Robert Millar Mural

  • 3 years ago
Brush with success - mural tribute to Scottish cycling legend officially launched
People are being offered a 'brush with success' thanks to an amazing new mural which has been officially unveiled in tribute to a Scottish cycling legend.
A colourful mural of Robert Millar has been painted on the gable end of a building owned by Campsie Golf Club at Crow Road, Lennoxtown - at the gateway to the Campsie Fells.
Millar was crowned 'King of the Mountains' in the 1984 Tour de France, the first time a British rider had won a major Tour classification, and finished second in the 1987 Giro d’Italia - again being named 'King of the Mountains'.
Millar's incredible stamina and skills were honed with training rides in the challenging splendour of the Campsies.
The historic achievements of the inspirational athlete - unsurpassed for decades - have now been immortalised thanks to a project funded by East Dunbartonshire Council and closely involving Philippa York, who previously competed as Robert Millar.
Philippa's incredible journey extends well beyond cycling success. She is a successful Scottish journalist, writer and trailblazer.
Philippa, who attended the official launch of the mural, said, "It's great. You don't imagine you're going to end up on a wall! It's a bit like when I go to Glasgow and see the murals of Billy Connolly - that's me, who's up there!
"Hopefully it inspires more people to go cycling. Cyclists come from everywhere. I started cycling because I wanted to get out of the city and see things. I didn't intend to be a racer. You can enjoy cycling and go whatever speed you want to go. For me it was a way to see outside of where I was, then I ended up racing ... and history was made.
"I've noticed already people coming to have their picture taken at the mural and enjoy a day out in the fresh air. It's fantastic."
The mural was created by talented Scottish artist Rogue Oner (aka Bobby McNamara) and joins an incredible portfolio, which includes a number of stunning murals throughout Glasgow.
Tribute has been paid to Campsie Golf Club, which owns the building hosting the mural, for its support.
The idea for the project came from Drew Wilson, owner of VisualBikeFit, himself a successful cyclist who represented Scotland at three Commonwealth Games.
Campsie Community Council and East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust have also been involved, and the mural has been well received by the cycling fraternity and local community.
Councillor Vaughan Moody, Joint Leader of the Council, said, "It's an honour to help officially unveil the mural, which is a stunning tribute to a real sporting legend. I hope Philippa - and this work of art - help to inspire people of all ages to get out and about in East Dunbartonshire, and to visit the area."
Councillor Andrew Polson, Joint Leader of the Council, added, "The amazing mural is already attracting visitors of all ages and has become a tourist attraction in its own right.

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