Rob Roy MacGregor
by
Ross Muir
The Full Story
When we were in the planning stages of MacGregors we decided we needed an eye catching icon, so we thought Rob Roy MacGregor (7 March 1671 – 28 December 1734, who was a Jacobite Scottish outlaw, later becoming a Scottish and Jacobite folk hero) was the perfect choice, but how would we make him a bit more interesting than an old oil painting. Bruce and Jo both have a great love of John Byrne, and whilst we couldn't afford a John Byrne, Jo mentioned she had a friend from Glasgow who had painted a picture in the style of John so she would ask him if he could do something in that style. His name was Ross Muir and at that stage unknown and was very happy to help.
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We had already commissioned a weaver in Lewis to weave some Harris Tweed, so after much discussion with Ross, we decided to incorporate the turquoise of the tweed into the picture (seen in his tartan sash).
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Ross created this amazing picture for us and we were thrilled. It hung in the bar for the next year admired by many. That's where things get interesting.
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Ross continued to paint and his creativity gave him the idea to recreate iconic paintings giving them a modern twist. This put him on the map with his "Square Gogh"series making him a global phenomena.
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Ross Muir has one of those classic art world stories that makes you smile. Born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1982, he didn't start out as your typical "trained from childhood" artist. Far from it! Ross actually didn't pick up a paintbrush seriously until he was 30 years old, making him a true late bloomer in the art world.
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Before becoming an artist, Ross worked various jobs and faced his share of personal struggles. But in 2012, he decided to teach himself to paint, and boy, did that decision change everything. Working out of his small flat in Glasgow, he developed his skills through sheer determination and practice.
What really put Ross on the map was his clever "Square Gogh" series - a brilliant play on his Glasgow roots ("square go" is Glasgow slang for a fight) and Vincent van Gogh. These paintings feature iconic figures dressed in contemporary Adidas tracksuits and other modern clothing, creating this fantastic blend of classical art and modern street culture.
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His style is instantly recognizable - bold, colorful, often with subjects wearing those three-striped Adidas outfits against vibrant backgrounds. There's something so cheeky and distinctly Scottish about his work, and people absolutely love it.
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The amazing thing about Ross's journey is how social media catapulted him to fame. His work went viral on Instagram around 2018-2019, and suddenly everyone wanted a Ross Muir original. He went from selling paintings for a few hundred pounds to commanding thousands, with waiting lists for his work stretching for months.
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Today, Ross is one of Scotland's most commercially successful contemporary artists, with a gallery in Glasgow and collectors worldwide clamoring for his pieces. Not bad for someone who started painting in his thirties with no formal training!
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Several famous people have become collectors of Ross Muir's distinctive artwork. While the full list of celebrity collectors isn't publicly documented, (rumour has it Madonna and Messi are fans) some notable figures who own his work include:
Scottish actor Martin Compston (of "Line of Duty" fame) is known to be a fan and collector. He's shown support for Muir's work on social media.
Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi reportedly owns Muir pieces and has expressed appreciation for his fellow Scot's artistic style.
Various Scottish football (soccer) personalities have also collected his work, though specific names aren't always publicized.
What makes Muir's art appealing to celebrities is the same thing that draws in other collectors - his distinctive style blending classical art references with contemporary Scottish culture, particularly his famous "Square Gogh" series featuring subjects in Adidas tracksuits.
His popularity exploded through social media, leading to exhibitions that attract both everyday art lovers and high-profile collectors. The uniquely Scottish character of his work, combined with its accessible yet sophisticated style, has helped it find homes in diverse collections, including those of celebrities who appreciate his cultural commentary and artistic talent.
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Needless to say our own "Ross Muir" is now safely tucked away, but you can see a copy in our bar.
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If you'd like to know more about his incredible (sometimes heart wrenching) story check these links out.
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