THE Clyde naval base at Faslane has a new centrepiece after graffiti artist ‘Barry the Cat’ paid a visit to the military site.

The interior of the HMS Neptune admin building – the administrative hub of the base – recently underwent a major refurbishment.

The exterior, however, was a blank canvas – and base executive officer, Commander Peter Noblett, saw an opportunity to celebrate HMS Neptune and the submarine service.

“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,” said Commander Noblett.

“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!”

On November 29, sailors, submariners and civilian staff from the Naval Base gathered as Commodore Bob Anstey, Naval Base Commander Clyde, officially unveiled the mural.

“It took me four days to complete the mural,” said Barry the Cat - real name Barry Jenkins. “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. It was quite daunting coming into the high security base, but the sailors from HMS Neptune looked after me well.”

Following the unveiling of the mural, Commodore Anstey also took the opportunity to present Commander Noblett with a second bar to his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, signifying his 35 years of service in the Royal Navy.