A Glasgow artist has created a new mural in a rather 'unusual' spot - a high-security naval base.

Barry Jenkins, known as Barry the Cat, has been brightening up walls across the city and beyond with his graffiti art for 25 years, but his most recent protest took him to the Scottish Navy Headquarters.

He merged myth, nature, and submarines for the mural which has been unveiled on the exterior wall of the HMS Neptune admin building.

Glasgow Times: Graffiti artist Barry the Cat at work on the mural.Graffiti artist Barry the Cat at work on the mural. (Image: Royal Navy)

Barry said: “It took me four days to complete the mural. 

“The most difficult part was getting the beard and hair right on the depiction of Neptune.

“It’s probably the most unusual place I have ever painted a mural."

Barry was 'scouted' for the project by the base's executive officer, Commander Peter Noblett, who wanted the mural to celebrate both the god Neptune and the Submarine Service.

Glasgow Times: L-R: Commodore Bob Anstey, Naval Base Commander Clyde; Barry the Cat; and Commander Peter Noblett, Base Executive OfficerL-R: Commodore Bob Anstey, Naval Base Commander Clyde; Barry the Cat; and Commander Peter Noblett, Base Executive Officer (Image: Royal Navy)

Commander Noblett said: “During a visit to the Drumfork Community Centre in Helensburgh I was impressed by the large murals that had been painted on many of the walls. 

“I found out that the artist was the highly regarded ‘Barry the Cat’ so I got in touch to discuss options for a new HMS Neptune sign.

“I provided some suggestions for the scene and Barry provided several stunning pieces of artwork, based on ancient statues of Neptune. 

"The first draft had a Russian submarine in it, but that was easily sorted!”

Glasgow Times: Barry the CatBarry the Cat (Image: Royal Navy)

Sailors, submariners and civilian staff from the naval base gathered as Commodore Bob Anstey, naval base commander for Clyde, officially unveiled the mural on Tuesday. 

Commander Noblett was also presented with a second bar to his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal marking 30 years of service.

Glasgow Times: Commodore Bob Anstey presents Commander Peter Noblett with the second bar to his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, signifying 30 years of RN ServiceCommodore Bob Anstey presents Commander Peter Noblett with the second bar to his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, signifying 30 years of RN Service (Image: Royal Navy)

He added: "There was also a lot of preparation and other work required. 

"I’d like to also thank the Babcock team who rendered the wall to create the perfect painting surface, and who upgraded the lighting.”

Of his experience, Barry said: “It was quite daunting coming into the high-security base, but the sailors from HMS Neptune looked after me well.”