Midlothian residents call for Greyfriars Bobby-like statue of beloved 'Co-op cat'
Mo had been banned from the supermarket until a community petition was launched to allow him back in.
Residents in a Midlothian town are fundraising for a statue memorialising a beloved community cat who loved to lounge around the local Co-op.
Mo became known as the ‘Co-op cat’ after he was allegedly banned from the Newtongrange store.
Staff reported seeing Mo appear every day at 6am when the shop opened, and said he would stay until closing time lounging around at the tills enjoying the attention of customers.
After a complaint was made Mo was banned from the shop, until a petition was launched to allow him back in.
He was a famous face around the town and even had a Facebook page dedicated to him.
On Wednesday, Mo’s owners announced that the beloved cat had sadly passed away.
In a post, they said: "Mo the Co-op cat was sadly put to sleep yesterday. Rest in peace Mo."
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Tributes poured in from Newtongrange residents, with one saying: “He'll be sadly missed, what a legend, defied all the rules saying he couldn't be at the store!
“It wont be the same without him there.”
Another said: “I’m so sorry to read this. My family and I loved wee Mo. Sending my condolences to the family.
“Sleep tight wee Mo, you left a mark on lots of people’s hearts.”
Residents have since set up a Crowdfunder to make a Greyfriars Bobby-like statue of Mo near the Co-op.
A post on the fundraiser said: “Mo brightened up so many lives. A memorial to him would ensure he stays with us forever!
“After hearing the sad news of our community cats passing what better way to remember him than with his own statue.”
The Crowdfunder has already raised over £900.
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