Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Mini Oor Wullies all set to join trail
IT goes to show that size really doesn’t matter as Dundee’s mischievous son sneaked into the city’s libraries for the mini trail.
And it is expected to be every bit the equal of the larger scheme that has already spread across Dundee and proved a hit among locals and visitors.
The Oor Wullie Mini Trail will be officially be launched on Monday, with 29 schools involved in the design of the 35 mini Oor Wullie statues.
It is part of the same Tayside appeal by the Archie Foundation that has seen 55 life-size models of Oor Wullie be placed around Dundee.
Schools were invited to get involved by sponsoring a mini version to complement the main trail but also place more of an emphasis on the children in Tayside.
The aim of the trail, and the Mini Oor Wullies, is to help deliver a twinoperating theatre suite at the Tayside Children’s Hospital in conjunction with the NHS.
Archie is hoping to raise £2 million towards the costs, with its focus on the environment and hospital experience of the patients.
The mini statues were designed and painted by the teachers and students themselves.
Caitlan Wolsey, education coordinator for Archie, said: “I’m delighted with the designs the schools have done.
“They look amazing and the fact that many of the schools and groups taking part are also raising funds make this community project even more special.
“It’s the kids helping the kids and that’s the bit about this trail I like most.
“Getting involved has been a pleasure and I can’t wait to see them in the libraries.”
The statues have been delivered throughout the week and will be left to each library to decide when it is best to display them — as long as they are all visible by Monday.
The statues will also be added to the Bucket Trail map and it is hoped it will add to the excitement of the trail.
Caitlan added: “It’s exceeded all expectations we had and the fundraising has been incredible.
“Everyone’s done an amazing job and it’s been great to get the message across about the appeal and about the charity.
“This is the community side of things, this is about the children and making sure they understand about helping others, but also engaging with Scottish culture.”
Stewart Murdoch, managing director of Leisure & Culture Dundee, said: “Jings! Libraries are just the place to keep Wullie out of mischief during the school holidays.
“I can j ust i magine him getting involved in all the fun activities we have planned. We can’t wait to welcome him to all our libraries right across the city.”