The Barn has launched a new Barn Bear designed by international textile designer Donna Wilson which features Aberdeenshire Tartan also designed by Donna.
Commenting on the design, Donna Wilson said: “I was really honoured to be asked to design a mascot for the Barn, to be sold in their new retail space, FOLD. Barn Bear’s neckerchief is patterned with a tartan that I was commissioned to design for Aberdeenshire Council’s ‘Be Part of the Picture’ initiative back in 2013. This placemaking project aimed to change the way the county was seen by communities, visitors, and businesses alike, so it seems very fitting that it’s now part of the uniform of the mascot for the Barn, who are doing such a great job of supporting and promoting the arts within Banchory and Aberdeenshire.”
Councillor Peter Argyle, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, said: "We are delighted to see the creation of the Barn Bear proudly wearing the region's tartan which features colours that draw directly from Aberdeenshire’s rich natural surroundings as well as elements of our communities' cultural heritage.
"Tartan remains a hugely important part of our rich, diverse heritage and we are proud that it continues to provide a lasting symbol of Aberdeenshire. We are sure this Barn Bear will prove very popular with visitors to the Barn at Burn O Bennie."
Tracey Johnston the Barn’s craft development manager said, "We are delighted to be working with Donna and to be able to continue our commitment to commissioning contemporary bespoke craft here at the Barn, offering unique items that cannot be purchased elsewhere. Our Barn Bear is the perfect gift for little and big kids alike and will be sure to be cherished for years to come".
Barn Bear is available to purchase exclusively at FOLD, the Barn’s new retail space, open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am - 4pm.