The Alloway Railway Tunnel has launched new artwork this week with fabulous evocative scenes from the Ayrshire Coastal Path including Turnberry Lighthouse and Golf Course and the paddle steamer Waverley sailing around Ailsa Craig.
Pupils from Queen Margaret Academy and Girvan Academy attended a special launch day to see their work in the mural. This included Tattie Howkers from Turnberry with Ayrshire Cows for neighbours and the majestic Culzean Castle with some Carrick Smugglers coming into the shore.
Artist Chris Rutterford organised a mural art residency in each school with over 80 pupils from each school joining in to add their artistic talent to the mural.
Chris Rutterford said, “The workshops are always a big hit with the pupils and create a tremendous buzz in the art departments. I have been so impressed with how much commitment and energy the pupils invested into their mural scenes. They all worked together so well and really seemed to thrive as part of a team. They were amazed how quickly it came to life and what they can achieve in a week, they should be very proud of their work. The pupils are the real heroes in the stories, we hold a space for them and create a vibrant workshop but it’s really up to them to rise to the challenge. They blew me away with what they made! The result is two magnificent new scenes bursting with colour, creativity and character.”
Alongside these new murals Chris is installing new feature artwork from his friend and equally accomplished mural artist and illustrator Ross Macrae.
"I’ve also asked Ross to help me bring magic and splendour to the vaults in the tunnel, if you look up when you walk the length of our tunnel he’s creating a magnificent Menagerie of magical creatures that’s rapidly becoming a wonder in itself.
Trustee, Shelagh McLachlan said, “With a personality as vibrant as his art our artist Chris Rutterford continues to dazzle us with his latest work and we are thrilled with the new scenes. In addition to the artwork, we’ve also added links to new films on the mural. These heritage films take it to the next level by providing entertainment and information about some of the scenes visitors can view. It’s a brilliant way of bringing Ayrshire history to life. ‘Ayrshire Tatties’, Ayrshire Coastal Path’ and ‘Ye Banks and Bees O’Bonnie Doon are the latest films ready to view.
“We know we have increased the visitor numbers through the Alloway Tunnel and every day we are down in the tunnel we hear positive feedback from visitors, and you can feel a real sense of pride from local people. The commitment now is for us to look after this beautiful community asset. There are a couple of ways we hope to achieve this.
“In November we will be launching our ‘Portraits’ campaign. This is an opportunity to have your face, or a loved one’s face painted into the mural in the next scene which will be, The Last Train to Butlins’. People will soon be able to find out how to pay and upload their photos on our website. More details will be released soon.
“We are also launching a web shop soon where visitors can purchase gifts and souvenirs of the mural including jigsaws, cards, calendars and coasters. Income from the portraits and the merchandise will hopefully help us maintain and care for the mural in the future.”
