Herd the one about Johnston Carmichael? The accountancy and business advisory firm’s Tayside team has temporarily recruited a new member – a Hairy Highland coo. 

The sculpture is part of the Hairy Highland coo trail, a new art installation located across Perth and Kinross.  

The herd of 30 coos, each individually designed by talented local artists and sponsored by local businesses, has been placed in streets, parks and public spaces around the region. They will be complemented by 20 mini coos, some of which will be designed by local schoolchildren. 

Johnston Carmichael's coo was created by local artist Silvia Whiteley. Silvia, a self-taught artist from Perth, specialises in pet portraits and wildlife. The Johnston Carmichael team chose the design of their coo, who stands in a bed of lavender and has been aptly named Lavender. Lavender is based at Loch Leven's Larder, an award-winning farm shop and restaurant in Kinross. 

Part of the Wild in Art initiative, the trail will transform Perth and Kinross into an open-air art gallery, helping to attract visitors and contribute to the social and economic growth in the region.  

Silvia said: “I'm really proud to have been invited to create this artwork for Johnston Carmichael. Nature is an inspiration for me, and I hope when people visit the firm’s hairy coo, they feel that same connection and are encouraged to discover the beautiful surroundings of Perth and Kinross.” 

Silvia is further supporting efforts by designing one of the mini coos, which will go on display at her recently opened shop at 55 George Street, Perth.  

Pictured (L-R): Johnston Carmichael Partner and head of Dundee Jenn Stewart, Business Advisory Partner Ryan Diplexcito, and local artist Silvia Whiteley

The trail, launched 28 June, is open until 6 September. At the end of the exhibition the coos will be auctioned in aid of Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), which supports the families of children with life-limiting conditions and ensures that no family faces the death of a child alone. 

Jenn Stewart, Partner and Head of Johnston Carmichael’s Dundee's office, said: “CHAS is a fantastic charity, and it is extremely rewarding to be helping to raise funds for such an amazing cause.  

“It is incredibly important to Johnston Carmichael to be an active partner and supporter in the communities in which we live and work.  

“What’s great about the Hairy Highland coo trail is that it offers something for everyone to enjoy. We hope visitors have fun following the trail, which will deliver significant benefits for the local area and CHAS alike.” 

To find out more about the Highland Hairy coo trail visit: https://hairyhighlandcootrail.co.uk.