Artist Chris Rutterford is working to complete the next stage of the mural which is the hugely anticipated final scene of Burns most famous poem, Tam o’ Shanter. This will be the highlight of the mural, depicting Tam and Meg, galloping over the Brig o’Doon to escape Nannie and the rest of the terrifying witches. This will be available to view from Saturday 24 January 2026.
Meanwhile, we will be celebrating Burns Day on Sunday 25 January with a special event. (NOW SOLD OUT) 'A Wee Jaunt an’ a Jig' — a special collaboration with the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra. The afternoon begins with a guided tour of the mural where you can hear all the stories behind the artwork. After the tour, the celebration continues with a lively ceilidh workshop, where the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra will bring the music and guide you through traditional Scottish dances.
You’ll also have the opportunity to ‘Meet the Artist’ Chris Rutterford, the legend who has the vision and the passion to create what is becoming one of the largest murals in Scotland.
The event is running between 2.15pm and 3.45pm so if you are planning a walk or a cycle through the tunnel around this time, you can still get access but please take care as this space will be busy with attendees moving around. Marshals will be at each end of the tunnel to help walkers through and will be asking cyclists to dismount.
Portraits in the Last Train To Butlins Mural
Directly opposite this spectacular Brig o' Doon scene will be the final scene of the mural.
The tunnel was a jumping spot to the famous Butlins Holiday Camp in Ayrshire. The last train to Butlins from Alloway left in 1968, when the Maidens and Dunure Light Railway line was finally closed. We want to commemorate that moment and celebrate those exciting times.
This new scene will be a crowd mural depicting the joyous moment the holidaymakers climb aboard the magical train to Butlins. You are invited to take your place in history and be part of the crowd scene by having your portrait painted.
If you want to find out more about having your portrait or a portrait of a loved one painted, here is the link you need: Alloway Tunnel Mural | Chris Rutterford
