A ‘Big Map for the Big Yin’ has officially launched in Scotland, allowing fans of the iconic Glasgow-born comedian to discover the places in the country that have been key throughout Billy Connolly’s life and career.
Created by the National Theatre of Scotland, the new interactive map has been designed as a love letter to the Big Yin, allowing fans and friends to share their own Billy Connolly memories, too.
Spanning key locations across not only Scotland, but England, too (namely London), fans can explore numerous locations in Glasgow – including where Billy lived as a kid, a 50-ft portrait on Osborne Street, and, of course, the Pavilion Theatre where smash-hit show Dear Billy will return this year.
In the early days of his career, Connolly toured the folk clubs, the grand theatres and working men’s clubs of Scotland before making it big, and even worked the shipyards of Glasgow’s Clydeside in the 1960’s – making for plenty of stops for fans to visit.
In addition to being able to visit most places (at least, the outside of them), fans can simply navigate the map and read the stories that have been left, including tidbits from fans who have opened up about where and when they met Big Yin, and what that meant for them.
The new map comes at the perfect time, with writer and performer Gary McNair’s hit show, Dear Billy, returning to the stage in Scotland this year. The unique production celebrates Billy Connolly and his impact on the nation, telling stories from fans, friends and even audience members, with opportunities to laugh, sing and celebrate the icon.
Gary McNair, writer and performer of Dear Billy said: “I’m delighted we are launching the Big Map for the Big Yin where people can pin their own stories and connections to Billy. As we learned when interviewing people to make this show- everyone has something to say about Billy, whether that’s a memorable meeting or a connection to his work.
“The great thing about the Big Map is that there is a space where people can continue to share and hopefully build an interactive document about what he means to us all.
“I’m beyond giddy to be bringing the show Dear Billy back so soon after its tour last year. It is a genuine honour to have been trusted to make this show, Billy is so important to so many people that it was so well received was a dream come true. I can’t wait to get back on the road with the band and meet new amazing audience.”
Connolly retired from the entertainment business back in 2018 due to his Parkinson’s diagnosis, and today puts his focus into a newfound love of art. His impact on Glasgow, Scotland and the world of comedy is undeniable, and while Big Yin is no longer up on that stage making us fold over with laughter, he’ll forever be remembered as one of the most hilarious Scotsman to grace this Earth.
Dear Billy will tour Scotland and England this May, followed by a run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August 2024. More information is available here.