Remember me
The painting titled 75 BC, based on Billy Connolly by artist John Byrne, on the corner of Osborne Street and Old Wynd will no longer be visible as work continues on the £40 million development.
So far, around half of the Big Yin's face is already covered, as shown by pictures taken on Friday, January 23.
The new PBSA development, from Glasgow-based Ambassador Group, will create 273 bed spaces with state-of-the-art resident amenities including a student lounge, gym and a south-facing terrace with views towards the River Clyde.
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A spokesperson from Streets UK previously confirmed to the Glasgow Times in 2023 that during the design phase, developers looked at ways to retain 75 BC but found it was "not possible".
Our sister paper, the Glasgow Times, previously reported residents living in the city centre had raised concerns about the future of the mural before the plans were approved, and called on the council to protect murals.
A Merchant City and Trongate Community Council (MCTCC) spokesperperson said: "Many of Glasgow’s murals, including those paying tribute to Billy Connolly, are major tourist attractions, admired not only by city residents but visitors from all around the world.
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"We have long campaigned for the finest of these artistic murals to be protected, including against being wholly or partially obscured by developers who fail to fully appreciate their significance.
"We appeal again to Glasgow City Council to join us on this task."
However, a council spokesperson said murals on the trail were only ever intended to temporarily bring life to stalled developments and vacant sites before they were redeveloped in the future.
75 BC is one of three 50-foot murals that were unveiled across the city centre for Connolly's 75th birthday celebrations in 2017, with the comedian saying he was "overjoyed" with them at the time.
The other two are ‘Dr Connolly, I Presume?’ by Jack Vettriano located on Dixon Street and ‘Big Yin’ by Rachel Maclean which is found on Gallowgate.
The artworks form part of the City Centre Mural Trail which features a diverse range of unique art on buildings and vacant sites.
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