In relation to the identified priorities in the Guidance & Essential criteria what will your idea achieve and who will benefit from your project?
This is a community-led project to create and then manage a stunning artwork in a disused railway tunnel on an active-travel path at Alloway. To date we have involved over 2,000 local people mainly from schools and colleges but also involving the older generation to create the artwork under the guidance of a professional muralist. We believe involving so many of our local communities will provide a sense of ownership and help safeguard the artwork created.
Please describe what you plan to do and what the money will be used for? (i.e., purchase equipment/resources)
The objective is to create, and then manage, an inclusive community project which will create a stunning art installation within the old railway tunnel at the Brig O’ Doon, Alloway, Ayr. Our objectives include the advancement of education (community involvement in the creation of art-works and heritage films on active-travel paths); community development by engaging people of all ages; school-pupils; students; youth and older groups and other interested individuals in the creative process; the advancement of the arts, heritage and culture by engaging people’s interest in art and developing their artistic abilities; and for this particular project – bringing to life through art Ayrshire’s culture, heritage and social history, and improving the conditions of life through the creation of a multi-purpose community venue. The tunnel has been cleaned of the offending graffiti and the mural is being installed in four separate stages as funding is raised. As of April 2025 the first three stages have been completed and the mural hung with the involvement of several schools, colleges and community groups working with Thriving Communities on an outreach basis. In addition, young people are making short films which visitors to the mural can access via QR codes to see and hear the real stories being depicted on the mural.We are now seeking funding for the final stage of the mural which will include the further involvement of local schools and community groups.
We are applying for £2,000 towards the costs of materials, primarily the plywood boards on which the artwork is painted, to allow us to complete final stage of the project.
Location: The project is located in a disused railway tunnel at Alloway opposite the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
Proposed on behalf of: Alloway Railway Tunnel ART SCIO 052139
As a local hospitality business, whose garden borders the tunnel, we have been delighted to support the transformation of the tunnel which has moved the tunnel from a dark, dank and graffiti ridden embarrassment, to a bright and cheerful artwork, which is now making it one of the ‘goto’ visitor attractions in Alloway, alongside the various Burns attractions.
The highly professional artwork, blended with a huge range and diversity of community contributions, from right across the age and gender spectrums has been incredible – telling stories from the local and wider area, coupled with superb video contributions and stories available via strategically placed ‘QR’ codes.
The Trustees and volunteers have invested a huge amount of volunteer time to engage with both the local community and business and it is a real credit and benefit to our guests and community.
This wonderful mural is being created with professional help by the Ayrshire Community; over 2,000 people have had a paintbrush in their hand so far, ages from 3 to 93. The volunteers need our help to finance the last sections of the mural - if you live in the area, please register under 'Ayr South and Villages' and cast your vote; every one counts.
This is a fantastic project which gets my vote in transforming an old disused railway tunnel into a magical place ,.You see something different each time you visit .
The QR codes and short films are also fantastic!
If you haven't visited it's a must !
This is such a worthwhile project and great credit to the organisers for involving so many in the local community - notably children - to help achieve their aims. They deserve every encouragement. The tunnel is spectacular.
As a local hospitality business, whose garden borders the tunnel, we have been delighted to support the transformation of the tunnel which has moved the tunnel from a dark, dank and graffiti ridden embarrassment, to a bright and cheerful artwork, which is now making it one of the ‘goto’ visitor attractions in Alloway, alongside the various Burns attractions.
The highly professional artwork, blended with a huge range and diversity of community contributions, from right across the age and gender spectrums has been incredible – telling stories from the local and wider area, coupled with superb video contributions and stories available via strategically placed ‘QR’ codes.
The Trustees and volunteers have invested a huge amount of volunteer time to engage with both the local community and business and it is a real credit and benefit to our guests and community.
This wonderful mural is being created with professional help by the Ayrshire Community; over 2,000 people have had a paintbrush in their hand so far, ages from 3 to 93. The volunteers need our help to finance the last sections of the mural - if you live in the area, please register under 'Ayr South and Villages' and cast your vote; every one counts.
This is a fantastic project which gets my vote in transforming an old disused railway tunnel into a magical place ,.You see something different each time you visit .
The QR codes and short films are also fantastic!
If you haven't visited it's a must !
This is such a worthwhile project and great credit to the organisers for involving so many in the local community - notably children - to help achieve their aims. They deserve every encouragement. The tunnel is spectacular.