Winners of a competition to have their dog’s portrait painted on a giant-sized Scottie dog sculpture, as part of Glasgow’s new art trail Scotties in the City, travelled from as far as Northumberland and The Wirral to see it for themselves.

Another lucky winner, Cindy, from the US, even dialled in live from Texas to join in the fun and see her own wee Scottie dog ‘Fitz’ on the sculpture in situ for the art trial.

Jina Gelder, pet portraiture artist, is behind the design of the sculpture Ground Control to Major Canis, which is on display in Rottenrow Gardens on the campus of Strathclyde University for the duration of the Scotties in the City art trail until 16 August.

The artist’s giant Scottie for the trail takes inspiration from Laika, the first dog that went into space. Her art is known for capturing the personality of pets and wildlife. 

Jina said: “I am so delighted to be taking part in this Wild in Art Scotties in the City art trail to raise money for Maggie’s, the cancer charity, this summer. My dog is called ‘Ground Control to Major Canis’. It was inspired by the first dog that went into space, so it obviously has a space theme.

“It was great to be able to feature some portraits of real-life dogs as astronauts on my big Scottie sculpture. Hopefully, this will bring their owners who entered my competition, and a lot of other people who come to see the trail, a lot of pleasure.”

What Maggie’s means to them

Jess Cain (33) travelled from the Wirral to see her labradoodle Marley on the sculpture.

She said: “I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in December 2023. I’ve been through a lot of treatment but Maggie’s in the Wirral have supported me through three surgeries and also through radioactive iodine therapy.

“I come to see the cancer support specialists and the psychologist there and I have also joined a young women’s group, which has meant meeting many new friends who understand what I’m going through as they have had similar experiences themselves.

I know the fantastic support that Maggie’s has given me and having my dog Marley, who has also been a great support to me as a winner on the Scottie sculpture for the charity was just fantastic news. When I found out Marley had won, I knew had to travel to Glasgow to see the sculpture for myself! 

Moira McLean (64) travelled from Northumberland to see Ground Control to Major Canis with her two wee West Highland Terriers dogs Kelsa and Ayla. 

Moira said: “Maggie’s is a wonderful charity. I lost my dad to cancer and I know what a difference charities like Maggie’s make to the quality of life for both those who are ill and their carers.

“I was so pleased to have my two wee dogs picked in the Maggie’s portrait competition to be painted on the giant Scottie. I’d been to the ‘Scotties by the Sea’ exhibition in Dundee a couple of years ago and I knew this trail would be just as wonderful.

“My two dogs Kelsa and Ayla are my life. We have actually travelled quite far to come and see Jina’s big Scottie this morning – from the Lake District – as I had actually taken the dogs on a break because it’s actually Kelsa’s 4^th birthday, on the same day as the Scottie’s launch too! It’s also been very exciting to come and meet the other winners.”

Lesley Hindman (46) from Lanarkshire saw her German Shepherd ‘Roscoe’s’ portrait on the giant sculpture.

Lesley said: “I’ve been coming to Maggie’s Lanarkshire since February 2024 as I had treatment for triple negative breast cancer. My diagnosis came as a huge shock to me. Maggie’s really is a wonderful place, it’s a sanctuary. The people there understood exactly what I was going through. I was so emotional when I was diagnosed with cancer, but I didn’t want anyone to see me cry.

It was through coming to Maggie’s that allowed me to open up. The staff there just made me feel so comfortable.

“Having Roscoe picked out to have his portrait really was the icing on the cake especially with this being a competition for Maggie’s. I’m so keen to give back for all the support they have given me. I have already raised £8700 for Maggie’s by putting on two hoe-down events in my local area. I’m also looking forward to completing the rest of the Scottie’s trail throughout the summer with some friends.” 

Cindy from Texas was equally thrilled to have Scottie dog Fitz’s portrait on Jina’s big dog. She said: “Fitz is the love of my life. I developed Long Covid along with other chronic illnesses in 2023, and that little dog really is my source of joy and comfort, so, to have him painted on a giant Scottie in Glasgow is just wonderful!

“What moved me so deeply learning about Maggie’s is that they understand that people need beauty, comfort and dignity and human connection while going through the hardest moments of their lives. Right now, I appreciate their mission even more. When your world becomes smaller, because of illness, spaces and people that make you feel safe, human and cared for become incredibly important

“Fitz and I are honoured to play a small part in the Scotties in the City art trail  which is a beautiful way to help more people discover the support that Maggie’s offers.”

Kirsty Speers (35) from Dundee, whose dog Archie, a show cocker spaniel’s portrait also takes pride of place on Jina’s Scottie, said: “I know the benefits of coming to Maggie’s myself. I was diagnosed with a serious abdominal cancer called Peritonei Pseudomyxoma unexpectedly at age 34, but following a massive 16-hour operation, which removed seven organs in full and partially removed another three, Maggie’s cancer support specialists have helped me to see that the worst thing that could happen had happened and I was still here!

“I did lots of mindfulness classes and relaxation classes at Maggie’s. An exercise class there even helped me to be able to lie on my stomach almost a year after my massive operation which is known as the Mother of all surgeries.

“My wee dog Archie was like my ‘dogtor’ throughout all of my treatment, he was such a comfort to me. Apart from my partner, Neil, Archie is the love of my life, so it’s great that his portrait is on this lovely sculpture for Maggie’s and he is getting a wee moment.

Ultimately, I hope the Scottie’s trail will raise lots of money for Maggie’s so they can support other people going through cancer like me.

Ingrid Holt (42) from Dundee, whose West Highland Terrier Hamish also features on the sculpture couldn’t make it along on the day but, said: “The Scotties in the City Art Trail for Maggie’s is  a brilliant way to bring the community together, spark conversation and remind people that Maggie’s is there for people with cancer with warmth, guidance and support whenever it’s needed.

“Hearing that Hamish would have his wee face on the sculpture was fantastic news! He is a 7-year-old Westie that thinks he is human – he is a mischievous character and everyone falls in love with him!

Here for 30 years, here for good

Hayley Smith, project manager for cancer charity Maggie’s, added: “It was great to see all of our winners from Scotland, The Wirral and Northumberland and even Cindy our winner from Texas join our Scottie’s launch!

“Our Scotties in the City trail in partnership with Wild In Art is taking place for eight weeks over the summer of 2026 from now until 16 August. A pack of 40 giant Scottie dogs has taken over the city in locations from the Riverside Museum to Pollok park and Paisley Abbey, with another 52 smaller sculptures decorated by schools and community groups available for viewing at Glasgow libraries and Buchanan Galleries.

“Each has been 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. 

“Following the trail, the Scotties will then be auctioned in September to raise much needed funds for Maggie’s, cancer charity to support as many families going through cancer treatment as possible.

“Maggie’s is celebrating it’s 30^th anniversary this year and we rely almost entirely on voluntary donations from individuals and the local community to enable our professional team to provide specialist cancer support, psychological support and benefits advice for absolutely everyone who needs it.

The best bit is that no one needs an appointment to visit Maggie’s. Anyone who is worried about cancer can just come in.”