A much-loved cat who has been dubbed the Mayor of Burnside may become an ambassador for a supermarket's charity work.
Ra has brought joy to Burnside Tesco customers for some time and has been hailed as a ray of sunshine by those who encounter him.
Often, customers see Ra sleeping on the toilet rolls in the vestibule of the supermarket. They are known to play with or pet Ra when entering or leaving the store, and members of the community regularly take to Facebook to share their love for the white and brown-furred cat.
Customers often share pictures they take of Ra on social media, some of which show him napping in the baby seats of trolleys, but mostly on his beloved toilet rolls.
It is understood that the cat has a home nearby, but has been visiting the store for the last couple of years.
Read next:
- Glasgow Clyde College Cardonald campus bans cat from entering building
- Glasgow Cats Protection- Three rescue cats looking for forever homes
- Kitten abandoned on ScotRail train adopted by worker who saved her
However, there has recently been uproar in the Burnside community after signs appeared in Tesco, asking customers not to interact with the cat in an attempt to relocate him.
It comes after Tesco 'moved Ra's bed' earlier this month, according to customers.
The sign reads: "We kindly ask you not to feed or play with the cat. Ra has a home nearby and is very loved and well-fed by his owner. We understand his personality is very friendly, but pets are not allowed in our stores to protect food safety, and we are trying to encourage Ra to go home."
One customer told the Glasgow Times: "It would be very sad if Ra wasn't going to be at Tesco anymore. He's a ray of sunshine for the local community, and the kids absolutely love him. My daughter lights up when she sees him, and he's got such a lovely temperament with people.
"He's a constant presence on the local Facebook group where he's nicknamed 'the mayor of Burnside'. Everyone loves him, and many comment on how they go out of their way to visit the Burnside shop just to see him."
Read next:
- Bar and restaurant in Glasgow hits market after opening in 2023
- You will recognise this popular park in author's new book
- Chesney Hawkes serenaded me with THIS Scottish 80s hit
Following the fallout, Tesco informed the Glasgow Times that they plan to do some fundraising activity to support a local pet charity in Ra's name.
It comes after Tesco Burnside received suggestions for Ra to become an ambassador for some of their charity work, which the store says they love the idea of.
A spokesperson for Tesco added: “We know how much our customers and colleagues enjoy seeing Ra the cat around our Burnside Superstore.
“Although he isn’t allowed directly inside the store and has a loving home nearby, he’s become a familiar face and often greets shoppers at the entrance."
Share