IT has been months in the making but a new mural celebrating Govanhill is now ready for viewing.

As the Glasgow Times told last week, visual art project We Create Govanhill has seen primary and secondary pupils design an artwork on Westmoreland Street.

Yesterday the young artists were given a special unveiling of the work - and their delight was clear.

Glasgow Times:

The mural depicts what the South Side community means to them with artist Beth Shapeero and mural artist Ursula Kam-Ling Cheng faithfully recreating the children's works on the wall of a tenement building.

Beth said: "I'm really pleased with it, I think it looks amazing.

"When you do a render you get an idea of what it's going to look like but it's nothing like seeing it on the wall.

"I love how much information there is in it - it's a really true reflection of what the kids feel about Govanhill."

Glasgow Times:

Beth worked in the four local primary schools helping seven P7 classes from Cuthbertson, Holy Cross, St Bride's and Annette Street draw what they find special about their home.

She chose 200 drawings from a final 1000 to create the work, which depicts local landmarks and people.

Glasgow Times:

It was long days for Ursula as she worked to paint the mural but she had help from friends and the local community.

Local businesses brought her coffee to keep her fuelled and one local dad bought her lunch while friends came and pitched in with the painting.

Ursula said: "Seeing the pupil's reactions to it today I'm really touched and it's been so interesting seeing the personalities behind the drawings.

"There have been so many people taking an interest in the work as I've been doing it - old and young, different backgrounds - but they have all been excited to see it come together.

"It has been challenging for me, working here by myself, but a rapport has built up with the community and getting to know people has been amazing."

We Create Govanhill was the brainchild of Rosie Reid, lead artist at community art charity Vox Liminis and she welcomed pupils yesterday to see the work.

Rosie said: "They have just been so surprised that their drawings have been recreated in such an accurate way and that their voices have really been heard.

"There has been a sense of pride and joy when they first see it.

"My mum was born in Govanhill so for me, this area is an area that is a diverse place that is filled with people from all over the world.

"When I look at this mural I see that diversity and it is a way of celebrating that."

The project was carried out in partnership with Glasgow Education Services, Glasgow CREATE and Vox Liminis.

Councillor Chris Cunningham, City Convener for Education, Skills and Early Years said: “I know that the Govanhill children and young people who have had the privilege to work on this incredible project will produce a stunning piece of artwork and a visual representation of their collective thoughts.

“What a platform in which to utilise their pupil voice about their own community and a legacy to this creative partnership – well done to all involved – a brilliant collaboration.”