A PETITION is calling for the removal of what it calls a "hostile and provocative" mural depicting a bagpiper.
The work, by artist Dan McDermott of Spraywell Murals, was unveiled in October last year as the third and final piece of art in phase one of the Cardonald Murals Trail.
The image covers three storeys at the end of a tenement block on the corner of Paisley Road West and Mosspark Boulevard in Glasgow and depicts a man playing the bagpipes in full Highland dress with a stag, Highland cow, and mountains in the background.
The petition on Change.org has been started by someone only known as "Concerned Citizen" on the site, with them saying the image is "an absolute eyesore" and "deeply out of place".
They say it is not a reflection of the surrounding area but also say the mural feels "hostile and provocative" towards Italian restaurant Bella Vita which is located next to it and is causing "community tensions and upset".
They wrote: "It is not lost on the public that a mural that is about Scotland and features a male in prominent Scottish dress is right outside Bella Vita - an Italian restaurant that has been a much loved part of the community for years.
"This mural feels hostile and provocative towards an Italian-owned business that has proudly displayed an Italian flag outside its door for years.
"It is imposing a very narrow minded view of Scotland and a very stereotypical view which again, is not reflective at all of its surroundings."
They are calling on artist McDermott to "apologise to staff at Bella Vita".
It is not known if any staff at Bella Vita have claimed to be offended by the imagery.
Since it was started four days ago, the petition has received less than 10 signatures.
Community Facebook page Craigton, Glasgow shared news of the petition on Monday asking locals if they liked the mural.
While some people claimed it is "a bit shortbread tin", most commenters agreed "it brightens the place up" and wouldn't like to see it removed.
One person wrote: "Hopefully won’t get many folks against it.
"I think it’s a great mural and the artist(s) did an amazing job."
A second said: "Why would that cause an offence?
"It's a stunning painting of a fabulous Scottish piper.
"I love it."
A third added: "Should be putting your concerns to the council about the litter/ rats/ fly tipping in the area instead of a mural."
However, one person commented: "Where the petition? Will be getting it signed.
"Such an eyesore."
Another added: "It's not very good and it's a really bad, tacky, embarrassing, stereotype and a waste of money."
Bella Vita and Spraywell Murals have been contacted for comment.
