The businessman behind a controversial mural planned for a Glasgow street has denied that artificial intelligence will play any role in the finished artwork, following online backlash over an early concept image.
A planning application submitted to Glasgow City Council in December proposed painting a mural on a building at 11 Elmbank Street in the city centre. Council officers approved the application on January 11, with papers describing the proposal as a “tasteful” replacement for an “existing ugly wall.”
The indicative design, which quickly circulated online, quickly drew criticism, with users on social media claiming it appeared to be AI-generated. The image featured elements such as Highland cows, a steam train, a worker in a flat cap, and a bird resembling an American bald eagle, which is not native to Scotland.
The suggested artwork was widely mocked on platforms including Reddit, where commenters pointed to what they described as artificial-looking elements, including a train that appeared to float and the inclusion of the eagle. Some speculated the bird was an AI error intended to depict a sea eagle.
Backlash over AI claims and design details
Derek Paterson, the proposer behind the mural, told BBC Scotland News that the image was never intended to be a final design and would not be used as the basis for the completed mural.
“From the outset, I have stressed to the artist that he has a blank canvas to work on, and I will merely provide the theme,” Paterson said.
“I’m attempting to convey a story which celebrates Glasgow’s rich industrial heritage whilst tipping a hat to the city’s industrial future.”
He added, “I can’t stress enough that AI will have nothing to do with the mural. It was merely an indicative drawing attempting to convey an idea on which the mural will be loosely based, but the artist will have licence to let his creative juices flow, within reason and subject to the council’s guidelines.”
Paterson also said he had received significant abuse online after the image circulated, adding that the local artist commissioned for the project already has several murals displayed across the city.
The proposed design references Scotland’s heritage, including Highland cows, a stag, and a structure resembling the Wallace Monument in Stirling. Planning documents state the aim is to celebrate “Scotland’s rich energy heritage and its ongoing commitment to renewable, sustainable energy sources.”
