Oor Wullie and the Broons braw weekend
The National Library of Scotland has teamed up with DC Thomson to bring braw times to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dundee over the weekend of 24 to 26 July. To celebrate the 90th anniversary of Scotland’s much-loved comic strip icons, there will be pop-up displays showcasing rare items from the national collections, as well as special costumed guests, giveaways, and fun activities suitable for all ages, from bairns to granpaws.
‘The Broons’ first appeared on 8 March 1936 in ‘The Fun Section’ of The Sunday Post, a newspaper by DC Thomson. ‘Oor Wullie’ first appeared in the same week. In 1939, DC Thomson realised they had enough for a book and gathered the comic strips together into an album. Thus the first annual was born.
The National Library’s Director of Engagement, Peggy Hughes, said:
“I’m especially excited to see the first edition annuals. When I was growing up, I got the annuals every year without fail – it was a much-anticipated occasion.
“The Broons are unique to Scotland. They are also unique in the sense that they move with the times, but only just – they remain a comforting, consistent presence in family households throughout the country and beyond because, in many ways, they haven’t changed since their debut in the 1930s. Even internationally, there are few comparable cultural icons that have enjoyed such endurance.”
For much of the 20th century, the National Library of Scotland didn’t actively collect the annuals, but this century’s Library curators have been busy plugging the gaps.
Ms Hughes added:
“It was as recent as 2023 when we managed to get our hands on the first edition of ‘The Broons’ annual, and it has taken its rightful place alongside all the other treasures we have in the national collections. We will be delighted to help communities around Scotland get up close to these publications over that July weekend – and most importantly, have lots of fun!”
The first annual edition of The Broons was published in 1939 and the first edition of Oor Wullie was published in 1940. The annuals alternated publication ever since, except for a two-year break during the Second World War due to paper rationing. Both first editions will be on display at all events, complemented by a reel of comic strips from the past 90 years which chart how these famous characters – from Paw Broon to Wee Eck – have changed over time.
Thomas Hawkins, Editor of The Sunday Post, added: “Very few fictional characters have lived as vividly in Scotland's imagination as Oor Wullie and The Broons.
"From boosting morale during the Second World War to putting a smile on readers' faces during the Covid pandemic, Oor Wullie and The Broons have been a reassuring constant in a world in flux.
“We’re delighted to be working with the National Library of Scotland to showcase the remarkable history and origins of Scotland's favourite ‘schoolboy’ and best-loved family.
“Whether you've grown up reading the annuals or are discovering them for the first time, we hope families will enjoy celebrating this special anniversary with us.”
The Broons and Oor Wullie’s Braw Weekend will take place in:
- Edinburgh: the National Library of Scotland at George IV Bridge, Friday 24 July, 10am–4pm
- Glasgow: the National Library of Scotland at Kelvin Hall, Saturday 25 July, 10am–4pm
- Dundee: DC Thomson HQ, Albert Square, Sunday 26 July, 10am–4pm
Entry for all pop-up displays and activities is free.
Contact Information
Notes to editors
‘The Broons’ and ‘Oor Wullie’ were created by two men – RD Low and Dudley D Watkins.
‘The Fun Section’ of ‘The Sunday Post’ had been a huge success since 1936. It led to the launch of ‘The Dandy’ in 1937, where the same team created ‘Desperate Dan’. The following year, they created ‘The Beano’.
‘The Broons’ annual is a popular gift to send to relatives overseas. Outside of Scotland, ‘The Broons’ is well-known among Scottish diaspora in places such as Canada and Australia.
About the National Library of Scotland
The National Library of Scotland is the nation’s living memory – preserving the past, enriching the present and inspiring current and future generations through access to knowledge, culture and innovation. We chart the DNA of Scottish society by documenting, preserving and sharing precious collections that capture our past and present. We support education, promote inclusivity, empower informed citizenship, and contribute to the economic and social fabric of the nation. We strive to understand Scotland’s place in the world and to explore connections with our neighbours near and far. We reflect Scotland. Rich, diverse, unfiltered.
About DC Thomson
DC Thomson is a purpose-led, family-owned business with a 200-year heritage and a modern, future-focused outlook. Headquartered in Scotland with a flagship office in London, we bring together trusted media brands, thriving membership communities and technology solutions across a networked portfolio. Our brands include Stylist, Beano, Puzzler, The Courier, The Press and Journal, Energy Voice and family history platform Findmypast. Today, we are evolving from our publishing roots to build a data-driven organisation powered by subscriptions, B2B services and community-focused innovation.
About The Broons
First published in The Sunday Post newspaper ‘Fun Section’ in March 1936, The Broons comic strips have entertained families for nearly nine decades, earning them the title ‘Scotland’s Happy Family That Make Every Family Happy’. Appearing in the weekly newspaper, regular gift books and annuals, each member of The Broons family is a Scottish icon, and despite the changing times and landscape, they have remained unchanged, valuing good humour, family, community, and showcasing Scottish culture.
About Oor Wullie
First published in The Sunday Post newspaper ‘Fun Section’ in March 1936, Oor Wullie’s comic adventures have entertained families for nearly nine decades, earning him the title ‘Scotland’s Favourite Son’. Appearing in the weekly newspaper, regular gift books and annuals, Oor Wullie is a Scottish icon who, despite the changing times and landscape, remains unchanged, valuing good humour, family, community and showcasing Scottish culture.