Residents and visitors to Inverness stopped to admire Scotland’s favourite son as statues of the legendary comic character were unveiled across the city.
Sculptures have been situated all over the country as part of Oor Wullie’s Big Bucket Trail and the 10 dotted around the Highland Capital proved an immediate hit as they were revealed yesterday.
The works of art have been created by talented artists from across the north and encompass different themes – and fans are now eagerly searching out each one.
Kimberly Ednie, a bank teller from Inverness, said she thinks the trail is a “fantastic” idea.
The 29-year-old said: “I think it’s fantastic, it’s bringing people into the town and I have seen many of them sharing pictures on social media.
“It’s encouraging people go out and explore a bit more.”
Muir of Ord 49-year-old, Brian Allan, said: “Oor Wullie is incredibly unique to Scotland. Everyone knows Oor Wullie.
“We have seen three so far. It’s really good.”
Two statues featuring as part of the charity trail have been sponsored by the Highlands’ top two football teams, Ross County and Inverness Caledonian Thistle, and showcase their respective club colours.
Ross County chairman, Roy MacGregor, said: “It’s great to see Oor Wullie in our new home kit for our return to the Scottish Premiership and I’m sure many of our fans will be seeking him out for a photo.”
Train conductor Jamie West, 38, said: “I think it’s pretty good.
“It’s something interesting, something different, something you don’t normally see.
“There is one in the station and it has brightened the place up.”
Each statue can be found on the streets of North Kessock and Inverness for the duration of the trail, which will run for 11 weeks to help raise awareness and funds for sick children in hospital.
There are 190 other statues, placed in Aberdeen, Dundee, Stirling, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The trail was officially launched by Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice of York, patron of the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital charity, during an official ceremony in the country’s capital yesterday.