The BookBench Trail has launched with 41 large BookBench sculptures displayed in a public art trail measuring more than 500 miles across the north of Scotland, with 25 in some of Aberdeen’s most iconic spots.
The BookBench Trail, sponsored by Bilfinger and Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, is delivered by Clan Cancer Support which provides practical and emotional support to anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
Aberdeen Beach, Pittodrie, Marischal College, Union Terrace Gardens, Duthie Park and Hazlehead Park are among the locations listed on the trail map, with trail goers invited to visit and ‘collect’ the sculptures via an official app created for the event.
Twelve specially designed BookBench sculptures are showcased in key city centre and coastal locations around Aberdeen as part of The Tall Ships Short Story – bringing a nautically themed art trail to The Tall Ships Races Aberdeen 2025, with these sculptures funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
A further 23 mini BookBench sculptures are displayed in groups across Aberdeen Art Gallery, Aberdeen Science Centre, Aberdeen Library, Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Clan House and Clan’s Rosemount shop, with many created by local schools as part of ‘Tiny Tales’ which features 38 small sculptures across the entire trail.
In partnership with Wild in Art the trail aims to raise awareness of the leading north-east cancer charity which runs five support centres and additional outreach programmes across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Orkney and Shetland, and generate vital funding for its services.
Fiona Fernie from Clan, Laura Hardie from Bilfinger, Sandra Russell (artist) and Kevin Gaw from Hellmann Worldwide Logisitcs
Clan Cancer Support’s CEO, Fiona Fernie, said: “Today we begin a new chapter in our trail journey as we bring our BookBenches to communities across the north of Scotland.
“These beautiful sculptures celebrate the importance of opening up and sharing your story, something experienced by each of our clients accessing our support services.
“The unique thing about the BookBenches is that people can sit on them, giving them a chance to take a moment to enjoy the stunning locations which are showcased across our trail.
“We are proud to display these sculptures within our communities, offering people of all ages an opportunity to access free artwork whilst raising awareness and supporting Clan’s vital work.”
Clan chose the 1.4metre wide BookBench sculpture, which depicts an open book, because of its lifeline listening support service which enables anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis to open up and tell their story.
Artist Sandra Russell revealed her sculpture, All One Clan at Westburn Park as part of the trail’s launch following an installation process which took more than 50 hours to complete.
She is one of forty artists involved in the trail and was inspired to create her design following the creation of Clan’s own tartan which features on the BookBench alongside tartans from Albyn School which is sponsoring the sculpture.
Sandra said: “I feel really proud to have my artwork displayed as part of The BookBench Trail. All One Clan features 36 tartans in the design, symbolising the different families and communities which have been supported by the charity in times of need.
“There’s a lot of love that’s gone into this BookBench. Painting tartan is incredibly intricate and time-consuming - I spent more than 100 hours completing the sculpture. I hope it’s enjoyed by many trailgoers throughout the project and helps to support the great work Clan does across the region.”
The trail has been made possible thanks to support from local businesses across the north-east , Moray, Orkney and Shetland.
Sandra Russell with All One Clan sculpture and Clan tartan
Headline sponsors Bilfinger and Hellmann Worldwide Logistics have each sponsored two sculptures on the trail.
Laura Hardie, engagement and wellbeing manager at Bilfinger Engineering & Maintenance UK, said: “We’ve worked closely with Clan over the years and have seen the incredible impact their services have on individuals and families across the north of Scotland. Supporting this creative initiative allows us at Bilfinger to give back to the communities where we live and work, while helping raise awareness for a cause that touches so many lives.
“We’re really looking forward to engaging with the trail and seeing the incredible designs in action. These benches are more than just public art - they’re places for reflection, conversation, and hope. We’re honoured to have played a part in bringing this meaningful project to life as a Headline Sponsor.”
Kevin Gaw, branch manager at Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, added: “Following the success of The Big Hop Trail in 2023, we’re thrilled to support Clan once again as headline sponsors for The BookBench Trail.
“We have provided a painting space and storage for the BookBenches sculptures at our facility in Dyce so we’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with artists, Clan and other sponsors over the last six months and it’s great to see the completed sculptures taking their place out in the community.
“It’s at this point, when you begin to see people engaging with the sculptures, you realise what an impact the project has across the region and we’re pleased to have played a role in helping Clan Cancer Support bring The BookBench Trail to life.”
The locations of all trail sculptures are displayed in the trail map which is available for purchase at all Clan Cancer Support shops and centres across the North-east, Moray, Orkney and Shetland.
A dedicated app has also been developed for the event which allows users to ‘collect’ the BookBenches by entering a code displayed on the base of each sculpture to unlock exclusive audio and rewards.
Charlie Langhorne, managing director and co-founder of Wild in Art said: “Wild in Art is thrilled to be partnering with Clan Cancer Support on this extraordinary BookBench Trail, which celebrates stories, creativity and community across the north of Scotland.
“Public art trails like this bring people together, spark conversations, and create lasting memories – and what better symbol than the BookBench to encourage people to sit, reflect and share their own story.
“We’re proud that the trail will not only raise vital awareness and funds for Clan’s important work, but also invite thousands of people to rediscover their towns and cities through the power of art.”
The BookBenches will remain on display until Monday, August 25. There will then be an opportunity to view all large and small sculptures at the Farewell Weekend event at Aberdeen Music Hall from September 21 -22.
The large sculptures and specially commissioned mini sculptures will be sold at auction at The Chester Hotel on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 with all proceeds going to Clan Cancer Support.
All mini BookBench sculptures created by local pupils will be returned to schools following the Farewell Weekend.
Clan’s previous trail projects Light the North (2021) and The Big Hop Trail (2023) have raised a combined total of more than £520,000 for Clan services.
For more information, please visit: https://www.clancancersupport.org/the-book-bench-trail/