Welcome back to This Day in Scottish History, I'm your host, Colin MacDonald. Today, we’ll dive into an incredible tale from September 13, 1980, when one of Scotland’s most legendary figures—who just so happened to be a nine-foot grizzly bear—was found after a heart-stopping three weeks on the loose. This is the story of Hercules, a bear whose escapades captured the world’s attention and forever etched his name into Scottish folklore.
The saga began during the filming of a Kleenex advertisement on the tranquil island of Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides. Hercules, who had slipped his lead while on set, vanished into the wild Hebridean landscape. Despite an exhaustive search, which included local police, the efforts were called off after a week. Authorities feared that the bear, unaccustomed to the rugged wilderness, had drowned.
However, his owner, Andy Robin, was not convinced. Andy, a former British Commonwealth wrestling champion, shared a unique bond with Hercules—a bond that went beyond mere ownership. He couldn’t shake the feeling that his “big man” was still out there, somewhere. So, despite official efforts being abandoned, Andy took matters into his own hands, scouring the island by helicopter in hopes of spotting the bear. His determination paid off. After three weeks of hiding, Hercules was finally discovered near a loch. A tranquilizer dart was used to subdue the bear, who had become significantly thinner—having lost 13 stone during his time in the wild. But even after weeks of starvation, Hercules hadn’t harmed a single living creature, endearing him to people worldwide.
It’s fascinating to think about how Hercules came into Andy and his wife Maggie’s lives in the first place. In 1976, the couple paid £50 to purchase a nine-month-old bear cub from Kincraig Wildlife Park. Hercules was born alongside two brothers, Samson and Atlas, but keeping grizzly bears in captivity wasn’t easy. As they grew, the space and costs involved made it increasingly difficult to find homes for them. Without the Robins' intervention, Hercules might have been put down. But Andy had a vision—one born from his experience wrestling a black bear named Terrible Ted in Canada. He saw Hercules as a potential wrestling partner, and through 18 months of rigorous training, the bear was tamed.
Hercules became more than just a trained bear; he was a full-fledged member of the family. He shared meals with them—his breakfast usually consisted of coffee with evaporated milk and sugar, bread, eggs, and beans. In the evening, he’d enjoy meat, soup, and vegetables. He was even partial to the occasional pint of shandy, often joining locals at the Powrie Bar in Dundee! Far from the typical image of a wild, ferocious grizzly, Hercules lived a life of surprising domesticity.
But it was Hercules’ wrestling career that first catapulted him into the spotlight. With Andy as his sparring partner, they became a sensation, drawing crowds everywhere they went. Hercules even graced the cover of Time magazine and was used to promote the Miss World contest. His fame grew, leading to an unexpected Hollywood career. In 1983, Hercules shared the screen with Sir Roger Moore in the James Bond film Octopussy and appeared in several other productions, including Disney documentaries.
Yet, through all the fame, Hercules remained a grounded and gentle giant. He was named “Personality of the Year” by the Scottish Tourist Board, and even caddied for comedian Bob Hope at Gleneagles! Despite his formidable size and species, he had an almost magical ability to connect with people. His story became one of nature meeting nurture in the most heartwarming way.
Unfortunately, as all stories do, Hercules’ came to an end. In 1997, while filming a BBC documentary, Hercules slipped a disc in his back. Though Andy nursed him back to health with swimming exercises, the following winter Hercules lost the use of his legs once again. He died of old age in February 2001, aged 25—a remarkable lifespan for a grizzly bear. His passing marked the end of an era, not just for Andy and Maggie, but for everyone who had followed his extraordinary journey.
The Robins, who had moved to a ranch in Sheriffmuir near Dunblane to accommodate Hercules’ needs, ensured he was laid to rest in a fitting location. He was buried on their land in Glendevon, Perthshire. But in later years, the couple made the emotional decision to move his remains to the Western Isles, where his most famous adventure had taken place. Today, Hercules rests near a life-sized statue erected in his honor on the Isle of North Uist, looking down towards the sea.
The epitaph on his memorial reads, “Hercules the Bear lies sleeping here, watching over his beloved islands, resting in peace.” It’s a fitting tribute to a bear who lived an extraordinary life, touching the hearts of millions.
Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey through Scottish history. Tune in next time for another story from Scotland’s past. I’m Colin MacDonald, and until then, Haste Ye Back!
September 13, 1980 - The Runaway Bear of Benbecula