Udderly bizarre public art event

The cows have been decorated by local artists and communities

Edinburgh will erupt into colour next month when 100 decorated life-sized model cows take to grazing along streets, parks and landmarks.

CowParade, which is billed as the world's biggest touring public art event, will run from 15 May to 23 July.

The fibreglass sculptures have been painted and decorated by local artists, celebrities and communities.

After the event, most of the herd will be auctioned off and 75% of the proceeds will go to charity.

The charity event first took place in Zurich eight years ago, with the cattle modelled on real Swiss cows.

Since then, more than 3,000 cows have featured in more than 30 cities all over the world.

See a selection of Edinburgh's cows

Event organisers said visitors to Edinburgh could expect to see the glow-in-the dark "Night Moo on Blair Street", "Salty" the Saltire cow and a copper Highland cow.

The Holyrood parliament building could also play host to a cow, after Edinburgh South MSP Mike Pringle lodged a motion urging the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) to take part in the event.

As well as raising money for charity, the exhibition is expected to bring major economic benefits to the city.

Affiliated charities for the event are OneCity Trust, which tackles social exclusion, and Vetaid, which works to alleviate poverty through sustainable farming in developing countries.