The Bear Raised by a Scottish Wrestler Like a Son

A Unique Story of Love and Adventure

There are countless stories from the 1970s and 80s that continue to amaze us today. Back then, things were different, and some tales are truly unforgettable. One such story is the unusual relationship between Maggie and Andy Robin, a couple from Clackmannanshire, Scotland, and Hercules, a 9ft, 65st grizzly bear who lived with them for 25 years.

Hercules was more than just a pet; he was part of their family. He ate fry-ups for breakfast at the kitchen table, lounged in front of the fire, and even drank buckets of beer with punters in the pub they ran. 'It was a love story between the three of us, a definite love story,' says Maggie, now 76. 'No one's lived like that with a bear before. He was our wee boy.'

This unique bond began when the couple adopted Hercules as a six-month-old cub. They raised him as their son, and he became an integral part of their lives. Maggie would hug and chat with him, while Andy would run over the moors with his furry 'boy' and swim with him in lakes and rivers.

Their life together was anything but ordinary. The couple met at Perth Agricultural Show in 1970, and though they seemed like an unlikely match, they found happiness in each other. Maggie was a showjumping champion, and Andy was a wrestler. Their love story was filled with adventure, and it only grew stronger when they brought Hercules into their lives.

Hercules was not always easy to handle. In the beginning, he was a nightmare, biting and clawing, trying to escape from his shelter. But Andy's dedication helped him thrive. 'He seems to think what I'm thinking and I think what he thinks,' said Andy at the time. 'The bond between us, it's super. It's just there.'

As Hercules grew, so did their bond. He became a showman, chasing Andy around the ring and trying to pull his trunks off. His antics made him a local favorite, and soon, he was featured in a documentary that brought even more attention to the couple.

Hercules' life took a dramatic turn when he disappeared during a swim in the Outer Hebrides. A desperate 24-day search involving police, the Army, and locals led to his eventual recovery. His return made him a superstar, meeting Margaret Thatcher and appearing with Roger Moore in Octopussy.

Hercules' fame continued to grow, and he became a global sensation. He appeared on chat shows in the UK, America, Australia, Japan, and Italy. His story inspired books, documentaries, and even a single called Come Back Hercy.

Despite the fame, the Robins preferred their quiet life with Hercules. They built a ranch-style home with a log cabin and a swimming pool for him. However, their happy life came to an abrupt end when Hercules fell ill in 1999. Despite Andy's efforts, he could not save his beloved friend.

After Hercules' death, Andy struggled to cope. He told Maggie, 'I need another bear. I can't live without him.' But this time, Maggie firmly refused. 'Babe, you're kidding me!' she said.

Hercules' story is one of love, adventure, and resilience. It shows how a simple act of kindness can create a bond that lasts a lifetime. His legacy continues through the documentary Hercules The Bear: A Love Story, which will air on BBC2. It tells the incredible tale of a couple and their extraordinary bear, whose life was as remarkable as it was unique.