Billy Connolly is now a tour guide at a legendary Glasgow art gallery

As Scottish national treasures go, Sir Billy Connolly is up there with the greats. And after more than 50 years in the biz, turning his hand to comedy, documentary and even becoming a globally-renowned film star, his latest role is taking him all the way back to his roots. 

The Big Yin has teamed up with Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to take visitors on a tour of the artworks which shaped him as a wee boy from Glasgow. 

We should say now that if you’re expecting to turn up to the Expression gallery to see Connolly waving an umbrella at a group of tourists, you may be disappointed. The 83-year-old, who now lives in Florida, has recorded an audio tour of the space, journeying through his favourite parts of the building. 

Having often visited Kelvingrove with his dad as a boy, Connolly’s personal ties to the museum are reflected in the audio guide, which also contains snippets of his early life, music and comedy career.

Faves picked out by the star include Scottish artist Alisdair Gray’s 1964 oil painting ‘Cowcaddens’, depicting daily life in a neighbourhood radically changing in post-war Britain. The works of the Scottish Colourists, the gallery’s display of Trade Union Banners, Kelvingrove’s suits of armour and famous stuffed elephant and tiger also get a shout out in the highly personal audio guide. 

As for his favourite artwork, that accolade goes to Salvador Dali's Christ of Saint John of the Cross. An unconventional depiction of the crucifixion, it views Christ from above with no nails, blood or crown of thorns. 

‘I love the fact that it's indescribable. Most people have an idea of that painting, and it's different from the next guy that comes up. It's alive. It's superb,’ Connolly said of the artwork.

Visitors to Kelvingrove can listen to the tour on headphones as they walk around the museum and it is also available anytime on the Bloomberg Connects app.

Looking for other great things to do in Glasgow? Find Time Out's guide to the Scottish city here.

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