The brand’s latest pampering product is “unmistakable Scottish.”
Lush’s latest invention pays homage to a cheeky Glaswegian tradition (Image: Lush)
There are many iconic things about Glasgow. However, one that has become instantly recognizable is that of the cone-topped Duke of Wellington statue.
Located at the Royal Exchange Square, this humorous tradition has served as the inspiration for everything from artwork to tea towels. Now it has been turned into a bath product courtesy of Lush.
The handmade cosmetics company has just launched the new ‘Hats Aff’ bath bomb in honour of the beloved landmark. Priced at just £5.50, it is exclusively available to buy in store at the Lush Spa on Buchanan Street.
Co-created by the Glasgow Lush team, this cone-shaped bath bomb has been described as “a love letter to a city that never takes itself too seriously”. Boasting a distinctive orange hue, its scent is also inspired by another iconic Scottish drink.
It offers a burst of vibrant citrus and orange, alongside fizzy undertones and a hint of berries. Alongside warm notes of ginger and clove for a cosy, spiced finish, this playful product is said to capture something “unmistakably Scottish.”
‘Hats Aff’ has been co-created to resemble the Duke of Wellington’s crowning glory(Image: Lush)
The story behind the bath bomb’s cheeky history is said to date back as far as the 80s. The Duke of Wellington statue was erected in 1844 in honour of the celebrated military strategist and former Prime Minister who helped to defeat Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo.
Sculpted by Italian artist Carlo Marochetti, the bronze statue depicts Arthur Wellesley sitting proudly atop his favourite horse Copenhagen. The Duke is seen wearing the uniform of a field marshal with the insignia of his various awards and honours.
However, it has since become associated with its humble traffic cone crown that was said to have been started by a group of drunken revellers sometime around the 1980s, with the image now highlighting the playful, fun nature of the city.
The Glaswegian tradition has become so iconic that it has become fiercely protected by locals. After the council moved to put a stop to it in 2005, over 10,000 people signed a petition to keep it firmly in place, and the cone stayed.
‘Hats Aff’ and ‘Nae Stressie’ are both inspired by Scottish icons(Image: Lush )
Arran Swan, Lush Glasgow City Events Supervisor, said of the ‘Hats Aff’ bath bomb: “Our team is so happy to finally have a bath bomb which truly represents this city.
“To many, this will just be a traffic cone but to us, ‘Hats Aff’ represents how people truly make Glasgow. The reception received by customers has been amazing and we can’t wait to welcome more visitors to grab their very own traffic cone bath bomb!”
It’s not the only Lush bath bomb to take inspiration from something uniquely Scottish. In 2023, the vegan firm unveiled its ‘Nae Stressie’ Bath Bomb that was also co-created by the Glasgow team at the Buchanan Street Spa.
Originally only exclusive to Scotland, it has gone on to become one of Lush’s best-sellers, it is now said to be available at other stores across the UK, although it does not look to be available to buy online.
Offering an adorable design that is reminiscent of the iconic mythical creature that is said to live in Loch Ness, this green and purple bath bomb is said to boast a “crisp” woodsy and citrus scent, with aromas of pine and fir needles.
Lush’s highly coveted Snow Angel has also gone on to become an icon in Scotland. The candyfloss-scented, pink shimmering liquid is reported to sell a staggering 42,000 bottles across Scotland alone throughout the Christmas period.
The new ‘Hats Aff’ bath bomb is exclusively available to buy for £5.50 at the Lush Spa on Glasgow’s Buchanan Street.