Oor Wullie gets the rock star treatment as he comes home to Edinburgh Corn Exchange
Local artist enlists the help of Scottish music legends to promote her sustainability message and raise vital funds for the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.
Article Source: McCosh Communications
Last Updated: 27 September 2019 17:12
When the ‘Aff Yir Rocker’ Oor Wullie sculpture came up for auction, there was only one place it was truly destined for. Created by Scottish artist, Wendy Helliwell, ‘Aff Yir Rocker’ is composed of upcycled garments worn and loved by some of the country’s biggest names in music, and so it was fitting that it should find a home at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange where many of these legendary rock stars have performed over the years.
This year marks 110 years since the Edinburgh Corn Exchange was built, and exactly 20 years since it was renovated and reopened as a music and events venue. During that time, hundreds of performers have taken to the stage there, from breakthrough artists to music legends. And so, to mark this momentous milestone, owner Paul DeMarco made it his mission to secure the sculpture, outbidding the competition and helping to raise a substantial amount of money for the Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity.
Proudly sponsored by Coulters, ‘Aff Yir Rocker’ took six weeks to create and features garments donated by the likes of Midge Ure, KT Tunstall, Wet Wet Wet, Jim Kerr, Fish, Hue and Cry, Red Sky July, The Wendy’s, Jim Kerr, Davy Henderson, Richard Jobson and Shirley Manson. The result is a celebration of Scotland’s rich musical talent, as well as a comment on the importance of sustainability.
Speaking after the sale of her sculpture, artist Wendy said; ‘The Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity has always been very close to my heart as my son was a neonatal baby for the first four weeks of his life and he may not be here today if it wasn’t for the expertise and dedication of the hospital team. I was therefore thrilled to be able to help raise vital funds for this great cause. I was equally delighted that the Edinburgh Corn Exchange was the winning bidder. I’m hoping it will become a focal point at the venue. He might even collect a few more famous signatures at future concerts!’
Commenting on his purchase, venue owner Paul said; ‘I’m delighted to be bringing home the ‘Aff Yir Rocker’ Oor Wullie to the Edinburgh Corn Exchange where he rightfully belongs. The sculpture is not only a fitting tribute to the incredible performances we’ve hosted here over the past 20 years, it’s also a timely reminder of the importance of sustainability. Just as Wendy has given each of the upcycled garments a new purpose, we have given the Edinburgh Corn Exchange a new lease of life, taking on the listed building in 1999 and transforming it into the award-winning events venue it is today. We’ll certainly be giving Oor Wullie the rock star treatment when he’s officially installed!’
Image: left to right, Paul DeMarco: Owner of the Edinburgh Corn Exchange, Tara Willis: Associate Director (Operations) Coulters, Wendy Helliwell: Artist
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Everyman presents Nationwide preview screenings of Sentimental Value
See the highly anticipated new comedy drama before anyone else, with preview screenings at Everyman cinemas nationwide.
READ MORE
Enlightenment an Immersive Experience set to transform McEwan Hall in Edinburgh
Swiss art collective PROJEKTIL brings its vivid light and sound show to Edinburgh from 31 January, following acclaimed runs in Glasgow, Liverpool and Leeds
READ MORE
Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership
Edinburgh International Book Festival and Celtic Connections unveil major new partnership bringing together Scotland's most celebrated writers and musicians!
READ MORE
Hogmanay celebrations at Lost Shore set to kick 2026 off with a bang
Lost Shore Surf Resort, Europe’s largest inland surf destination, is gearing up for a spectacular start to 2026 with a packed programme of festive events.
READ MORE
Chief Executive of The Scotch Whisky Experience awarded highest international honours in the whisky world
The Scotch Whisky Experience is proud to announce that Chief Executive Susan Morrison has been inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame,
READ MORE
DF Concerts & Events celebrates a year of sustainable and inclusive events
DF Concerts & Events is celebrating the success of their sustainability initiatives delivered across their major summer events in 2025.
READ MORE
Isaac McHale and Stuart Ralston Burns Night in Edinburgh
On Sunday 25th January, for one night only, Isaac McHale returns to his native Scotland for a Burns Night dinner with Stuart Ralston at his Michelin-starred Lyla.
READ MORE
Funded Debut Fringe for Scottish comedians returns for 2nd year
Scottish comedy producer Brass Tacks Comedy is once again offering one Scottish or Scotland-based comedian a funded Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut for 2026, supported by Red Bull UK.
