Bud Neill

Did a two-legged horse really roam Glasgow? Here at the Bud Neill statue, that very question seems less absurd. The Bud Neill statue isn’t just a bronze sculpture. It’s a portal to Calton Creek, a whimsical Wild West town dreamt up by Glasgow cartoonist Bud Neill. Bud Neill, born in 1911, filled the pages of Glasgow newspapers with his unique brand of humor. His most famous creation, Lobey Dosser, the pint-sized sheriff of Calton Creek, became a Glasgow icon. Right here, Lobey, perched atop his trusty two-legged steed, El Fidelo (or Elfie), faces down his nemesis, the dastardly Rank Bajin. This statue, erected in 1992, isn’t just a tribute to Bud Neill. It’s a celebration of Glasgow’s humor and a testament to the enduring power of a good story. The characters’ names themselves are pure Glaswegian slang. “Lobey Dosser” comes from “lobby dosser,” referring to someone who sleeps in tenement hallways. “Rank Bajin” translates to “rank bad one,” a perfect description for Calton Creek’s resident villain. Look closely. You’ll see the mischievous glint in Elfie’s eye and the determination on Lobey’s face. You can almost hear the echoes of Glaswegian accents drifting from the fictional Calton Creek. Bud Neill’s legacy lives on, not just in bronze, but in the hearts and minds of Glaswegians who remember his witty cartoons with fondness. His work, a blend of cowboy adventures and Glasgow humor, continues to bring smiles to faces, even long after his passing in 1970. The Bud Neill statue is a reminder that even the most outlandish tales can find a home in the heart of a city.