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A colourful new mural at Nairn seafront has officially been unveiled after months of preparation.
The marine-inspired artwork, created by Forres-based artist Tilly Currah alongside pupils from Nairn Academy, can now be seen on display at the Victorian shelters overlooking the seafront.
The artwork was officially unveiled by Tilly and the Nairn Academy pupils who collaborated on the project on Saturday, May 9.
Commissioned by Blue Space Highland, a charity focused on connecting people with coastal and marine environments to support wellbeing, the project was supported through funding from the Highland Whole Family Wellbeing Fund.
Leeanne MacKay, of Blue Space Highland, said: “We’re absolutely delighted with the mural and the turnout we had on Friday.
“We’ve had fantastic feedback and the young people from Nairn Academy were so excited to be a part of the unveiling too.
“We’re so proud of theirs and Tillys hard work and dedication to bring this artwork to life!”
Tilly Currah, whose work is inspired by the ocean and marine conservation, drew inspiration from the rich marine life of the Moray Firth for the piece.
The mural features a range of Moray Firth marine life, with a particular focus on cetaceans. At its centre are panels depicting John Coe and Aquarius, the last remaining members of the UK’s only resident pod of orca, the West Coast Community.
Tilly said the atmosphere at the unveiling was “electric”.
“It was really lovely to see the students again and to share the excitement of counting down before ripping back the covers in sync to reveal the murals to the crowd!” she said.
“There was something very special about the reveal being done as a team effort with the students.
She added: ”It felt amazing after the painting process to finally see the art up on the Victorian shelter to be enjoyed for years to come by the public.
“The students were pointing out the parts that they painted and we reminisced about the journey of the creative process, lots of laughter and fun looking at the characterful fish and talking about the story of the Kraken lurking in the deep.
“The art installations are doing exactly as I’d hoped, sparking that curiosity and conversations around the oceans and the marine mammals that live right here Scotland and more specifically in the Moray Firth.”
She added that the unveiling coincided with David Attenborough’s 100th birthday.
“He is one of the biggest voices for protecting our oceans,” she said, “and in his wise words: ‘If we save the sea, we save our world,’ which is so true and exactly what I hope the art will invite.”
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