Overview
- Council officers approved the mural application on January 11 for a gable wall at 11 Elmbank Street, with planning papers describing it as a tasteful replacement for an ugly facade.
- The concept image circulated online was widely described as appearing AI-generated and featured elements such as a bald eagle, distorted livestock, wind turbines and a steam train.
- Artists and politicians criticized the mock-up as generic and inaccurate, highlighting Glasgow’s strong tradition of human-made murals and calling for better research into local heritage.
- Proposer Derek Paterson said the image was only indicative and emphasized that AI will have nothing to do with the project, giving the commissioned artist a blank canvas within council guidelines.
- Glasgow City Council and Paterson both say a well-known, human artist will produce the final design, with the project intended to celebrate Scotland’s heritage and commitment to renewable energy.