The colourful figure was created to promote Stay n’ Play, a community playgroup which has brought toddlers, parents, grandparents and carers together since it was revived in January 2024.
Residents regularly stop to check on the scarecrow, while people on social media have shared photographs and comments about the unusual village attraction. Its popularity has made it a talking point across Old Kilpatrick and beyond.
Fiona Mackay, who helped bring the project to life, said the idea came after she searched online for inspiration.
Fiona Mackay said: “I looked up scarecrows in America for inspiration and there were lots of Minions.
“I thought it was a really eye-catching idea and something that would make people smile.”
“We wanted to create something a bit different that everyone in the village could enjoy.”
What began as a simple idea soon became a community project. Fiona’s daughters, Alexandra McConnell and Eilidh McConnell, designed and built the giant yellow character. Both have backgrounds in art and design.
Family members, friends and local supporters also helped make the scarecrow. Their work has resulted in a figure which now attracts attention from people of all ages.
Fiona Mackay said: “It was worth it just to see people’s faces.”
The Minion has proved popular since it was installed, and Fiona joked that it now has a protection team in the village.
Fiona Mackay said: “We even have a guardian in the village who checks on it.”
Fiona Mackay said: “They phone us if anything’s happened.”
Fiona Mackay said: “If a shower of rain damages it, we’re there to prop it up again.”
Stay n’ Play was taken over by Jacqueline McCormack, alongside Ellen Gallagher and Amanda O’Hanlon, after they recognised a lack of activities for local children and families.
The group began with a toy drive and has continued to grow through support from the community and funding. Families now travel from areas including Kilmacolm, Dumbarton and Bishopton to attend sessions.
Fiona believes the group’s welcoming approach is a main reason for its success.
Fiona Mackay said: “They’re just known as being so friendly and welcoming.”
Stay n’ Play gives children access to toys and activities, while parents, carers and grandparents can meet other people and build friendships. Organisers say the sessions also create a chance for different generations to spend time together.
Fiona Mackay said: “It gives the children socialisation before formal nursery.”
Fiona Mackay said: “You’re teaching them how to share, tidy away, help people and interact with their peer group.”
Older members of the community have also become involved, helping create a setting which organisers believe benefits everyone. The playgroup’s growth has strengthened its role in village life and added to the attention around the Minion.
Fiona Mackay said: “It’s hugely important.”
Fiona Mackay said: “This lot have really professionalised it to the extent that it’s growing and growing and growing.”
The success of the scarecrow has led organisers to consider a new event next year. They are looking at a village-wide scarecrow competition, which could allow residents to vote for their favourites.
Fiona Mackay said: “We’d love that.”
Fiona Mackay said: “It would bring a little edge to it and get even more people involved.”
For now, the giant Minion remains in place, greeting visitors.
As for the Minion’s future, it remains firmly in place for now.
Stay n’ Play continues to provide activities and social opportunities for families, while Old Kilpatrick’s most famous resident may be sticking around for quite some time yet.
