Glasgow City Centre Mural of Billy Connolly Concealed
The mural of iconic Scottish comedian Billy Connolly, titled “75 BC,” is currently obscured due to the construction of a new student accommodation block on Osborne Street in Glasgow’s Merchant City. This piece, created by artist John Byrne, has become hidden as work on the £40 million development proceeds.
Details on the Student Accommodation Development
The new building, developed by Glasgow-based Ambassador Group, will feature:
- 273 beds to accommodate students
- State-of-the-art resident amenities
- A lounge and gym for social activities
- A south-facing terrace with views of the River Clyde
Construction efforts have drawn objections from the public regarding the removal of the mural. Despite these concerns, a spokesperson for Glasgow City Council noted that other murals have also been removed during recent redevelopments.
The Impact on Glasgow’s Mural Trail
The Mural Trail is a prominent cultural attraction in Glasgow city centre. Recently, new murals have been installed at significant locations, including George Street and Cathedral Street. However, the loss of Connolly’s mural has sparked disappointment among fans and locals.
Community Reactions
Community sentiment regarding the mural’s obscuration has been vocal on social media. Comments included:
- Scott Glasgow expressed sadness over the loss, emphasizing the significance of both the artist and the subject.
- John Murray Smith echoed similar sentiments, lamenting that it could not be preserved.
- Andy Hart suggested that the mural should be re-commissioned on a different building to avoid obstruction.
Billy Connolly’s Recent Public Appearances
At 83 years old, Billy Connolly has maintained a low profile since retiring from comedy in 2018. Nonetheless, he made headlines during a rare public appearance at the Key West Film Festival in Florida in November 2025. During this event, he received an award for artistic excellence, sharing his joy in being recognized.
Overall, while new developments may bring modern amenities to the area, they also pose a threat to Glasgow’s rich artistic heritage, exemplified by the concealed mural of Billy Connolly.
