Desperate Dan Statue — Attraction in Scotland

Right in the middle of Dundee’s city centre stands the famous Desperate Dan statue, a bronze tribute to one of Britain’s best-loved comic characters. Desperate Dan first appeared in The Dandy comic, which was created in Dundee, and the statue celebrates that playful history. He’s shown as a giant, larger than life, with his cowboy hat, big boots, and his trusty dog Dawg at his side. There’s also Minnie the Minx nearby, another cheeky character from Dundee’s comic past, which makes the spot feel full of fun and character.

The statue has become a meeting point and a must-see stop for visitors. Tourists take photos leaning against him, families pose with the kids, and locals pass by with a smile because he feels like part of everyday life in Dundee. What makes the statue so special is not just the art itself but the way it connects people to the city’s story. Dundee is proud of its comic heritage, and Desperate Dan stands as a reminder that humour, imagination, and creativity are just as important to a place as buildings and history. Simple, bold, and a little bit cheeky, the statue shows Dundee’s...

What a pleasure to see the statues of Desperate Dan, Minnie the Minx and Opr Wullie.

Any schoolboy or girl growing up in the 60's and 70's will have read the Beano and Dandy, perhaps the Valiant and Victor comics too. My friend next door read the 'girl comics', Bunty and Jackie. We swapped comics after we'd read them. I couldn't wait for the next instalments in the serialised comics. Billy Whizz, The Bash Street kids, Minnie the Minx and Korky the Cat were just wonderful. After a week of school, Saturday afternoon was always comic time, with perhaps tea and toast. Ah,...

Absolutely riveting experience. As I approached the blesséd statue, my heart skipped a beat and my excitement was palpable. His iconic frame and his grandiose stature augmented my otherwise bleak vision of Dundee, and created a sense of wonder akin to the childhood experience of orally caressing a freshly bought Mr Whippy from down on the corner. I will be returning with my extended family and they are all gushing with the exciting notion of standing afore this Desperate Dundoneon deity. This almost surpassed my titillating experience in...