DC Thomson children’s comic characters are appearing on Dundee buses thanks to the first stage of a tie-up between the publisher and National Express Dundee.
Two city bus routes are being liveried with the Dennis and Gnasher and Oor Wullie characters a total of 16 new vehicles that are the first of many designed to brighten up the daily commute for Dundonians.
Oor Wullie will take his place on the 22 between Ninewells Hospital, the city centre and Craigowl, while Dennis and Gnasher will be menacing their way around Dundee on the 28/29 between Douglas, city centre and Charleston.
Their presence on these routes means they join Desperate Dan and Minnie the Minx, who have statues on City Square, on the streets of the city.
It brings to an end a year in which two of the characters celebrated major anniversaries Oor Wullie was 75 and Dennis the Menace was 60.
The newly-liveried routes also carry the branding of the characters’ titles The Sunday Post and The Beano and Dennis even came to check out the new buses for himself.
Phil Smith, managing director of National Express Dundee, said: ”These buses are a multi-million pound investment in the future of the bus network in Dundee. We are delighted that characters that are an international symbol of pride to Dundee will be on the city’s new buses.
”We’re proud to be working with DC Thomson to promote their great comics and, importantly, the heritage they have created in Dundee. We hope that local people feel a sense of pride when they see the Dennis and Gnasher and Oor Wullie routes travelling around town.”
Head of brand marketing at DC Thomson, John-Paul Murphy, said: ”We were more than happy to cooperate when this opportunity arose. It really seals the link between both companies and the city of Dundee where some of the most famous comic creations have been devised, developed and made truly famous by our talented comic artists and writers.
”We look forward to working with National Express on branding more routes.”