Bear Trail Launch

YMCA Tayside has officially launched Bear’s Big Adventure Trail, a large-scale public art project set to brighten Perth and Kinross in summer 2026. The launch took place on Monday 8 September at the Y Centre in Perth, where local businesses were invited to sponsor one of the 30 giant bear sculptures that will form the trail.

Each bear will be uniquely designed by artists chosen through a competitive selection process, before being displayed across the region for 10 weeks. At the end of the trail, the bears will be auctioned to raise vital funds for YMCA Tayside, a charity supporting young people aged 8–25 through mentoring, employability skills, qualifications and outdoor adventures.

Perth and Kinross Council is the headline sponsor, contributing £20,000, with further sponsorships available at £6,000 per bear. The trail promises to boost tourism, culture and local business while supporting YMCA’s mission to transform young lives.