marine biologist Leigh Hickmott of Open Ocean Consulting who is known as the killer whale specialist for the BBC’s Frozen Planet II series.
One of the world’s most iconic species – Orcas, or killer whales – in the Southern Ocean, are the subject of a new online talk hosted by the South Georgia Heritage Trust and UK Antarctic Heritage Trust.
The talk will look at how, by studying the movements, behaviour, abundance and ecology of killer whale populations using direct observations and remote sensing technology, we can tell the story of our changing environment. Guests will also hear about Jared and Leigh’s personal tales and experiences of working in Antarctic waters and the challenges that brings, all illustrated with their amazing photographs.
The event is being hosted by Alison Neil and Camilla Nichol, Chief Executives of the South Georgia Heritage Trust and UK Antarctic Heritage Trust respectively.
The event launches an online charity auction to raise funds towards conservation programmes that both organisations are undertaking in Antarctica and on the island of South Georgia.
The auction will include two fantastic expedition voyages to South Georgia and to Antarctica: G Adventures are donating a 22-day adventure voyage to South Georgia, the Antarctic and the Falkland Islands for two people, and Hurtigruten are donating a 12-day ‘Highlights of Antarctica’ expedition cruise for two people.
Alison Neil, CEO of the South Georgia Heritage Trust said: “We are delighted to be working with our friends at the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust on what will be a fascinating evening learning about enigmatic Orca, and also on an online charity auction to raise funds for conservation in South Georgia and the Antarctic.
“Along with our affiliate charity Friends of South Georgia Island, SGHT is currently supporting whale research projects in the region and is also working towards a landmark artwork celebrating the return of whales to South Georgia waters.”
Camilla Nichol, CEO of the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust said: “The orca is one of the emblematic creatures of the Southern Ocean, anyone who experiences seeing them cannot fail to be awed by the experience.
“It’s a huge privilege to be hosting this event when we can all learn more about these extraordinary creatures from leading experts. I hope that this will also inspire supporters old and new to get involved in our auction.
“We are hoping to raise funds to support the vital conservation work both of our organisations conduct to protect these special places in this most incredible part of our planet.”
As well as the headline prizes of the two adventure cruises, the auction also includes a wonderful selection of experiences and exclusive lots, from unique artworks by recognised Antarctic region artists to antiques and collectables.
Examples include:
A week’s home stay for up to four on the Isle of Lewis
Several unique artworks and signed prints by well recognised artists
Ephemera from Port Lockroy which has been a home for explorers, whalers, scientists, and sailors who have made vital contributions to the Antarctic
Signed books including antiquarian book ‘South’ by Sir Ernest Shackleton
A flag flown for a summer season at Port Lockroy, Antarctica
The auction lots will be available to browse after the event with bids needing to be placed before 19 July.
‘Southern Ocean Stories: The Orca’s Tale’ is taking place at 6pm (UK time) on Friday 7 July 2023. Attendance is free, and to book your ticket visit:
SCOTTISH student Stewart Morgan has launched an online charity event, in partnership with Bo’ness-based online auction house John Pye Auctions, to support Movember following his cancer diagnosis.
Stewart, 22, from Edinburgh, was diagnosed with testicular cancer just four days after his 21st birthday. However, since being given the ‘all clear’ he is campaigning to not only raise money but also to educate high school boys on the genetic disease and to speak up if they think something is wrong.
The auction – which is now live until 12 noon on Monday 30 November – has an incredible range of items available. There are currently 28 lots up for grabs – with more due to be added – all generously donated by local businesses and individuals, including sporting experiences, luxury overnight breaks and selfcare products.
Highlights include:
Gleneagles 4 Ball on your personal choice of world-renowned courses
Macallan 18-year Double Cask
Overnight stay and afternoon tea at the Pine Trees Hotel, Pitlochry
Stewart said: “This is my first charity auction, so I’m thrilled that John Pye decided to support my cause. As a fit and healthy young guy, being diagnosed with testicular cancer came as a huge shock – I always thought I was invincible.
“From the initial shock of finding out I had cancer, to telling my family and friends, countless appointments and finally undergoing surgery in October 2019, it was a terrifying experience.
