OOR WULLIE is the star of this year’s official First Minister’s Christmas card.
Nicola Sturgeon’s festive wishes will be sent out with an illustration of Auchenshoogle’s most famous resident sitting on his equally famous bucket.
Sturgeon herself also features on the card, having left a gift for the mischievous scamp.
The original illustration by Peter Davidson and text by Morris Heggie will be auctioned next year and the proceeds will be shared between four charities; The Archie Foundation, SiMBA, Christine Witcutt Memorial Fund and The Dixon Community.
The First Minister said: “Oor Wullie is a much-loved national treasure, adored by both children and adults across Scotland.
“His witty banter and mischievous character have been keeping people entertained for generations, and the marvellous artwork and timeless storylines mean that everyone recognises a little of themselves in these classic tales.
“I am delighted that on Wullie’s 80th anniversary, Peter and Morris have created a unique illustration for my 2016 Christmas card.
“Christmas is a time when we can all take a moment to slow down and spend time with our family and friends. However I also hope over the next few weeks people can take time to give comfort, companionship and support to those who need it. The charities chosen to benefit from this card are a reminder of the work done by others who do this valuable work all year round.”
Artist Peter Davidson said: “I feel very honoured to have been asked to design this Christmas card. Oor Wullie has amused and delighted Scotland for over eighty years and hopefully this scene captures some of that joy.”
Writer Morris Heggie said: “The adventures of Oor Wullie have entertained Scots for eight decades and in that time the mischievous scamp has become a much loved national treasure.
“I am delighted that the First Minister wanted to include Oor Wullie on her Christmas card. I feel very fortunate to be the cog that currently takes this iconic strip forward and am delighted that the wee laddie from Auchenshoogle is getting such recognition in the year of his 80th anniversary.”
Four charities will benefit from the proceeds from the card, including The ARCHIE Foundation who ran the fantastic Oor Wullie Bucket Trail earlier this year. The Foundation supports sick children and their families across the whole of the North of Scotland.
SiMBA, who care for the needs of those affected by the loss of a baby during pregnancy or close to birth, Sarajevo children’s day care centre The Christine Witcutt Memorial Fund, and The Dixon Community elderly day care charity will also receive donations.
Since 2007, artwork from the First Minister’s official Christmas cards has raised nearly £170,000 through sales of the original paintings and limited edition prints.
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Oor Wullie Bucket Trail: Statue auction raises £883,000 for Archie Foundation
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