Two questions invariably arise when discussing The Broons and Oor Wullie:-
What is Wullie’s surname ?
In which city do they live ?

The first question can be dealt with quickly. Unless someone knows, and can prove, otherwise, Wullie’s surname has never been disclosed. Rumours have circulated on forums that his surname was McCallum and that it was visible on an envelope addressed to Wullie. I have still to see the evidence.

So is there a suitable Glebe Street in Glasgow?

‘Glebe’ means church land and I think The Broons’ Glebe Street is the one located in the Townhead area of Glasgow city centre. This is right next to St Mungo’s Church which is located close to Glasgow Cathedral. Both being closely associated with St. Mungo.

St Mungo, who was also known as St Kentigern, was the patron saint of Glasgow. Glasgow was founded by St. Mungo in the 6th century and the City’s coat of arms featuring the symbols the bird, the tree, the bell, and the fish represent the miracles St. Mungo was said to have performed. This makes this area the heart of Glasgow and with Glasgow being the largest scottish city, arguably, the heart of Scotland.

Glebe Street was a tenement street located in the Townhead area of Glasgow. The Gorbals was about 1mile away to the south on opposite side of the River Clyde and Govan shipyards were also nearby on the Clyde. Paw and Joe both worked in the shipyards.

This locality would fit in perfectly with the early story scenes and where better to put The Broons than in the very heart of Scotland's largest city. Well, that's my theory ;-).

Glebe Street still exists at the M8 Junction 15 although the tenements were pulled down in 1969.

Story Links:
About the Townhead area
About St Mungo's and Glasgow
More about Glasgow history