The Barn Bear by Donna Wilson

We are absolutely delighted to have been working with International textile designer Donna Wilson to make our very own Barn Bear wearing Aberdeenshire tartan, also designed by Donna.

Exclusively available at our new retail space FOLD, we are sure our bear will appeal to big kids and little kids alike and be cherished and cuddled for years to come.

Donna, who is originally from this area was commissioned by Aberdeenshire Council through its 2013 'Be Part of the Picture Placemaking Programme' to design and create Home Colours specifically for Aberdeenshire. The colours, inspired by the diverse beauty of Aberdeenshire’s landscape, were chosen by pupils from six schools across the area.

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."

Barn Bear is available to purchase exclusively at FOLD, open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am-4pm.