Hares to go under the hammer in aid of Clan Cancer Support

All forty large hare sculptures from the Big Hop Trail will be sold at auction this evening, with bidding starting at £3,000 per sculpture.

It's in aid of Clan Cancer Support, who were behind the popular sculpture trail. 

Bargain Hunt presenter Charles Hanson will lead the proceedings at Aberdeen's Music Hall.

It comes as more than 3,500 people visited the venue to say a final farewell to the sculptures over the weekend (September 16 and 17). It was sponsored by Stagecoach Bluebird.

Clan Cancer Support’s CEO, Fiona Fernie, said: “Our hares have been taken into the hearts of the local communities involved in the project and that was especially evident at the weekend with thousands of visitors attending our sold-out event for a final glimpse of their long-eared friends.  

“We are now at the final stage of the trail which will see us auction off our beautiful sculptures to new homes, with all the funds raised being used to provide much needed services for people impacted by a cancer diagnosis.  

“We’d like to thank everyone who has supported the project so far and would encourage any hopeful bidders to register their interest online now or join us at the Music Hall tonight to raise their paddle.” 

Daniel Laird, commercial director at Stagecoach Bluebird added: "We were delighted to sponsor the Farewell Weekend and play our part in The Big Hop Trail as Transport Partner of the event. It has been great to see people of all ages take part in collecting hares and coming together to see the incredible sculptures on display at this weekend's event.  

“The Farewell Weekend has helped to showcase fantastic local artists across Scotland and the UK whilst raising awareness of the vital work of Clan. We are very pleased to see the success of the event and how it will help Clan to continue to provide essential services to those impacted by cancer." 

The trail aims to raise awareness for Clan Cancer Support which runs six support centres and additional outreach programmes across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Orkney and Shetland, and generate vital funding for its services. 

The event takes place at 6pm tonight (Monday, September 18) at The Music Hall, Aberdeen with tickets still available to the public from £10.  

An online bidding room will also be available for those who can’t attend the auction in person and wish to place a bid.