Scottish Daily Mail

Laughing and greeting: Nicola chooses comic Christmas card

- By Rachel Watson Deputy Scottish Political Editor

WITH no traditiona­l festive setting it might seem like a strange choice for the First Minister’s official Christmas card.

The almost colourless scene featuring one of Scotland’s best-loved comic creations is a far cry from what might have been expected.

But on Oor Wullie’s 80th anniversar­y, Nicola Sturgeon felt he was perfect to grace her 2016 card – along with herself, of course.

She underwent the cartoon treatment to star with the loveable troublemak­er and can be seen peeking out from behind Wullie’s shed after leaving him a gift.

It is the first year her face has been shown on her Christmas card. In last year’s version, featuring children’s book

‘A much-loved national treasure’

character Katie Morag, she could be seen but her face was hidden.

This year’s design, unveiled yesterday, was created by Peter Davidson, who illustrate­s the Broons and Oor Wullie for the Sunday Post. The text was added by former series editor Morris Heggie.

The original artwork will be auctioned for charity next year.

Though the card has no message on the front, inside it says ‘Season’s Greetings’, with the Gaelic translatio­n ‘Beannachda­n aig am na Nollaige’.

A message from Miss Sturgeon will say: ‘Wishing you bucket loads o’cheer for Christmas… and a guid New Year!’

She said Oor Wullie as a ‘much-loved national treasure’, adding: ‘I am delighted on Wullie’s 80th anniversar­y, Peter and Morris have created a unique illustrati­on’. Mr Davidson said he was ‘very honoured’ to have been asked to design it.

 ??  ?? Festive message: Nicola Sturgeon unveiling her official 2016 Christmas card yesterday
Festive message: Nicola Sturgeon unveiling her official 2016 Christmas card yesterday

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