Purrfect likeness: Scots unveil statue of Hamish McHamish, the town cat

A town in Scotland has unveiled a bronze statue of the town cat, Hamish McHamish.

Pic: Hamish McHamish's Facebook page.

St Andrews is a small sleepy town of 17,000 people, famous for two things: golfing and the regal, famous, incredible Hamish McHamish.

Hamish McHamish, of course, being the ginger town cat.

Yes, the Scots have, in either a stroke of genius or a bout of madness, spent £5,000 (€6,000) on a bronze statue of the beloved feline, who has his own book, Facebook page, Twitter account, and Wikipedia page.

Hamish has been around since 1999, originally owned by a retired BBC staff member in the town, but now he's looked after by all the residents collectively, roaming the streets at ease, hanging out with students, and getting his photo taken.

And his day in the sun wasn't a small affair. In fact, they had an unveiling ceremony for Mr McHamish (14), with hats, costumes, balloons and a bagpiper.

The statue was built at a cost of £5,000 after a campaign by the editor of the St Andrews Focus newspaper, the London Independent reports.

Scotland. You're brilliant. Never change.

Although I was delighted with the turnout at @HamishFest, sometimes crowds are just too big for a small chap like me. pic.twitter.com/lzPVCNAnPr

— Hamish McHamish (@hamishstandrews) April 5, 2014

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Via the London Independent.