The Tigger sculpture before the warning tape was removed. Picture: Culloden Community Council Facebook page
A grieving mum has been left “disheartened” by what looks like another vandal attack at a much-loved city spot.
The area in Culloden Avenue popularly know as the Gruffalo Walk, has become a firm favourite with youngsters and their families for its enchanting range of storybook characters.
Backed with funding from Albie’s Gift, the charity effort established by Inverness’s Daisy McKenzie and her family in memory of their son and brother who passed away unexpectedly just before his second birthday it was only recently rejuvenated following an earlier attack.
Yesterday Culloden Community Council, which has taken on care of the site, posted on its Facebook page that a Tigger sculpture had been attacked.
“It is with great sadness that we have to make our community aware that malicious damage, vandalism and potential theft have been directed at one of the newly installed structures — ‘Tigger’,” they said.
“At present, we have placed CAUTION and FRAGILE tape around the structure. A barrier will also be installed around Tigger until we can source contractors and obtain quotes for the necessary repairs.”
This had to be followed by a an update as the community council later reported that the warning tape itself had been removed.
They warned: “The structure has been forcefully damaged at its base and may therefore be unstable. For your own safety, please do not remove the tape or walk close to the structure.
“We also ask parents, carers and dog owners to take particular care, especially with little ones and our four-legged friends.”
And they shared how Tigger “isn’t simply a woodland structure”.
They posted: “Tigger is a much-loved community feature and a memorial to Sophie, who very sadly passed away on 4th June 2026, aged just three, after an 18-month battle following her diagnosis with Batten Disease (CLN1).
“Sophie’s family sponsored ‘Tigger’ to be situated close to the Winnie the Pooh bench, in memory of their beautiful little girl and because of her love of bouncing in her jumparoo — making Tigger particularly special to them.
“Inscribed on the bench are the beautiful words: ‘You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.’
“Both Tigger and the bench were skillfully and lovingly created by Chainsaw Creations, to commemorate Sophie and provide a lasting tribute to their beautiful daughter.
“For someone to deliberately vandalise this special memorial is simply beyond belief.”
The sculpture is in memory of Sophie Mason who passed away earlier this year, aged just three.
And they added: “Tigger is one of many new structures created through ‘Albie’s Gift’, as part of the regeneration work being carried out by the Culloden Avenue Project.
“An inspiring amount of time, hard work, commitment and fundraising has gone into creating this community initiative — something designed to bring joy to local families and visitors for years to come.
“Thank you to everyone who continues to support, contribute to and look after our community.
“We ask everyone to remain vigilant and encourage you to contact us if you have any concerns, queries or witness any suspicious or questionable behaviour.
“Please help us protect the Gruffalo Walk and the special memories it represents.”
Daisy acKenzie said: “It’s so disheartening to see as I just wanted it to be an area for everyone to enjoy. Each of the sculptures have meaning behind their sponsor so it’s a real shame.
“I’m hoping it may have just been an accident or someone playing too rough.
“I’m grateful for Culloden Community Council who have taken charge of the sculptures and are getting it repaired asap.
“I just ask that people help look out for the sculptures so we can keep it as a special area for all to enjoy.”
The community council post has generated dozens of comments from people angered and saddened by the vandalism.
Sara Maclennan said: “I’m disgusted by this. We sponsored the Toy Story one further along the avenue in memory of our daughter who also passed away and we have found it to have footprints on the face that makes us think it was being kicked too, why anyone would do this is just beyond me!”
Alice Gordon said: “Absolutely enraged that this should happen. Sooooo heartbreaking, especially for Sophie’s family, but also for the community who love to walk along the avenue with family members (grandchildren love it) and with friends too.
“It would be so good if the culprits come forward and pay for repairs but somehow I don’t think that would happen, sadly.”
Neil Coulborn said: “It makes me sick to my stomach that we have these moronic individuals living amongst us. Absolutely no respect to the families that have sponsored these figures in very sad times for them.”
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