Alloway Railway Tunnel short listed for a national award
The Alloway Railway Tunnel (ART) is shortlisted for a Scottish Urban Regeneration Forum(SURF) Award in the ‘Creative Regeneration’ category. These national awards showcase success of regeneration projects in communities across Scotland.
Ron Ireland, Chair of ART said, “We are delighted to be selected as a finalist in these prestigious awards. As we start the final stage of our mural, we can see the impact of the work we have achieved is significant. We’ve increased opportunities for people to walk, cycle and wheel in a safe, accessible place, helping connect people with the mural and to surrounding communities.
“Our project has supported mental health and wellbeing through the art workshops by enabling people to try new creative experiences, reduce stress and anxiety, meet new people and feel connected to the wider community.
“The mural helps tell the world about Ayrshire people, places and culture through amazing artwork and innovative storytelling.
“Being up for an award is great for our artist Chris Rutterford and all the volunteers to be recognised for their hard work. It’s a good opportunity to showcase success on a national scale which will help to spread the word and encourage more people to come to Ayrshire to experience this community led mural.
“The mural has breathed fresh life into this space. Now it’s a destination venue that the community are proud of which will increase the visitor numbers to our area benefiting other local businesses.
“We are also shortlisted for two awards at the Ayrshire Chamber Business Awards in the Community Award and Charity of the Year Award categories; what a tremendous motivation for everyone involved!”
The SURF Awards are delivered in partnership with the Scottish Government with additional support from Creative Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Scotland’s Town’s Partnership, Scottish Procurement Alliance and South of Scotland Enterprise.
The other finalists in the Creative Regeneration category are ‘A Creative approach to Revitalising Lochside’ (Dumfries) and ‘Galoshans Festival’ (Inverclyde).
The judging panel will be carrying out visits to all of these projects In October to develop a better understanding of their impact and the situations they are responding to, before deciding on a winner.
There are five category winners to be announced by Scottish Government Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, Kate Forbes, on the evening of Thursday 4 December at the 2025SURF Awards Presentation Dinner event in Glasgow’s Voco Grand Central Hotel.
Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes said, “The SURF Awards provide a valuable platform to acknowledge the dedication, innovation and perseverance of communities across Scotland.
“Community-led regeneration helps to enhance economic, social and environmental wellbeing, which is why we are supporting projects across Scotland with an investment of £62.15 million this year.
“I extend my sincere congratulations to all shortlisted projects and look forward to presenting the awards later this year.”
