Light at the End of the Tunnel as Alloway Railway Tunnel Mural Reaches Major Milestone

A long anticipated moment has arrived for the Alloway Railway Tunnel project, with the unveiling of a dramatic new mural scene that brings one of Scotland’s most famous literary moments vividly to life.

The latest artwork reveals the climactic finale of Tam o’ Shanter, depicting Tam and Meg in full flight across the bridge, pursued by a frenzy of witches. The scene captures the tension, energy and fear of the poem’s closing moments, set just a short distance from the real Brig o’ Doon.

The mural marks a significant creative and emotional milestone for artist Chris Rutterford, who first imagined this pivotal scene more than 13 years ago. Its completion represents what he describes as the pinnacle of the entire project.

Chris said the scene had been both a joy and a responsibility to paint, given its importance in Burns’ work and its location so close to the Brig o’ Doon itself. He described the finished piece as the showstopper of the mural series, adding that seeing visitors’ reactions has reinforced why so many long hours were poured into the project. He also highlighted the wider impact of transforming a once neglected space into something uplifting, saying the tunnel now has a renewed sense of life and purpose.

A key part of the project has been community involvement, with local people invited to take part in hands on painting sessions throughout the process. Chris said this was central to ensuring residents felt a sense of ownership and pride in the artwork, and that the shared experience of creating the mural would echo for decades to come.

Ron Ireland, Chair of the Alloway Railway Tunnel project, praised the artist’s work, describing the new scene as one that will define the mural’s legacy.

Ron said it was vital to do justice to such a world renowned poem and its iconic ending, adding that the final result exceeded expectations. He also highlighted the role of the local community, noting that hundreds of people were involved in the early stages of the chase scene through workshops held at the Cutty Sark Centre. He said the finished mural is something the area can be exceptionally proud of.

The artwork was officially revealed during a special Burns Night celebration on 25 January. The event, titled the Wee Jaunt and Jig, featured a guided tour of the mural led by trustees, opportunities to meet the artist, and appearances from Burns characters illustrated in the tunnel, including Tam o’ Shanter and Souter Johnie. Music and dancing filled the tunnel as the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra hosted the first ceilidh ever held in the space, with performances by young musicians.

Ron said the Burns Night event was the perfect occasion to mark the latest milestone, describing the project as a lasting legacy to Robert Burns in his birthplace. He thanked everyone involved for their creativity and commitment, noting that while the project has grown far beyond its original scope, completion is now firmly in sight.

Attention now turns to the final mural scene, titled The Last Train to Butlins. This closing artwork will depict a steam train and hundreds of holidaymakers gathered on the platform, capturing the role of the railway in Ayrshire’s social and cultural history. Ron said the decision to leave this scene until last reflects the pride felt in the region’s railway heritage.

Members of the public who would like to feature in the final mural can still take part. Portrait places are available to order through Chris Rutterford’s official website, allowing local faces to become a permanent part of the tunnel’s story.