An old Pola Cola advert has just been discovered in Dundee’s Stobswell neighbourhood

The advert has been uncovered and is now likely to be preserved (📸 Land O’Spex)

A rare painted advertisement for Dundee-made soft drink Pola-Cola could be preserved after being uncovered during building works in Stobswell.

The striking wall advertisement emerged this week after decades hidden beneath layers of harling on a building in Stobswell, offering a remarkable glimpse into Dundee’s industrial and commercial past.

Initially, it appeared the rediscovery would be short-lived, with the wall due to be re-rendered. However, after discussions with Dundee City Council, the local authority’s restoration officer is now looking at ways the sign could be conserved rather than covered over once again.

The discovery has been warmly welcomed by Land O’ Spex founder Richard Cook who described the sign’s return as “coming back from the dead.”

He said the painted advertisement had only hours left before disappearing beneath fresh harling once again, but praised both the council and the craftsmen working on the building for helping give it a chance of survival.

Pola Cola was manufactured in Dundee (📸 Land O’Spex)

“A lot of credit should go to the craftsmen working on the wall,” he said. “It can’t have been easy uncovering something this fragile, but they’ve done it with real care. They could easily have buried it again. They didn’t, and I’m so glad.”

The sign is particularly significant because Pola-Cola was manufactured in Dundee, with its factory located on nearby Maitland Street, only a short distance from where the advertisement still survives today.

Rather than simply promoting a national brand, the painted wall advertised a product made within the local community, making it an important reminder of Dundee’s once-thriving manufacturing heritage.

The council are now looking at ways to restore the advert as a mural  (📸 Land O’Spex)

Richard also highlighted the wider historical importance of Stobswell, pointing to landmarks including the former Land o’ Cakes bakery, Morgan Academy, Baxter Park Pavilion, the Water Works, Clepington Primary School and the former Maryfield Tram Depot, now being restored as the future home of Dundee Museum of Transport.

“This isn’t just an old advert,” he said. “It’s part of the story of Stobswell.”

Painted wall advertisements were once common features of towns and cities across Britain but have become increasingly rare as buildings have been renovated or demolished. Those that remain offer valuable insights into everyday life and local commerce from decades gone by.

Adding to the excitement, another section of the wall remains hidden beneath harling, leading to hopes that further historic painted advertisements could still survive underneath.

Supporters are now encouraging people to show their backing for the sign’s preservation, hoping this rare piece of Dundee’s heritage can be carefully protected and enjoyed by future generations rather than disappearing once again.