A powerful new mural reimagining the iconic Govan activist Mary Barbour as a modern-day campaigner has just been unveiled on the gable end of 1198 Govan Road.

Created by internationally acclaimed muralist , the work presents a bold and contemporary depiction of Barbour’s spirit linking her legacy of protest and activism with the ongoing fight for justice and equality today.

Commissioned by SWG3’s Yardworks GRID in partnership with Linthouse Housing Association (LHA), the mural marks 50 years of Linthouse Housing Association, celebrating five decades of providing social housing and supporting the Govan community. It also forms part of Glasgow’s 850th anniversary celebrations, spotlighting the city’s rich history of grassroots activism.

The mural, informed by community voices gathered by local organisations Protests and Suffragettes and Sunny G Radio,  features a young woman symbolising a modern Mary Barbour, looking upward toward a brighter future, with a protest scene behind her. Subtle details such as an equals sign tattoo on her neck and a thistle motif symbolises strength, equality, and Scottish identity

This is Yardworks GRID's fifth large-scale gable end mural in Govan, contributing to a growing trail of public artworks that celebrate the area’s proud heritage. Its unveiling comes as Yardworks announce their partnership with Street Art Cities, reinforcing Govan’s place in Scotland’s contemporary cultural landscape.

Linthouse Housing Association Chief Executive Irene C McFarlane said: “Mary Barbour was an iconic figure not just in Glasgow but across the wider housing association movement. Her contribution cannot be underestimated as she bravely tackled housing injustice and stood firmly on the side of tenants. It is therefore highly appropriate that she should be honoured with this new mural as a reminder of her activism. It perfectly complements the Mary Barbour statue located at Govan Cross unveiled in 2018. Along with two other recently unveiled murals in our community, this latest mural is the perfect curtain raiser to our 50th anniversary celebrations.”