READ MORE
Celebrate the New Year with a sparkling experience at The Ivy Edinburgh
With toasts to celebrate the new year breaking around the world, the experience is not to be missed!
READ MORE
Slice of kindness fuels staff at hub of Scottish charities
Staff at Norton Park in Leith, home to more than 20 charities, can now tuck into freshly made pizza with generous discounts, thanks to a local partnership with community-minded business, Pizza Geeks.
READ MORE
Big Fat Bingo of The Year shows announced
Christmas is coming in fast, and hot on its heels is the surreal, off-kilter period between Xmas and NYE... Bongo's Bingo have got just the tonic to help see out the final days of 2025!
READ MORE
Discover December Events at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
From Christmas events to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in this festive season!
READ MORE
Scottish jazz talent in tune as award winners unveiled
The Scottish Jazz Awards 2025 celebrated the cream of the crop in the jazz scene on Sunday night, honouring outstanding artists and contributors at a memorable ceremony in Glasgow.
READ MORE
Anna Campbell Jones launches small batch Scottish botanical rum distilled in Glasgow
Interior designer, BBC Scotland's Home of the Year judge and entrepreneur Anna Campbell-Jones has released her first spirit.
READ MORE
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo appoints new Marketing Director
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo has appointed Johna Penman as its Marketing Director, leading the organisation’s Brand, Box Office, Marketing and Communications functions.
READ MORE
Fingal Sails into Christmas Retaining Two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence
Christmas has come early for Scotland’s only five-star luxury floating hotel, Fingal, after retaining two prestigious Rosettes for culinary excellence
READ MORE
George Clooney returns to Edinburgh to speak at the 2026 British Business Awards and Social Bite Fundraising Dinner
The annual British Business Awards will take place on 30th April 2026 and will feature a special guest appearance and conversation with award-winning actor and humanitarian, George Clooney.
READ MORE
Helen Sharman and Hamza Yassin to appear at Edinburgh Science Festival 2026
The first British astronaut Helen Sharman and wildlife cameraman, presenter and author Hamza Yassin will headline Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 line-up.
READ MORE
10p pizzas from Civerinos as Deliveroo marks 10th Scottish anniversary
Raise a dram to a decade of Deliveroo: Civerinos and Deliveroo launch 10p pizzas to celebrate 10 years of feeding the people of Scotland.
READ MORE
Capital Theatres aims to share festive magic and wonder with a line up for everyone
Capital Theatres celebrates the festive season with entertainment for all ages, including enchanting magical family shows, world-class dance and a specially crafted Christmas Care Home Tour.
READ MORE
Lidl launching free gift wrapping stations across the UK
Lidl has unveiled its first-ever ‘Lidl Wrapped’ - a celebration of some of the nation's favourite buys, brought to life as limited-edition Christmas wrapping paper
READ MORE
Edinburgh brewery presents ultimate Christmas tipple for craft beer lovers
Christmas has come early for Scotland's beer fans following the release of a limited-edition craft ale from a leading Edinburgh microbrewery.
READ MORE
Meet Festive Film Favourites at Fort Kinnaird in December
Christmas is already in full swing at Fort Kinnaird, and the festivities are set to get even more magical as a line-up of much-loved characters visit the centre for the first time this December.
READ MORE
Edinburgh bar to raise Cash For Kids after Christmas nutcracker theft
Copper Blossom on George Street Edinburgh has launched a new festive cocktail in aid of a children’s charity following the theft of its eight-foot Christmas nutcracker statue.
READ MORE
Embrace the spirit of Christmas on International Volunteer Day
Christmas is a time for giving, and what better opportunity to discover new ways to give back to your community than on Friday 5th December, International Volunteer Day.
READ MORE
WIN! An Edinburgh Christmas Experience for 4
Heard the news? OMNi is inviting everyone to get into the festive spirit with an exclusive Christmas Prize Draw.
READ MORE
Dynamic Earth calls for support as Big Give Match Funding opens
Dynamic Earth has launched its 2025 Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign to boost STEM access for young people.
READ MORE
Ring in Hogmanay with darts, dancing, and bottomless pizza
If your New Year's resolution is to have more fun, start early at Flight Club!
READ MORE
Aldi colleague awarded medal from the King after fundraising efforts
An Aldi colleague based in Bathgate has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in recognition of her incredible fundraising efforts, helping to raise almost £50,000 for local charities.
READ MORE
Fort Kinnaird joins forces with local charities to support people who feel lonely at Christmas
New research has revealed one in two people (56 per cent) living in Edinburgh have experienced feelings of loneliness at Christmas.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links