He arrived in a storm of publicity and became an international celebrity. Kingsley the Partick Thistle mascot is a bit of a maverick. Designed by Turner prize nominated artist David Shrigley, Kingsley moved to Firhill from California this summer as part of Partick Thistle’s sponsorship deal with Kingsford Capital.
His unusual appearance and gregarious match day performances have made him a firm favourite with fans and earned him a global following. The Kingsley soft toy was one of the most in-demand items this Christmas and is currently sold out.
We caught up with Kingsley in the West End to talk about his favourite parts of Glasgow, being the city’s only giant sun with eyebrows and what he gets up to when he’s not prancing around Firhill.
Hi Kingsley, what’s your pre-match routine?
It’s all about getting my head in the game, psyching myself up. A couple of weeks ago I wasn’t in the right frame of mind and I slipped and fell on my big yellow behind in front of the North Stand so I need to make sure I’m focused – it’s not as easy as it looks being a world famous mascot you know.
What do you like best about Glasgow?
Partick Thistle, obviously! I moved to Glasgow from California so the weather took a bit of getting used to, that’s for sure. On the whole though I’ve been made to feel really welcome and I really love the city. It’s just as well everyone is so friendly, after all it isn’t easy to go incognito when you’re a seven foot tall bright yellow sun.
What do you like best about Firhill?
The fans and the atmosphere on a match day. Right from the very start of the season everyone has been brilliant. I love meeting new people and showing that all the nonsense about me being scary when I first arrived isn’t true – I’m really just misunderstood. You can’t beat the feeling of running out with the team in front of thousands of Jags fans though – it’s absolutely brilliant.
What do you usually do if you have a day off?
Days off are few and far between for me to be honest. If I’m not at a game then I’m often out and about. This week alone I’ve appeared in a music video, turned on some Christmas lights and met some kids from our Community Trust so it’s a busy life. When I do get a minute to myself though I like to learn a bit more about Glasgow and just enjoy the city. I have been known to visit local side Rossvale Juniors to see my old friend Jaggy MacBee too!
Which local restaurants do you visit?
The food in Glasgow is much better than I expected so there is loads of choice. My favourite is definitely Pizza Express. You can’t beat Jaconelli’s Café though and it’s just around the corner from the stadium too!
Best pub for after the match?
The Aitken Suite bar of course! It’s at the stadium, it’s full of Thistle fans and you get to meet some of the players at Players Zone after full time – what more could you ask for!
Where would you meet us for a coffee?
Anywhere in Maryhill or the West End, it’s full of Jags fans and everyone is really friendly.
Where do you shop for clothes?
I have to do everything mail order – not too many shops cater for my, shall we say, unusual dimensions.
Glasgow needs more?
Brightly coloured mascots designed by world famous artists. Oh, and Thistle fans.
Glasgow needs less?
People who don’t like me and people who don’t come the games at Firhill on a Saturday. Less rain would be nice as well.
Favourite Glasgow building?
Do you even need to ask? I can’t say anything apart from Firhill stadium. It’s the first place I saw in the city and I love it every time I see it. I do like the Gallery of Modern Art too though – it’s where I hope to spend my retirement.
Your Glasgow music?
The Glasgow music scene is brilliant. Eilidh, who helps me out on a match day, has tried to get me to some crazy metal concerts but I’m a more chilled out kind of guy. I saw Frightened Rabbit recently and they were great. I always loved The Beach Boys too – reminds me of the sun. Really I’m just happy with anything Iain Eddyshaw plays – he’s the matchday DJ at Firhill.
Favourite Glasgow neighbourhood?
I think I would be in trouble if I said anything apart from Maryhill.
Your Glasgow hero?
David Shrigley designed me but he’s not really a Glaswegian. I think it would have to be Alan Archibald. He’s a legend at this club and I love that he is now the manager.
You can buy a Kingsley t-shirt or follow his exploits @thistlemascot. He can be spotted before every Partick Thistle home match at Firhill stadium.