Jute, Jam and Journalism

WeeBox Salutes Dundee!

Dundee provided glorious, Scottish childhood memories as home of The Broons, Oor Wullie and The Beano! It’s thriving marmalade industry and production of jute gave Dundee its epithet as the city of “jute, jam and journalism”. So jings, crivvens and help ma boab – this month we salute Dundee!

What an adventure WeeBox had exploring Dundee this month to curate the perfect WeeBox for our subscribers. Not only is Dundee the 4th largest city in Scotland, but as WeeBox found out, it is a city of many discoveries. It’s a city of culture visible in its history, its buildings, its music and art – and of course its people. One its most high profile residents in the UK is daytime TV queen, Lorraine Kelly OBE – an avid Dundee United supporter. She loves WeeBox too:

Dundee is famous for its ‘Dundee Orange Marmalade’. Mackays are the only remaining producers in the Dundee area and are proud of their heritage. Made the traditional way in copper pans, WeeBox have included a jar of this delicious preserve for you to enjoy with toast and a wee cuppa. The story of Dundee Marmalade begins back in the 18th century when a Spanish ship took refuge from a storm, in the harbour at Dundee. On board was a consignment of Seville Oranges – which a local grocer decided to purchase. On taking them home to his wife, the couple discovered the oranges were too bitter to eat. The grocer’s wife saw the potential in the oranges and boiled them up with sugar, to create the delicious preserve now known as Dundee Orange Marmalade.

Dundee and journalism are synonymous, and DC Thomson the jewel in the crown! The iconic publisher has an established history of magazine publishing, developing some of the most successful children’s publications of all time.

The company launched its first comic, The Dandy, in 1937 and currently publishes 16 magazine titles including the iconic brand ‘The Beano’. WeeBox has a special treat this month with The Beano Joke Book! The Beano is the world’s longest running comic and we know you will share it with the next generation. More than just a comic, relive your childhood with a hefty dose of nostalgia and old favourites Dennis the Menace and the Bash Street Kids.

The legendary Sunday Post newspaper is also published by DC Thomson – and is home to The Broons and Oor Wullie. From the long-running cartoon, Oor Wullie first warmed our hearts in 1914, while The Broons celebrated their 80th anniversary last year! To commemorate, we have included he “Official Broons Tartan” Jute Bag perfect for also saluting Dundee’s jute industry (and carryin’ about the toon!). We know you’ll wear Scotland’s most famous cartoon character, Oor Wullie with pride too.

“Gallus patter goes hand in hand with heartwarming nostalgia” is Lisa Donati’s mantra – a designer wi a passion for the patter, often heard on the the city streets of Dundee! This month we have curated a selection of her wittiest designs for you … which one did you get?

WeeBox had such a fascinating time visiting Dundee for you, and we hope you enjoy your WeeBox saluting this inspiring city!