A notorious Scottish gangland figure turned artist says he plans to haul Edinburgh Zoo to court over the sale of two giant gorilla heads on a TV programme.
High Collins, who served 16 years for the murder of rival Willie Mooney, said he has been treated with “contempt” by bosses at the Capital attraction after they pocketed £1,200 when the sculptures were featured on Salvage Hunters in 2017.
The 69-year-old, who has dementia, only discovered the fate of the stone artwork last year when the programme was repeated but said zoo officials had failed to consult him over the sale.
He has now demanded an explanation but has been left in the dark for more than 12 months after reaching out.
Hugh, who now lives in the Borders, told the Daily Record: “It’s not about money. I don’t need much and any share of £1200 is not going to change my life.
“But I want to see the zoo’s management in court because of the way they’ve treated me.
“I’ve instructed my lawyer to look at options because I’ve been treated with absolute contempt.
“They’ve taken a liberty with my work and they haven’t acknowledged it or apologised for it.”
Collins transformed his life after being moved to the special unit at Barlinnie in 1993 prior to his release in 1995 where he discovered art as an escape from the trauma of prison life.
Ben Supple, director of engagement at the Royal Zoological Society Scotland, which runs the zoo, said: “We discussed this matter with Mr Collins in June last year. Both sculptures were sold in good faith by our charity.”
