A commemorative blue plaque honoring Scottish actor David McCallum, known for his role as Illya Kuryakin in the 1960s television series The Man from U.N.C.L.E., has been installed at his birthplace in Glasgow. However, the plaque features an incorrect address, mistakenly listing the location as being in Partick, a neighborhood more than half a mile from McCallum’s actual birthplace on Kersland Street in the Hillhead district of the city’s West End.

The plaque, situated at 24 Kersland Street, was created through a collaboration between students at Glasgow Clyde College (GCC) and Jacqueline McLaren, the Lord Provost of Glasgow. A spokesman for GCC acknowledged the error, expressing regret and confirming that steps are being taken to correct the geographical mistake promptly.

David McCallum, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 90, gained international fame portraying Illya Kuryakin, the Russian secret agent in the cult classic series that originally aired between 1964 and 1968. The show, initially intended as a spoof, ran for more than 100 episodes and significantly boosted McCallum’s profile worldwide. His character was a popular figure, with a magazine poll ranking him as the favorite heartthrob among 6,000 American female respondents. Notably, a scene in which McCallum’s character kissed a woman provoked outrage among students at an American college, reportedly leading to threats against the television studio.

After The Man from U.N.C.L.E., McCallum continued his acting career, including roles in the BBC series Colditz in 1972 alongside Robert Wagner, and Sapphire and Steel in 1979 with Joanna Lumley. In addition to his acting work, he also released several instrumental albums spanning genres such as pop, jazz, and easy listening during the 1960s and 1970s.

James McIvor, who led the student project at GCC, emphasized the importance of honoring creative talents from Glasgow and preserving the legacy of those who have made a lasting impact on the cultural landscape. The initiative to commemorate McCallum reflects this commitment, despite the initial oversight regarding the plaque’s location.