Stranraer’s seafront mural is nearly complete
The artwork is hoped to boost visitor levels and local economy.
The mural on Stranraer’s seafront is almost finished, showcasing the town’s connections to the ocean and destination for water sports.
This will be the centrepiece for Dumfries and Galloway’s annual Spring Fling open studios weekend at the end of May.
This is a tactical decision to attract more tourists to the far west of the region.
The artwork can be found on the walls of the Stranraer Water Sports Association (SWSA) boathouse at Agnew Park and has been designed and painted by Amy Whiten and Ali Wylie, of Argyll-based street art specialists Recoat, with the help of Jennifer Buchanan – a local visual artist.
The themes have been intertwined with inspiration across the town, such as, its seafaring history and new examples of how the water is being used.
Buoys and boats are also featured to represent the World Coastal Rowing Championships (also known as Skiffie World) and the Oyster Festival which is what the town has become famous for.
Artist Amy Whiten hopes this new display will brighten up the town: “We hope the mural brings colour to the town and that locals see it as a celebration of the past and future of Stranraer. Also, that it will spark conversations about Stranraer and what people value about their hometown.
“The building houses the SWSA’s beautiful skiffs, paddle boards and kayaks and it would be a bonus if more people got involved in enjoying the water.”
Local visual artist Jennifer Buchanan adds: “This is a great project to be involved with an I really hope it inspires people to take pride in Stranraer, its history and its future.”
The SWSA, Creative Stranraer and Upland are working together on this Spring Fling Rural Mural (SFRM) project, and it’s funded by the Kilgallioch Community Fund, which is administered by Foundation Scotland.
Upland Assistant Director Joanna Jones is hopeful for an increase in tourism levels once this has been completed.
“Spring Fling is hugely successful in bringing visitors to the region, and the Stranraer mural will be a real centrepiece – helping attract people to explore all that the far west of this beautiful part of Scotland has to offer.
“This year 15 of the 104 studios taking part in the open studios weekend are in this part of the region, so there’s a superb choice of things to see and do.”
Janet Jones, Creative Stranraer Art and Engagement Officer, says: “Murals make Stranraer more colourful, vibrant and exciting. They are a great way to generate interest, to brighten up the town, brighten people’s spirits and inspire them.
“It will help getting more recognition for Stranraer – people will come to see it during Spring Fling and after that, share pictures on social media and that will raise our profile.”
Project Manager at the SWSA, Wendi Cuffe believes this is a good way to showcase what the town has to offer: “The mural looks great and is going to really help show off Stranraer as a centre for water-based activities.
“The water sports and the mural are exactly the sort of things that show Stranraer off as an up-and-coming location – a place to come to live, work and invest.”
Chair of the Kilgallioch Community Benefit Company (Community Fund), Callum Sinclair, says: “We were delighted to support the Spring Fling Rural project. The creation of this spectacular new artwork for Stranraer fits perfectly with our aim of strengthening communities by investing in action that enables people and places to flourish.”