“However, since becoming cancer free I’ve tried to turn it into something positive. I’m constantly encouraging people to just check – even once a month in the shower, look out for any pain, swelling, firmness or lumps and call your GP if you are unsure. I was amazed at the number of guys, of all ages, who had no idea what symptoms to look out for!
“This happens to brothers, dads, sons, grandads, friends, uncles, cousins and more. If you notice something you aren’t sure about; ASK!”
All funds raised will be added to Stewart’s Movember fundraising total in addition to his work educating local high schools and completing a number of outrageous challenges. He has also organized a number of bus adverts in collaboration with his university Heriot-Watt.
Adam Pye, managing director at John Pye Auctions, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to help Stewart raise money for Movember. It’s such a worthy cause and after hearing about his personal experience we were more than happy to offer our assistance.
“We hope the money raised will go a long way in supporting testicular cancer, but more importantly we hope this campaign encourages men of all ages to be more aware of the symptoms and to get checked out if something doesn’t seem right.”
Since January this year, John Pye Auctions has helped to raise more than £70,000 through its online charity auctions and has smashed its aim of raising £50,000 for the entire year.
The impressive total has been donated following each auction to a wide range of charities across the UK, each with the purpose of making a difference to the local community.
To see the full auction list and place a bid, please visit:
To find out more about John Pye Auctions and the comprehensive services it offers please visit: www.johnpye.co.uk or join the conversation on Twitter @John_Pye.
One of Scotland’s most beloved bobbies has returned home to Edinburgh after travelling around the country as part of OorWullie’s BIG Bucket Trail.
PC Murdoch – a mini OorWullie sculpture painted in the style of the comic strip constable – has been on a tour of all of Police Scotland’s 13 regional divisions this summer in recognition of the work carried out by Scotland’s children’s hospital charities.
The special sculpture visited all five Scottish cities taking part in the charity trail, before returning to Edinburgh just in time for OorWullie’s BIG Farewell Weekend at St Andrew Square, which took place from 13-15 September.
Community Policing Inspector Bob Innes said: “We’re proud to be involved in this event and everyone has really enjoyed spotting the other Oor Wullie sculptures around Edinburgh this summer.
“It’s been great to see our residents and visitors of the city sharing their fun photos online as they follow the trail around Scotland. OorWullie’s PC Murdoch joined us in Edinburgh recently during his tour of the country and spent time out and about with local officers.
“The Farewell Weekend event at St Andrew Square was an amazing opportunity to see all of the big and small statues from the Edinburgh trail in one place before they’re auctioned off next week to raise funds for Scotland’s children’s hospital charities.”
A total of 200 life-sized OorWulliesculptures were installed around Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Inverness as part of the trail, as well as a further 350 miniature versions decorated by school pupils.
The Edinburgh auction takes place tomorrow (Thursday 19 September) at Prestonfield House, with all 60 sculptures from the city going under the hammer to raise funds for Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC).
Roslyn Neely, CEO of ECHC, said: “We would like to say an enormous thank you to Police Scotland for their efforts and kindness in supporting OorWullie’s BIG Bucket Trail.
It has been wonderful to follow PC Murdoch’s adventures this summer and we’re glad he has now safely returned to his forever home in Edinburgh.
“Thanks to this project and the funds it will raise, we are able to continue the vital work we do in supporting children, young people and their families to have a positive hospital experience.”
ECHC believes that nothing should get in the way of being a child and works to make sure children and young people’s lives are less interrupted by illness. It distributes around £1.5 million per year to support the RHSC and other children’s healthcare settings across Scotland.
New £10 polymer bank notes from Clydesdale Bank will go under the virtual hammer to raise funds for hospice care this week. A limited number of the new £10 notes with collectable low serial numbers will be sold through auction site eBay from 9pm on Sunday 24th September, closing at 9pm on Sunday 1st October. All proceeds from the auction will go to Hospice UK.Continue reading New Clydesdale Bank notes to raise funds for hospice care
The Junction is one of two local charities to benefit from the proceeds of the Trainspotting 2 auction, which will sell memorabilia from the Trainspotting 2 film. The online auction takes place next month to coincide with the film’s US release.Continue reading Junction to benefit from Trainspotting 2 auction
