03/06/2025
Pollokshields has long felt the effects of neglect, with burnout buildings and closed shops making the area look uncared for. The Pollokshields Trust is keen to help 'gussy up' the area with a Mural Trail to brighten up public spaces, complementing the existing mural at the Tramway and the planned Gurdwara artwork.
Community Consultation & Themes
Late last year, we asked residents to vote on their preferred mural themes—and 352 people responded. The top three themes are:
Celebrating Diversity, Heritage, and Anti-Racism
Wellbeing and the Garden Suburb
Young People
Commissions & Delays
Albert Drive (“I ❤️ Pollokshields”): Local artist Kieron Redmond was commissioned to create a large mural under this concept at the corner of Albert Drive and Kenmure Street.
Smaller Murals: Two additional works— sites to be announced in due course- will reflect the chosen themes and involve young people in their design. Both are slated for completion by year’s end.
Sadly, a recent storm destroyed the safety hoarding at the Albert Drive site. We’re now waiting on Glasgow City Council to repair it before the mural can be installed. Although they installed the hoarding, the Council have advised us that they won't repair or maintain it because this falls on the owners of the site, which include Strawberry Garden, where the fire started.
Revitalising Albert Drive
While the council keep informing us periodically that it has long-term regeneration plans, the Trust is taking immediate action:
Seating & Planters: In partnership with the various partners, we’ll add benches and raised planters to the site—bringing greenery and a welcoming social space.
Community Tiles: The planters and seats will be adorned with beautiful tiles (previously on the hoardings) commissioned by the Pollokshields Trust by local community groups, celebrating the many people involved.
Mural Installation: Once the hoarding is fixed, Kieron Redmond’s vibrant “I ❤️ Pollokshields” mural will transform the corner of Albert Drive.
Why Your Support Matters
Securing the hoarding is the first critical step to protect public safety, prevent new graffiti, and allow the mural to go ahead on schedule.
How You Can Help:
Please email your local councillors today- see below for contact details and urge them to instruct Glasgow City Council to repair the damaged hoarding on Albert Drive. The Pollokshields Trust will fund the mural and installation in full—but we cannot cover hoarding repairs ourselves. If the owners are likely to refuse then we ask that the Council implment a forced purchase order of the site.
By taking this simple action, you’ll help ensure our community sees visible progress, enjoys safer public spaces, and takes pride in a neighborhood that reflects its diversity, heritage, and creative spirit. Let’s work together to make Pollokshields shine
Jon Molyneux [email protected]
Norman Macleod [email protected]
Zen Ghani [email protected]
Raja Hanif [email protected]
