THREE well-known businesses in Glasgow’s east end have backed Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity – and Scotland’s first ever national public art trail.

The Barrowland-based collective – Saint Luke’s, BAAD Glasgow (Barras Art and Design) and the famous Barrowland – have together taken sponsorship of one of 200 sculptures of Scotland’s favourite son in advance of Oor Wullie’s BIG Bucket Trail.

Their sculpture will feature among 50 claimed in aid of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity that will appear across the city during the summer of 2019.

The remaining ones will be spread across Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness.

Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, which supports the babies, children and young people treated at the city’s Royal Hospital for Children, has joined forces with its counterparts in Edinburgh and the Highlands – Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and the ARCHIE Foundation – for the Bucket Trail.

Tom Joyes, Barrowland General Manager, said: “Being based in Glasgow’s Merchant City, myself and the guys from Saint Luke’s and BAAD were eager to get involved with the BIG Bucket Trail, and we’re proud to come together to sponsor a sculpture and support Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity.

“Not only will the trail be huge for Scotland, it will be a massive additional attraction across Glasgow, and will raise vital funds for the city’s very own children’s charity.

"We’re really looking forward to seeing the design unveiled for our own sculpture, as well as the others that will be seen across the country this summer.”

Kirsten Sinclair, Chief Operating Officer at Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “We’re delighted to see three of Glasgow’s most popular venues get involved with Oor Wullie’s BIG Bucket Trail by sponsoring their very own sculpture.

"We hope as many people as possible will get involved with the trail when it hits streets across Scotland this summer.

"There’s no doubt it will prove to be a spectacular summer attraction.”

Oor Wullie’s BIG Bucket Trail will run across five of Scotland’s major cities from June until the end of August.

Sponsors on behalf of Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity include Trump Turnberry, Buchanan Galleries and Glasgow Taxis.