The Hour

Last summer London was overrun by 260 brightly painted elephants that took over its public spaces. Now Scotland’s capital looks set to go through the same experience with the help of the young children of Balfron.

The event was part of a campaign run by conservation organisation Elephant Family, who work to protect elephants in the wild. Hundreds of artists were involved and when the elephants were finally auctioned off a startling £4.1m was raised.

This September will see Edinburgh play host to yet more elephants, along with a variety of other exotic animals that face extinction. Among them will be a beautifully painted hornbill bird, which in the wild is threatened by hunting and habitat loss.

The children of FAB, a not-for-profit organisation run out of Balfron near Kilmarnock, will be painting the hornbill, which is due to go on display from August 16 at The Royal Botanic Gardens. The artwork will then fill Edinburgh's streets throughout September.

Phil Worms, of Iomart, said of Edinburgh’s Jungle City event: “Jungle City is very similar in terms of street art to the London parade, but rather than just focus on the elephant, this time the Elephant Family have arranged for several species to appear all over the streets of Edinburgh.

“Literally some [will be] hanging over balconies, some popping out of plant pots. Wherever you look you will see a brightly coloured animal.”

Dawn Cullen, who works for FAB, said: “I think it really raises the awareness of the plight that a lot of animals are faced with.

“I think children naturally want to save animals and to have a part in that and to feel that they might be able to contribute in some way to an awareness campaign. It’s a fantastic experience for the children.”

The children are basing their designs on the work of Scottish architect Alexander ‘Greek’ Thomson, who was born in Balfron. They hope to have their Hornbill finished by the beginning of August.

For more information on Jungle City check out the event's website, or see what one Edinburgh student is designing.

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