Scottish Cities Alliance

The creativity of Scotland’s people is evident in every corner of our cities, particularly shown through the vibrant mural and street art festivals that are transforming the cityscapes.

In Dundee, the Open/Close Dundee project is showcasing the very best of street art in the city. It’s the first street trail for locals and tourists alike and it provides routes that people can follow and see art in a street setting. The purpose of the project is simple. It aims to brighten up areas that are potentially prone to vandalism, encourages people to explore the city streets and acts as a tourist attraction that will increase visitor numbers and add to Dundee’s already impressive cultural scene. The project currently focuses on street art in the city centre, Lochee and Stobswell areas, and you can even book a tour of the artwork, which includes a mural of the Dundee songwriter, Michael Marra, in Lochee.

In Aberdeen, the street art festival Nuart, delivered by Aberdeen Inspired and Aberdeen City Council, is an annual event that takes place in June. The theme for this year’s festival was ‘Living Heritage’ and 11 international artists visited the city to create artwork that included large murals and some smaller creations. The festival is really popular – it attracts thousands of people to Aberdeen, provides a boost to the local economy and leaves a legacy of quality street artwork around the city.

In Glasgow, the city’s gable ends and walls have long been sites for street art and some of the designs are both innovative and spectacular. In the city centre and West End in particular, you are never far from inspiring artwork. And now there’s a Mural Trail that you can follow to get up close and really enjoy the creativity. And this artwork has a positive impact on the people and the city’s economy as it helps promote Glasgow as a bright and vibrant city, making it even more attractive to businesses and investors.

And in Perth, local artists transformed an underpass along the National Cycle Network with a series of bright, nature-based murals. This community-driven project has transformed the walking, wheeling and cycling route with striking murals by artist Paco Graff and other local creatives, to encourage more people to get out and about and be active. The project was funded by Transport Scotland and Sustrans, the walking, cycling and wheeling charity. Cosmo Blake, Art and Diversity Coordinator at Sustrans Scotland, said:

These stunning new artworks have already become a focal point for the community, and I hope they encourage even more people to plan a walking, wheeling or cycling journey along the National Cycle Network in the area.

And in Stirling, a new piece of wall artwork has been unveiled that celebrates the city’s 900th anniversary. The colourful 30ft-long illustration has been created by local artist David Galletly and is located right across from Stirling railway station. The artwork showcases some of the major moments of Stirling’s history over the past 900 years, from the Battle of Bannockburn to the opening of the University of Stirling, and mixes it with legends from the Stirling area such as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, Sir Andy Murray and Billy Bremner, and David’s design was inspired by suggestions submitted by people of all ages across Stirling.

Stirling Council Leader, Councillor Chris Kane, said:

David has created a vibrant piece of artwork that weaves together the story of Stirling’s history and its people over the past 900 years in a truly innovative way. It will also create a fantastic first impression for visitors arriving in the city.

In Dunfermline, there are plans for mural art in the city that will replicate the success of works that have been such a hit in Glasgow.

And in Inverness, an eye-catching mural of a Highland landscape featuring mountains, moorland and wildlife was created in a joint venture involving mental health charity, Mikeysline, the Victorian Market and Highland Council. Located at the building’s Union Street entrance, it not only enables people to enjoy attractive artwork but part of its message is to encourage people to embrace the outdoors and nature, which can improve wellbeing.

Across Scotland’s cities, murals and street art are breathing life back into urban areas, making a significant impact on communities and businesses. As the Scottish Cities Alliance, we celebrate and support these creative endeavours that enrich our cities, foster community pride, and contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of our nation.