A dull wall between Dumbarton and Renton has been given a colourful makeover after local legend Barry the Cat created an incredible community mural.
Youngsters from Lennox primary and Bonhill primary schools have all had an input into the design after Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust was awarded a grant to help spruce it up.
And it’s been no easy feat – with wandering cows, rain and even a paint theft making it a challenge for artist Barry Jenkins, who has been transforming drab spaces across the Vale for several years.
The nature-themed mural features everything from red squirrels to grey heron and brown trout – the latter in memory of champion angler John Bell Alcock.
The design is Barry’s interpretation of artwork by his father John Alcock, from Bonhill, and is a key centrepiece of the mural.
Fergus McFarlane, of Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust, told the Lennox Herald he was thrilled with the finished artwork, which has been more than two years in the making.
He said: “The Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust are pleased to present a new mural under the A82 near Renton.
“The artwork was completed by “Barry the Cat” and funded by the Artroots fund from Sustrans Scotland.
“It took a long time to come together but we are delighted with it. Barry’s done a cracking job.
“We put an appeal out calling on people to help us come up with a design but it was quite difficult as it was in the middle of the pandemic.
“Despite that, we received inspiration from the children of Lennox and Bonhill primary schools and special thanks goes to them.”
Barry the Cat posted the finished result on his social media, and told followers it has been “emotional”.
He said: “Finally finished this 60ft long 10ft high mural on the cycle path along the River Leven. It’s been an uphill battle all the way! With rainwater constantly trickling down from the soil on top of the bridge, being constantly covered in cow s***, having to remove political stickers and having my paint robbed, well it’s been emotional is all that’s left to say!
“Many thanks to Loch Lomond Fisheries Trust and Sustrans Art Roots for making this mural possible.”
Fergus previously told how the idea for the mural came from the community work the group had been doing, including working with Dumbarton Area Council on Alcohol and local schools.
The mural located on the banks of the Leven, which is underneath the A82, depicts a scene along the River Leven for cyclists on the NCN7.
Fergus explained: “We also show the old factories and how nature has returned after its industrial past.
“Some of the wildlife you might be lucky enough to spot are the red squirrel, grey heron and kingfisher.
“We have also included the historical steamship, the Maid of the Loch.
“A key centrepiece of the mural is the brown trout. This design on the mural is Barry’s interpretation of artwork by John Alcock.
“John’s artwork was created in memory of his late son, who was a champion angler, and represents the fishing life of the family.
“We are grateful to share his artwork to all on the cycle route.”
