Edinburgh’s famous west end cat, Hugo, may soon be celebrated in a new way as plans are underway to immortalize him in bronze. The beloved cat, who passed away two years ago after being hit by a car, was a familiar sight on the cobbled streets of the city’s west end, where he was adored by locals. A life-sized statue of Hugo has been proposed by the community with the intention of bringing people together and attracting more visitors to the area.
If the proposal receives planning permission, Hugo’s statue will be the 16th animal sculpture in Edinburgh, compared to the 79 statues of men and only eight of women in the city. Renowned sculptor Alan Beattie Herriot, known for his work on the statues of Wojtek the Bear in Princes Street Gardens, has been selected to create the bronze model of Hugo. Funds raised by the community will go towards the creation of the statue, which is slated to be placed on a wall in William Street along with a plaque.
Hugo, an Arabian Mau, was adopted by local resident Jane Rutherford at the age of six months and quickly became a fixture in the west end community. His tragic accident in 2023 prompted calls for changes in the law regarding reporting collisions with cats. Reflecting on the loss of her beloved pet, Rutherford expressed her hope that the statue would serve as a reminder of Hugo’s unique personality and bring joy to those who knew him.
Paul Hancock, a community council engagement officer, voiced his support for the statue, citing Hugo’s lasting impact on the west end community. The project is seen as a positive addition to the city’s historic landscape and is expected to draw more visitors to the area, benefiting local businesses. Sculptor Alan Beattie Herriot expressed his enthusiasm for the commission, emphasizing the significance of immortalizing Hugo’s memory through art
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