In a heartwarming and hilarious moment that has captured the attention of Glaswegians and beyond, a viral TikTok video shows a local “hero” returning a traffic cone to the head of the Duke of Wellington statue in Glasgow. The footage, shared by Kelly Mathieson, a professional actor currently starring in Phantom of the Opera in London’s West End, shows a brave Glaswegian scaling the iconic statue to place the cone back where it belongs.
The Duke of Wellington statue, depicting Sir Arthur Wellesley on his horse Copenhagen, has long been adorned with a traffic cone on its head, a quirky tradition that dates back to the 1980s. The cone has become a beloved symbol of Glasgow, with locals often referring to the statue simply as the Cone Statue. Seeing the statue without its cone is almost considered taboo in the city, making the actions of the cone-replacer truly heroic in the eyes of many.
Kelly’s TikTok video, set to the Braveheart movie theme, quickly garnered over 600,000 views and numerous comments praising the Glaswegian’s deed. Many viewers expressed their admiration for the act, with one likening it to Glasgow’s version of the changing of the guard. Others shared their own experiences with the cone, with one person admitting to having replaced it twice in their youth.
The video has struck a chord with people who hold a special place in their hearts for Glasgow and its unique traditions. Kelly, who captured the moment while visiting her hometown, shared the clip to spread some Scottish love to theatre fans and showcase the city’s spirited character.
The Duke of Wellington statue, located in front of the Gallery of Modern Art, stands as a historic and cultural landmark in Glasgow, embodying the city’s playful and resilient nature. The viral TikTok video not only celebrates a lighthearted moment of civic pride but also highlights the sense of community and camaraderie that define Glasgow’s identity.
As the video continues to spread online, it serves as a reminder of the joy and laughter that simple acts of kindness and tradition can bring to people’s lives. And for the people of Glasgow, the cone’s return to its rightful place on the Duke’s head is more than just a funny anecdote – it’s a symbol of their city’s spirit and unity.