TOP OF THE COPS

PC Murdoch is on the beat

Scotland’s most iconic bobby made a special visit to Renfrewshire this week as he joined the Oor Wullie Big Bucket Trail.

PC Murdoch was snapped at Paisley Abbey before heading through to Renfrew, where he met police officers and some of his fans.

Police Scotland is partnering with the trail by taking on the PC Murdoch Challenge, featuring the famous police officer who tries to keep Oor Wullie on the straight and narrow.

The half-size Oor Wullie statue, designed in the style of PC Murdoch, has been on the journey around Scotland to each of the force’s 13 divisions. His mission is to travel to as many iconic and distant locations as possible, in order to recognise the national work carried out by the three main charities.

A total of 200 Oor Wullie sculptures have been installed around Aberdeen, Dundee, Inverness, Edinburgh and Glasgow, while a further 350 miniature versions have been decorated by school pupils.

The purpose of the trail is to raise awareness for the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity , Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity and the Archie Foundation.

The sculptures, each of which has been individually designed by commissioned artists and sponsored by companies, will be auctioned off when the trail ends in September.

Chief Superintendent Andrew Todd said:“Police Scotland is delighted to lend its support to the Oor Wullie Big Bucket Trail, and it’s only fitting that PC Murdoch goes around the country to make sure Wullie behaves himself!

“Police Scotland is tasked with keeping people safe across the whole of Scotland, and the charities involved in the Big Bucket Trail provide help and support to families all across the country, so there is a symmetry between us that lends itself to a partnership.

“We will be encouraging all of our officers in all departments and divisions to support this fantastic event, and if you happen to see PC Murdoch out and about near you, please say hello to him.”