Introducing Dusty: EUSA’s ‘new’ moose mascot you’ve seen all over campus

A brand new mascot called Dusty? Think the irony might’ve got lost on someone somewhere

2 months ago

If you’ve been around the central campus at all since the start of uni (STEM students this doesn’t apply to you), you’ve probably seen a tall, brown and furry EUSA branded “thing” hanging around Bristo Square. Is it a stag? Or perhaps a drunk guy who stumbled up from Cowgate after a rogue game of pub golf?

Apparently not, it’s somehow an even weirder sight. The brand new mascot is a moose (who would’ve guessed?) and it’s seemingly here to make EUSA appear more approachable, charming, and to help to unite Edinburgh Uni.

Now you’re probably thinking, what on earth does a moose have to do with Edi, as there’s been no native moose in Scotland, since 1915BC, yeah, BC.

Well, do you remember the good old days (freshers, listen up), when you could actually go inside Teviot Row (#ripteviot)?

Nearly 100 years ago, Student Union President Duncan McCallum Stewart of Molehills (what a name), was given the present of a moose’s head and it has been a fixture on the wall of the union ever since. How charming.

Not as cute on the wall I have to say

During its time, it became an icon for Edinburgh Uni, even becoming a subject of various heists orchestrated by Glasgow University students, being stolen twice. The issue was so prevalent (or perhaps so tempting) that at one point the head even had anti-theft cameras installed in its eyes.

Dusty could be spotted in 2018 looking slightly less welcoming

The moose has been used as a mascot periodically since the early 2000’s and has gone through as many hair and fashion eras as most of us have.

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The newest iteration of Dusty sees the moose dawning a stylish set of purple dungarees with EUSA’s diamond logo on its chest, practical, eye catching and fashionable – okay diva.

Just don’t get any smart ideas about stealing Dusty, I don’t think it has the same vibe. x

In a new lease of life since the start of term, Dusty has been busy. Since the mascot’s creation by designer Kate George and local Edinburgh artists, Dusty has featured in EUSA’s Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and could be seen helping out during Welcome Week welcoming new students to the university and introducing them to the weirdness that is the student’s association (I’m looking at you Big Cheese).

You too can get involved by taking a selfie with Dusty and captioning it #DoItForTheMoose. I’m just waiting for the next heist to include a picture with that caption. See you soon Glasgow.

Featured image via Matthew Perry/ Edinburgh University Students Association.