Oor favourite son shines in Leith: The Proclaimers hail super statues at start of nationwide Bucket Trail fundraiser
Oor Wullie fans wanting to capture every statue on the Big Bucket Trail will have to walk a lot more than 500 miles.
But The Proclaimers, who met their very own statues last week, say it will bring sunshine to Leith – and everywhere else.
Covering 700 miles, the trail stars 200 life-sized one-off sculptures of The Sunday Post icon.
Twins Craig and Charlie Reid inspired their own twin Wullies and, before the Trail launches tomorrow, said it couldn’t be for a better cause, raising millions for children’s hospital charities.
“This is a brilliant thing to be a part of,” said Charlie, 57, as he got his first look at their sculptures before they were given pride of place within the Ocean Terminal shopping complex in Leith, in Edinburgh.
“You can’t think of a better cause than raising money for charities that are going to be helping kids in Scottish hospitals.
“We’re delighted about this.”
And as the twins’ trademark stage specs were put in place and he got ready to add the final personal touch with his autograph, Craig said having his own Wullie sculpture was a huge honour.
“Charlie and I grew up with The Sunday Post and always loved reading Oor Wullie and The Broons.
“So to be chosen to be immortalised like this is magic.”
© Andrew Cawley / DCT MediaThe sculptures were the work of artist Vanessa Gibson, who designed and painted both, including making one of them a matching guitar and ensuring they had their statement glasses.
One of the statues is in black and white, the other in contrasting vivid colour and on closer inspection you can see lyrics from their iconic songs including Sunshine On Leith.
At Ocean Terminal there will be a bucket between the statues which, when you sit on it, will play classic Scottish tunes.
Knowing that money raised will help to support the work of Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity really touched the hearts of the duo who have set toes tapping all across the world.
Like everyone, they have their own hospital memories.
“I remember being in to get my tonsils out when I was five,” said Craig.
“In fact, Charlie had his out then, too. We also got things done together – tonsils and glasses.”
But Charlie has more recent recollections of the amazing work that goes on in children’s hospitals right across the country.
“I have three sons and the second two have had minor visits,” he said. “But my oldest son, Sean, spent a lot of time in the Sick Kids in Edinburgh.
“So I have a very real appreciation and gratitude for what they do.”
The twins fitted giving their sculptures the once over into their busy touring schedule.
They delighted fans as always yesterday with a Big Top Tent concert in Melrose, the first of four big summer shows in Scotland.
They play Inverness, then Edinburgh Castle next month before a gig at the SSE Hydro in September.
And they’ve just recovered from a massive tour Down Under promoting their Angry Cyclist album.
“We got an amazing reception,” added Charlie.
“We did all the main cities in Australia and we did twice as many shows in New Zealand as we’ve done before.
“We really are busier than we’ve ever been.”
Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity project manager, Hannah Biddulph, said: “We wish to thank everyone who has been a support to us – especially, of course, The Proclaimers – while we launch Oor Wullie’s Big Bucket Trail.
“A huge, heartfelt thank you to our headline sponsor, Arnold Clark, who enabled us to get this project off the ground.
“The incredible life-changing work of the children’s hospital charities across Scotland continues, thanks to this project and the funds it will raise.
“It would have been impossible to run this without the kindness and generosity of all of our sponsors, the creativity of our artists and the participation of all the schools, nurseries and community groups.
“We hope that this trail brings laughter and happiness to the residents and tourists visiting Scotland.
“May this be the Summer of Oor Wullie!”
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