BookBenches Bring Stories to Life Across Aberdeen
Discover a city-wide art trail filled with art, conversation and places you might not usually stop to notice.
Bright, book-shaped benches are appearing across Aberdeen. From Union Terrace Gardens to Westburn Park, these sculptures are part of a new art trail from Clan Cancer Support. Each one is designed to encourage conversation, reflection, and a moment of pause.
The benches take the form of open books, painted by individual artists. There are ten large sculptures in Aberdeen, placed in parks, along pavements, and in spots you might otherwise pass without noticing. They offer space to sit, think, and enjoy the surroundings.
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Stories made visible
Westburn Park is home to All One Clan by Sandra Russell. It features 36 tartans, including Clan’s own and one designed by pupils at Albyn School. The design is a tribute to the families and communities supported by the charity. Sandra spent over 100 hours on the intricate painting. “There’s a lot of love that’s gone into this BookBench,” she said. “Painting tartan is incredibly intricate and time-consuming.”
Aberdeen is part of a trail stretching over 500 miles across the north of Scotland, from Stonehaven to Shetland. But the project feels rooted here. Clan’s city centre hub has long provided a space for people to talk through a cancer diagnosis, whether their own or someone else’s. These benches carry that idea into the public space.
“These beautiful sculptures celebrate the importance of opening up and sharing your story,” said Clan CEO Fiona Fernie, “something experienced by each of our clients accessing our support services.”
A way to explore, and support
A printed map is available from Clan shops and support centres. There’s also a free app that lets you collect benches by entering a code from the base. This unlocks short audio stories and small digital rewards.
The sculptures remain in place until 25 August. A Farewell Weekend will take place at Aberdeen Music Hall from 20–21 September. After that, the large benches will be auctioned to raise money for Clan’s services. The smaller sculptures, painted by school pupils, will be returned to local classrooms.
They’re easy to miss if you’re rushing past. But if you stop, they offer a moment to take in your surroundings or think about your own story. For more information, please visit the Clan Book Bench Trail homepage.
