Dudley the Cat

If there’s one animal known for its aversion to water, it’s most likely the cat. So, one would have to ask, why is there a statue of a domesticated feline overlooking the banks of the Union Canal, a 30-plus mile waterway connecting the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow?

The presence of a monument dedicated to Dudley owes its appearance to a local philanthropist by the name of Liz Burrows. Ms. Burrows was not only Dudley’s owner, but also a keen contributor to the Burgh Beautiful Committee. This organization was responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the Union Canal Basin, a 19th-century channel used to transport goods (mostly coal) between two of the country’s largest cities.

Unfortunately, both the owner and her much-beloved pet are no longer with us. But due to Ms. Burrows’ admiration, dedication, and large endowment to the Committee, a sculpture of the frisky feline was devoted to both parties in the Autumn of 2018.

The Scottish artist David Annad created Dudley and several other statues found in Linlithgow. He is also credited for his work on another grimalkin, Hamish McHamish in Saint Andrews. The 18th-century poet Robert Fergusson seen strolling down the Cannongait in Edinburgh, and a statue of golf legend John Rattray located in Leith are also his handiwork.