A LEADING UK trade printer is paying homage to the city which gave it life — by getting involved in the Oor Wullie Bucket Trail alongside the iconic character’s illustrator.
Tradeprint, based in Dundee, is sponsoring the ‘Classic Oor Wullie’ sculpture designed by Peter Davidson, current artist of the comic.
It will be one of 50 statues that forms the Bucket Trail across Dundee this summer.
The company wants to become more well-known in the city where it was established in 1987, while also giving back to the local community.
James Barrett-Bunnage, head of marketing, said: “We describe ourselves as Dundee’s best-kept secret.
“A lot of people know our name but no-one knows where we are or where we’re from.
“This seemed like the perfect way to get more involved and to give more to the community.
“It’s all about celebrating Dundee and celebrating Dundee businesses, as well as being a fabulous idea.
“We’re big fans of the comic strip so it’s exciting to have secured the sculpture made by Peter Davidson.”
He added that the team was hoping to meet the artist too. He said: “We went to the selection day for the trail with our elbows sharpened and primed, we were that keen, but thankfully everyone seemed to want different designs.
“It really will be something that has long-standing value and just being involved is brilliant.
“Everyone is very excited and looking forward to doing the trail — Oor Wullie is an institution.
“It’s all about paying back to the city where we began, as well as standing up proudly and announcing: we’re a local company.”
Mr Davidson said: “I’m delighted to be involved in the Archie Foundation and to have my design chosen by Tradeprint.
“I felt there should be at least one Oor Wullie in his classic get-up, his most recognisable look.
“It is fantastic to see all the colourful designs but I also wanted to see the very familiar and well-loved character represented too.
“Oor Wullie is iconic and part of the DNA of the city.”
The Bucket Trail is due to appear on Dundee’s streets from Monday June 20 and will raise funds for the Archie Foundation’s Tayside appeal.