Latest artwork opens in Alloway Railway Tunnel project

The ‘Last Train to Butlins’ scene is the newest addition to the spectacular revamp of the tunnel, which aims to create one of Scotland’s longest murals.

Mural artist Chris Rutterford unveiled the first portraits he has created for the crowd scene at a special ‘Meet the Artist’ event on Friday, May 8.  

The tunnel – just a stone’s throw from Burns’ birthplace – is being hand-painted by thousands of local people to transform it into a colourful new visitor attraction and community space.

The ‘Last Train to Butlins’ scene is the latest addition to the spectacular revamp of Alloway Railway Tunnel (Image: Alloway Tunnel Project)

Chris said: “The mural is a fabulous, joyous by-product of the voyage we have all been on together.

“Tartan tourism has always flowed into the tunnel, when it was the main arrival point by rail in the area.

“The tunnel was a jumping spot to the famous Butlins in Ayrshire. The last train to the Butlins at Alloway left in 1968, when the Maidens and Dunure Light Railway line finally closed that year.

“We want to commemorate that moment and celebrate those exciting times. This new crowd mural at the end of the tunnel depicts the joyous moment the revellers climb aboard the magical train to Butlins.

“I’ve worked hard to make sure the community are the heroes in the stories.” 

The ‘Last Train to Butlins’ scene is the latest addition to the spectacular revamp of Alloway Railway Tunnel (Image: Alloway Tunnel Project)

Bill McKinlay, chair of the Board of Trustees, said: “We are offering people the opportunity to have their own or their loved ones’ portraits hand-painted into the Alloway Tunnel mural. 

“These portraits are what make our mural unique and as you can see from our photos of this new crowd scene, Chris is a superb portrait artist.

“The quality of his artwork is phenomenal, and he puts his heart and soul into everything he does.”

The ‘Last Train to Butlins’ scene is the latest addition to the spectacular revamp of Alloway Railway Tunnel (Image: Alloway Tunnel Project)

Work on the mural project – set up by a group of local volunteers – began in 2023. Since then, it has gained widespread support and funding from across the country.

It’s hoped the full mural will be completed later this year, and the final wall section will feature the steam train and more passengers to complete the crowd scene.

Volunteers will then turn their attention to the ceiling vaults and work with art pupils from Carrick Academy and other local amateur artists in Ayrshire, to complete the incredible 360-degree art installation.