A colourful new mural of a kingfisher bird has appeared on a gate along the River Esk after the National Trust for Scotland commissioned a street artist to cover up graffiti tags.
The National Trust for Scotland, who own and care for Inveresk Lodge Garden in Musselburgh, approached artist Tragic O’Hara to create a piece of artwork that could be enjoyed by walkers and cyclists using the Esk Walkway.
O’Hara said: “When the Trust got in touch, I was excited to hear they wanted me to cover up some graffiti tags with artwork. I work a lot with youth groups, encouraging young people to develop their graffiti skills as art. I hope seeing this wall will inspire youngsters to be more creative.
“The path along the river is buzzing with nature and greenery, and I was careful to make sure the kingfisher blended in with its surroundings.”
“It was great to get positive feedback from locals – it was just a shame we didn’t spot any actual kingfishers on the day.”
Claire Grant, Operations Manager at Inveresk Gardens, said: “The Esk Walkway is a well-used path and, with people enjoying their local outdoor spaces more than ever, we were conscious that the graffiti was an eyesore.
"Tragic O’Hara has covered it with bright graffiti-style art and we love that there’s a nod to the kingfisher – you’re lucky if you spot one along the river but they’re such a beautiful species.”
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