Iconic Pola Cola mural restored as Dundee landmark returns to former glory

The almost completed mural (Picture: Stobswell Community Forum SCIO)

One of Dundee’s most remarkable pieces of hidden heritage has been brought back to life, with the restoration of the iconic Pola Cola mural on Maitland Street now almost complete.

The hand-painted advertisement, which dates back to the 1960s, was rediscovered earlier this year behind a wall opposite Lidl on Dura Street, revealing a striking reminder of one of Dundee’s best-loved locally produced soft drinks.

The mural’s survival came down to a matter of moments. As building works were taking place nearby, it was spotted by local optician Richard Cook and Stobswell councillor Lynne Short, who intervened before the historic artwork could be permanently covered over. Their quick action ensured an important piece of the city’s commercial and cultural history was saved.

Since then, careful conservation work has been carried out to preserve the mural for future generations. Rather than completely repainting the artwork, the restoration has focused on sympathetic colour matching and stabilising the original paintwork while framing the advertisement to protect it from future damage.

Recent photographs shared by Stobswell Forum SCIO show the restoration now nearing completion, with the famous “Keep Cool! Drink Pola-Cola” slogan once again standing proudly on Maitland Street.

Pola Cola was once one of Dundee’s best-known soft drinks, produced locally and enjoyed by generations of Dundonians. Although the brand has long since disappeared, the rediscovered advertisement offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s industrial past and the businesses that once formed part of everyday life.