A colourful community exhibition in Aberfeldy will launch the 49th Children First Banchory Bangle raffle, created by renowned Scottish engraver Dr Malcolm Appleby, MBE FRSE.
The Cow & Parrot Coffee Store will host a mini exhibition and celebration on 26 March from 5pm–7pm, showcasing more than 65 vibrant entries from the 2025 associated Banchory Bangle colouring competition.
Participants include children, local residents, visitors, Appleby collectors, art students and fellow jewellers, with imaginative interpretations ranging from traditional colouring and painting to collage and even embroidery. Malcolm Appleby will attend the event to answer questions and reveal the 2026 prize bangles for the first time.
The long-running raffle supports Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity. The 2025 campaign raised more than £17,000, and organisers hope to reach £20,000 in 2026 to protect children from harm and support them to recover from trauma and abuse.
This year’s hand-engraved bangle design, titled “Moths & Adders,” reflects the vulnerability of moths - and children - and the need to raise awareness and provide protection and care.
Tickets cost just £1, with gold-plated (silver gilt), silver and bronze versions offering supporters the chance to win a unique piece of Scottish folk art while helping protect Scotland’s children.
The hosts for this year’s launch, the Cow & Parrot Coffee Store, are well known locally for their community spirit. They regularly host the town’s Dementia Café and open every Christmas Day, donating all profits to Tayside Mountain Rescue.
The colouring competition welcomes mixed-media responses as well as traditional colouring, with a number of prizes - including pendants and buttons by Malcolm Appleby - awarded across several categories. Last year’s Lifetime Achievement Award for one of the youngest entrants was presented to Peggy Noble Sabokbar, aged two, from East Lothian.
Nicola Parrott, organiser and former head of art, said:
“A simple colouring sheet can inspire incredible creativity. This exhibition is a fun way to celebrate the campaign and raise awareness of the work Children First does - and of local legend Malcolm Appleby.”
The raffle, run by the Children First, has raised more than £200,000 over nearly five decades.
Michelle Supple, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications, Children First said: “The Banchory Bangle is a beautiful and timeless prize, which could be yours if you enter our raffle. As well as being in with a chance to win this unique piece of Scottish jewellery, you’ll be helping keep children safe, loved and well at a time when more families than ever are turning to Children First desperate for support. We are truly grateful to Malcolm, Nicola and everyone involved in the raffle for their lasting dedication to children across Scotland.”
Reflecting on the long-running project, Malcolm Appleby added: “Everyone’s a winner—even if you don’t win the bangle, you’re helping create a better future for Scotland’s children.”
Supporters from across the UK can enter the raffle online.
Enter the raffle:
www.childrenfirst.org.uk/bangle26