Blue Plaque honour for David McCallum following student project

A research group at Glasgow Clyde College (GCC) partnered with the Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren, to identify a suitable candidate for a new Blue Plaque in the city. After several months of searching, David McCallum was selected. 

The group, which was led by lecturer James McIvor, was made up of five students, Sean Ferguson, Thomas Aitkins, Olha Pasichnyk, Shannon Carnwath and Leon Love, who were tasked to research famous Glaswegians, identify a suitable location, gain permissions and organise the unveiling of the plaque. 

A plaque has been installed at 24 Kersland Street in Hillhead, the official birthplace of David, and is available for viewing.

David McCallum was best known for his role as Illya Kuryakin in The Man from U.N.C.L.E in the 1960s, along with playing Dr. Ducky Mallard in NCIS, for which he appeared in for 20 seasons. Throughout his career, he earned nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe Award. He passed away in 2023 aged 90.

The group has had previous success and installed a plaque to commemorate Deborah Kerr on Ruskin Terrace, which was unveiled on her would-be 100th birthday back in 2021.

Unveiling the plaque, the Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren commented, “It is a pleasure to unveil this Blue Plaque in honour of David McCallum, a great Glaswegian talent. May it serve as a lasting reminder of his achievements and inspire future generations to follow their ambitions from Glasgow to the world.”

James McIvor, lecturer at Glasgow Clyde College said: “It’s so important to honour the amazing creative talent that comes from our city, and remember those who left their mark on us in a tangible way.

“David McCallum was a phenomenal talent and an inspiration to many, and we’re thrilled to acknowledge his work with a Blue Plaque. To have a second plaque installed in our city is fantastic, and is testament to the hard work of our students who have spent months making this possible.”

Image shows L-R: James McIvor and and Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren.