Oor Wull’s been cast in bronze
Scotland’s favourite scamp is immortalised in bronze
A’BODY kens Oor Wullie’s a braw laddie – but now he’s a bronze laddie too.
That’s because Scotland’ s favourite scamp has been immortalised in metal.
The cheeky schoolboy, who has delighted Sunday Post readers for generations, has been cast in a 4ft bronze sculpture and placed proudly outside The McManus art gallery in Dundee.
Ever the troublemaker, he’s been posed aiming his pea- shooter at a nearby statue of Robert Burns.
Behind him are bronze replicas of his satchel containing his trusty catty, pet moose Jeemy and a bag of peas to refill his shooter.
The statue was commissioned to mark the 80th anniversary of his first- ever appearance in The Sunday Post.
Former Broons and Oor Wullie editor Morris Heggie was thrilled.
He said: “The adventures of Oor Wullie have delighted Scots for eight decades. In that time, the mischievous scamp has become a much-loved national treasure.
“We are used to seeing Wullie in the black and white world of print but here he is in 3D – in his own fabulous bronze statue.
“A magnificent tribute to Dundee’s cheeriest son.
“Oor Wullie himself would be delighted that the bronze catches him about to embark on one of his legendary pranks.”
A group of eager fans braved the cold to see the statue revealed for the first time.
After a brief speech by DC Thomson CEO Ellis Watson, Dundee Lord Provost Bob Duncan peeled off a sheet and unveiled the statue to a burst of applause.
The crowd then gathered in around Mr Heggie to hear him recite a poem of Wullie’s entitled Tae Rabbie Burns.
Once the formalities were over, people took the opportunity to sit on Wullie’s famous bucket and pose for photographs.
Onlooker Katie Fleming, 33, said she was already smitten with the latest addition to thriving Dundee’s street-scape.
“He looks really mischievous sitting on his wee wall,” the mumoftwo laughed. “People will be having their photograph taken with him for years to come.”
Editor of The Sunday Post and The Weekly News, Richard Prest, added: “The whole team at The Sunday Post is delighted that Oor Wullie has been recognised and brought to life in this way.
“It’s a fitting tribute to mark the 80th anniversary of Oor Wullie’s first appearance in The Sunday Post – an outstanding achievement.”
The statue of Wullie is the latest character by The Sunday Post publisher DC Thomson to be immortalised in the company’s hometown of Dundee.
In July 2001, statues honouring Desperate Dan and Minnie the Minx were unveiled.
The latest sculpture is the work of Scottish artist Malcolm Robertson and has been funded by private and public sources.
Mr Robertson said: “My artwork is all about making inspiring connections with people and places that will hopefully stand the test of time.
“Collaborating with the staff of DC Thomson, Dundee’s planning department and The McManus to create a portrait of Scotland’s favourite son has been one of the most enjoyable and fun projects I have ever undertaken.
“I only hope Wullie likes it – and doesn’t aim his pea- shooter at me the moment my back’s turned.”