Modern-day UVF mural of gunmen in balaclavas replaced with historic UVF one in east Belfast
One of the most well-known UVF murals in the country has been replaced.
The mural of men in balaclavas with assault rifles stood on the Newtownards Road in east Belfast, near the junction with Dee Street.
It has now been replaced by one honouring Edward Carson and the original 1912 Ulster Volunteers.
The Facebook account of the East Belfast Memorial Committee states “the community spoke and we listened”.
The account commemorates modern-era UVF members, with recent posts honouring William ‘Frenchie’ Marchant, Robert ‘Beano’ Niblock, Robert ‘Squeak’ Seymour, Ian Ogle and others.
It posted this week that the new mural has been unveiled by itself, “the David Ervine Hub, East Belfast Alternatives, Legacy Network and a number of community partners”.
It said: “While the former mural reflected a particular period in our history, it no longer represented where we are today as a community.
"The message from local residents was clear: the community spoke, and we listened.
"We remain committed to maintaining an open ear and ensuring that community views continue to shape the environment around us.
"The replacement mural remains firmly rooted in the rich culture, history, and heritage of the Protestant-Unionist-Loyalist community – values that are important to so many people across east Belfast.”
The scene depicted in the lower section of the mural is based on a historic photograph showing Carson being escorted by UVF members along a section of the Newtownards Road.
The badge at the top is the cap badge of the 36th Ulster Division, into which many UVF members volunteered.
East Belfast’s Craigavon House – the 19th century-built home of Sir James Craig, a UVF leader and Northern Ireland's first Prime Minister – is also pictured.
The post from the East Belfast Memorial Committee goes on to add: "The mural was professionally designed and painted by Belfast Mural Arts, whose work continues to transform public spaces through high-quality artwork that reflects local history, culture, and community identity.
"Their contribution has helped bring this important piece of East Belfast's heritage to life in a respectful and engaging way.
"It is important that we remember and understand our past.
"By acknowledging and reflecting upon our history, we can better understand the journey that has brought us to where we are today and continue to move forward together as a society.”