Kilbirnie’s ‘On the Up’ mural transforms town centre with colour and community spirit

A once-derelict gap site in the centre of Kilbirnie has been transformed into a striking new mural celebrating the town’s heritage and community spirit.

The artwork, titled On the Up, was unveiled on 2 September by North Ayrshire Provost Anthea Dickson. Created through an intergenerational project led by the Garnock Valley Locality team in partnership with Impact Arts, it brought together volunteers of all ages who took part in the summer’s popular Paint and Pie events.

The colourful design, developed with artist Nicola McGuigan, includes nods to Kilbirnie’s flax and linen industry, its long-standing fishing traditions, the Kilbirnie War Memorial arch, the JD Pierce crane, Kilbirnie Loch, the Wee School Pantry community larder, and the well-loved Hygieia statue outside Walker Memorial Hall.

Provost Dickson said: “Vibrant, interesting and exploring key historical landmarks, the new Kilbirnie ‘On the Up’ mural is such a wonderful addition to what was previously an unloved and derelict spot in the town, lacking in any colour or interest. I am delighted that the Garnock Valley Locality team alongside Impact Arts have been able to transform this wall space, with the ideas and hard work of a group of volunteers. It is now a spectacular focal point for all to enjoy.”

She added: “Everyone came along once a week to volunteer their own time over the summer to create the design, brought to life by Impact Arts and the medium of paint, and this shows a superb commitment with input from all ages. Thank you to everyone involved, there’s nothing better than community projects that encourage intergenerational involvement and bring communities together.”

Garnock Valley Youth Forum volunteer and MSYP for Cunninghame North, Rhyan Gorrie, said: “A big thank you to everyone who helped with the Paint and Pie project. I volunteered time alongside my friends and we have loved being a part of the project. This mural is a celebration of Kilbirnie’s long and rich history, and of the love we share for our town. What makes it extra special is how it brought together people of all ages, united in a single goal, to see Kilbirnie on the up!”

Councillor Alan Hill, Cabinet Member for Communities, Housing and Islands, added: “A tremendous effort from everyone involved, thank you to the volunteers and the facilitators from Impact Arts and the Garnock Valley locality team for the creation of this fantastic community mural. This is an inspiring example of how our Locality Planning Partnership is empowering communities to revitalise derelict land and take pride in their local area. The mural is sure to be the talk of the town and I hope that everyone takes the time to have a pause and reflect on Kilbirnie’s fascinating past and promising future.”

Now a vibrant focal point on Main Street, the mural is being hailed as a bright new landmark for the Garnock Valley.