Animals in the Thistle

Jul 1 2009 by Gregor White, Stirling Observer Wednesday

SOME people might think that a city centre shopping trip is already a bit of a jungle experience.

From this Saturday (July 4), however, it will be even more so as a host of wild animals descend on Stirling’s Thistle Centre.

Taking over a currently vacant store for the whole of July the animals in question aren’t, in fact, real but have been created by a host of local schoolchildren as part of a major arts project.

Inspired by Julia Donaldson – author and illustrator of renowned children’s story The Gruffalo – in her role as patron of the Artlink Central charity, children from across Forth Valley worked on a series of animal illustrations and stories.

Artlink Central provide opportunities to get involved in the arts to a wide range of groups with a number of those involved in this Stories on Safari venture having special needs.

Local schools taking part included Denny Primary, Borestone Primary, Fallin Primary and Cowie Primary.

Doors will be open at 2pm to show off the children’s work with CD recordings of their stories also on sale.

The exhibition will continue at the Thistles until July 29 after which the work will go to adorn the restaurant area at Blair Drummond Safari Park.