“We’ve had many legends at The Clutha, but this artwork means the world to us.”
The owner of The Clutha Bar in Glasgow has offered a reward for the return of artwork stolen by thieves.
The sculpture – affectionately known as Elvis – was pinched from the bar’s beer garden during a robbery last month.
Alan Crossan, owner of the Clutha, has offered an undisclosed reward for the sentimental artwork.
The figure was created by children and young people from Glasgow and Renfrewshire schools as part of a community art project alongside artist Moe Rocksmoore celebrating Glasgow 850.
Elvis, created through workshops led by Moe, represents months of creative work by young people learning to express their emotions through art.
The project was supported by The Clutha Trust, whose mission is to give disadvantaged children opportunities in music and the arts.
It was last seen near the Southside riverbank, close to the court buildings.
Alan said: “We’ve had many legends at The Clutha, but this artwork means the world to us.
“Whoever took him — please do the right thing and bring him home. There’s a good reward waiting for you.”
Moe said: “This piece means so much to the kids who made it. Many of them struggle to find ways to express themselves, and this project helped them do that.
“Elvis isn’t just a sculpture — he’s a symbol of hope, creativity and community. We’d love to see him back where he belongs — at The Clutha.”
Police were called out to the boozer on Stockwell Street when staff turned up for work and discovered the break-in on Saturday, September 27.
Thieves had entered through the beer garden, forcing open a door to the rear of the premises before stealing money from the till.
Alan previously described the theft as “despicable” and said the loss of the cash and cost of repairs will impact on the vital charity work done through the pub’s Clutha Trust.
The charity was set up in memory of those who lost their lives when a helicopter crashed through the roof of the bar in 2013.
Customers John McGarrigle, 57, Mark O’Prey, 44, Gary Arthur, 48, Colin Gibson, 33, Robert Jenkins, 61, Samuel McGhee, 56, and Joe Cusker, 59, were killed. Helicopter pilot David Traill, 51, and police crew members PC Tony Collins, 43, and PC Kirsty Nelis, 36, also died.
In recent years the charity has provided struggling families in Glasgow with money towards their fuel bills and hot meals.
Following the robbery, a Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 2pm on Saturday, September 27, we received a report of a break-in to and theft from a premises on Stockwell Street, Glasgow.
“Enquiries are ongoing.”
Anyone with information or who finds Elvis should contact The Clutha Bar directly or reach out via The Clutha’s social media pages. As Alan quipped: “It seems Elvis has left the building — but we’re hoping he’ll return to the stage soon.”
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