Angus Og Revisited: Childhood, Thatcher, and a Highland Legend

Some memories sit quietly in the background of childhood until something unexpected brings them rushing back.

For Mandy, that moment came while visiting Inverness Museum, where an exhibition dedicated to the much loved Scottish cartoon character Angus Og instantly transported her back to growing up with the Daily Record. What followed was not just nostalgia, but a rediscovery of the remarkable work of artist Ewen Bain, whose cartoons captured Highland life with humour, linguistic precision and a surprisingly sharp political edge.

Through the exhibition and the remarkable archive now held at the Skye and Lochalsh Archive Centre, the blog explores how Angus Og became much more than a comic strip. Bain’s characters reflected real communities, the rhythms of West Highland speech, and the cultural and political tensions shaping Scotland during the second half of the twentieth century.

Along the way, the story touches on Gaelic language, Highland identity, the satire aimed at figures such as Margaret Thatcher, and the quiet genius behind Bain’s ability to capture everyday life with warmth and wit.

Curious to learn more?
Follow the full story on the Wee Wild Adventures blog, where Mandy shares the deeper cultural stories, hidden history and unexpected discoveries found across Scotland.