One of Scotland’s most beloved bobbies has joined the country-wide Oor Wullie’s Big Bucket Trail – to make sure the world-famous cartoon character is behaving himself as he helps to raise cash for children’s charities.
Hundreds of life-size statues of Oor Wullie have been installed in cities all across the country, painted in all manner of designs to raise cash for The Archie Foundation, which support sick youngsters all across the north of Scotland.
And one very special statues has been painted in the style of PC Murdoch, the comic constable who always tries his best to keep Wullie out of trouble.
The statue, which comes complete with the policeman’s trademark moustache, will be going on a tour round all of Police Scotland’s 13 regional divisions in recognition of the work carried out by Scottish children’s hospital charities.
Real-life police officers will be joining PC Murdoch on his journey to encourage the public to be good citizens – much like the comic book cop himself attempts to with the mischievous Wullie.
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.
“We are tasked with keeping people safe across Scotland and the charities involved in the Big Bucket Trail provide their 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 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.”
Other statues already out on the Big Bucket Trail include two Wullies decked out in the Ross County and Inverness Caledonian Thistle club colours in Inverness.
An “Oor Roughneck” oil and gas-themed Wullie is sat on his bucket in Aberdeen’s Marischal Square and the “Berry Nabbler” Wullie is munching on sweet treats at Barra Barries in Aberdeenshire.
The Oor Wullie fundraiser will also generate cash for children’s hospital charities in Glasgow and Edinburgh.