A celebrated illustrator, an outsider artist and a scientist who “helped Britain survive two world wars” are among those to be honoured by a new set of commemorative plaques.
Dudley D Watkins, the artist who illustrated Oor Wullie and the Broons for Dundee publisher DC Thomson, is one of 12 historic figures to be chosen in the first year of the Commemorative Plaque Scheme for Scotland.
The Historic Scotland endeavour aims to celebrate the life and achievements of historic figures with a plaque on their home or the building most linked to their achievements.
Other figures from Courier Country to be chosen are Fife potato geneticist Archibald Findlay and Montrose artist Adam Christie, who lived in an asylum and was buried in a pauper’s grave.
Norman McLaren, the Stirling-born experimental filmmaker and electronic music pioneer, has also been selected for a tribute.
Watkins was nominated by cartoonist Frank Boyle.
He said: “I went to art college in Dundee and I started my career at DC Thomson, so it was good to return to the city to see the plaque unveiled.
“I hope it helps to give Dudley D Watkins the respect he deserves and to increase the prestige of cartooning as an art form.”
A plaque was unveiled at Watkins’ former home on Reres Road, Broughty Ferry, by Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop.
She said: “The Commemorative Plaque Scheme highlights the range of incredible creativity shown by the talented people in Scotland, celebrating individuals such as Dudley D Watkins, illustrator for DC Thomson whose illustrations of well-loved characters from Oor Wullie and the Broons still bring humour and joy into our lives.”
Potato expert and author Alan Romans said of Findlay, from Auchtermuchty: “He never got the recognition for producing the varieties that helped us survive both world wars. British Queen was the main potato eaten during the First World War, while British Queen and Majestic fed the nation during the Second World War.”
Watkins illustrated the Dandy and the Beano, creating characters such as Desperate Dan, Biffo the Bear and Lord Snooty.