By Shirley Wallace
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November 24, 2024
The Process Newmilns Regeneration Association have been working behind the scenes with local artists Frank and Mandy Carty of Artisan Artworks to come up with a proposal for murals which depict the history of Newmilns. We have drawn up a Community Consultation in order to get the views of the residents of Newmilns and would really appreciate your input to our Survey, link at the bottom of the page. This consultation will also be displayed on the Community Notice Boards. We will also be displaying the proposals at the Newmilns Christmas Fayre on Saturday 30th November in the Morton Hall (paper copies of the surveys will also be available here to complete). Artisan Artworks also plan to visit Newmilns Primary School to present and explain the proposals to the children. The survey will run from Sunday 24th November until Sunday 22nd December 2024. The Benefits The aim is to boost footfall to the town, which will, in turn, support the local economy. Across Scotland, mural trails attract tourists from around the globe, and we plan to integrate the Newmilns murals into these broader trails. Frank and Mandy Carty are involved in the Glasgow Mural Trail, a portfolio of 31 murals in the city centre and you can read more about it here Glasgow Mural Trail Additionally, the murals will feature in our Heritage App, currently under development by our Heritage Group, to further enhance their accessibility and appeal. By encouraging visitors to slow down and appreciate their surroundings, we hope they’ll take time to enjoy the art and its connection to the local area and it's rich history in lace weaving. Since the murals are outdoors, they provide an inclusive experience for everyone to enjoy whenever it suits them. We also want to spark thought-provoking conversations through the stories and themes portrayed in the artwork. The Locations It is proposed to site each of the murals on two gable end walls - one facing east and the other facing west. Two potential sites have been identified for the murals, and discussions have already taken place with the owners of both properties, who have indicated their willingness to take part in the project. Site 1 Property adjacent to Lady Flora's at 133 Main Street - currently a private residence and prior to this was the factory of W.W. Wales Ltd, Butcher. Site 2 The Loudoun Arms, gable wall at Castle Street. This is a Category B-listed building, built during the 18th century with links to the Covenanters and Rabbie Burns.