PICTURES: North Kessock children help transform village underpass with beautiful spray-paint murals after Highland Council funded contest
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A drab, graffiti-strewn underpass at North Kessock has been transformed by beautiful artwork drawing on the talents of local school children.
Colourful wildlife murals now adorn the walls of the previously grey and depressing walkway under the A9 after a junior art competition organised by Knockbain Community Council and overseen by local spray paint artist Marc Delaye of Fresh Paint.
The idea of running the collective mural workshop contest was hatched by Knockbain CC's secretary and treasurer Sylvia Bertram, with ward funding secured by councillors Morven-May MacCallum, Lyndsey Johnston and Sarah Atkin.
The aim was to brighten up the underpass to build on previous improvement works for walking and cycling.
Primary 7 and S1 and S2 children from the village and surrounding area were tasked with submitting a drawing based on the theme Scottish Forest Friends, with the artwork judged in age groups.
From July 10 to July 14, the best entries were then incorporated into Mr Delaye's designs for the underpass walls, with some of the children helping with final artwork.
The end result was several beautiful forest mural with trees, foliage, bluebells and forest friends including a squirrel, rabbit, stag, hedgehog and others.
Each child’s session lasted two hours under strict supervision, with masks and gloves provided to the youngsters who donned old clothes or overalls.
Mrs Bertram said: "The children's work, with help from the artist, was just wonderful and has made a world of difference to the underpass. Our next step hopefully is to secure more funds to complete the transformation."
Cllr MacCallum said: “I’ve been really blown away by the kindness and generosity of the artist.
“As a councillor, it was a true privilege to support such an amazing project. The artist and community have taken a lifeless and unattractive space and turned it into an enchantingly beautiful area.
“This artwork is a true gift to the community and it was fantastic to see the local children getting involved and learning from this gifted artist.
Cllr Lyndsey Johnston added: “The murals are just spectacular.
“They are absolutely beautiful and it was a fantastic project by the community council, bringing together the whole community.”
