Two enormous Wemyss Ware® cats have been unveiled in Kirkcaldy, marking the start of an exciting new public art initiative that will see the town come alive with creativity in 2026.
Painted by artists Griselda Hill and Elaine from Griselda Hill Pottery Ltd, the five-foot-tall sculptures are the first of at least twelve to be featured in the forthcoming Wemyss Ware® Cat Sculpture Trail.
Organised by the Kirkcaldy Lottery, the trail will showcase a series of giant cat sculptures displayed across Kirkcaldy next summer. Each cat will feature a unique design and, at the end of the trail, will be auctioned to raise funds for urban regeneration projects in the town.
The initiative is inspired by the success of other public art trails such as Scotties by the Sea in St Andrews (2023) and Dundee’s beloved Oor Wullie trail — both of which proved hugely popular and brought significant cultural and economic benefits to their communities.
The first two sculptures celebrate classic Wemyss Ware® designs: the Galle pattern, hand-painted by Griselda Hill, and the cabbage rose design, created by Elaine. A third cat, featuring a thistle motif by artist Roseanne, is already in progress.
Griselda Hill Pottery Ltd, which owns the Wemyss Ware® trademark, is sponsoring the first two cats, with additional sponsors and artists set to be announced as the project expands.
The Galle cat is currently on display at Kirkcaldy Galleries, while the cabbage rose cat can be seen at the Mercat Shopping Centre. Plans are also underway to move the latter to the Kings Theatre later this year.
“We’re thrilled to see Wemyss Ware® take to the streets of Kirkcaldy in such a bold and imaginative way,” said Griselda Hill, founder of Griselda Hill Pottery Ltd. “The Cat Trail will celebrate our town’s rich artistic heritage while raising vital funds for its future.”
Media Contact:
Griselda Hill
Director, Griselda Hill Pottery Ltd
01334 828273