A statue of a fire dog who was adopted by Glasgow firemen in the 19th century was unveiled in North Glasgow.
The four-legged hero named Wallace the Fire Dog accompanied local fire engines on calls after being adopted by the city's fireman in 1894.
A celebration was held at the start of December at Saracen House in Possilpark following a campaign spearheaded by the local ‘Chancers’ community member Jean Dallas to have Wallace recognised as part of Glasgow’s heritage.
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The sculpture was officially unveiled during a formal handover by the Scottish Prison Service and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service supported by ng homes and Together Leading Communities Ltd.
Margaret Muir said: “It’s been a lovely journey helping to bring Wallace back to his rightful home here in the heart of Glasgow to Jean and the Chancers group!
"I look forward to hearing more about the adventures of Wallace ‘Our Wee Glesga Dug’.”
The story of Wallace first came to the attention of the group when they visited Greenock Fire Station Heritage Museum in 2016.
Touched by the story of Wallace, the Possilpark group were determined to bring recognition to this piece of Glasgow’s heritage.
Working with former headteacher Evelyn Gibson and staff at Saracen Primary School, stories, dances, plays and a series of books have since been written about this famous dog and his adventures.
A campaign to create a sculpture of Wallace was commissioned and placed in a prominent place within Glasgow.
It gathered support from ng homes’ Community Development team and the Scottish Prison Service at Barlinnie.
Nearly £1,400 has been raised to date and will support plans to reinstate Wallace in a permanent home in Glasgow open to the public.
Dave Adam, chairperson of Heritage Trust, said “Wallace the famous Fire Dog who was adopted by the Glasgow Fire Brigade over 120 years ago as their mascot, has entered Glasgow folklore.
"So much so that when he died in 1902 the Firemen of Glasgow had the dog preserved by a taxidermist and put on display at the Central Fire Station Glasgow.
“Wallace can now be seen at the Fire Museum and Heritage Centre in Greenock, since the museum opening in 2012.
"The dog which is a prime exhibit is seen by many, including international tourists who come to the museum from the visiting cruise ships.
“The production of this statue, driven by a dedicated group of ladies in Glasgow will help keep the history and heritage of this famous dog alive for generations to come.”
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