A Cambuslang schoolboy who gifted his sunflower to his hometown in an attempt to bring cheer during the pandemic has become the inspiration for a new mural, as the town’s revamped new look takes off.
Hamish Shea, age five, grew the sunflower from seed during lockdown last year and left it in a pot on the town’s main thoroughfare for everyone to enjoy.
Local residents were so touched by the gesture that Cambuslang community council was inspired to create a mural and a permanent seating area with planters in the same spot.
The colourful artwork depicts bees, flowers and trees, and is one of three murals that has been unveiled by the community council’s Gateway project, which was set up to create a warm welcome to the town for residents and visitors.
Michelle Farmer, chair of the Gateway project and a member of the community council, explained: "Hamish’s sunflower made everyone smile during the difficult days of the pandemic, and became a symbol for the incredible community spirit shown by the people of Cambuslang.
"We are delighted to have been able to create a long-lasting tribute to our community through the new garden area and mural.”
The youngster's proud dad, Dave Shea, said: “Hamish started growing the sunflower during the pandemic at a time when everyone was isolating, and he left it on Glasgow Road where he hoped it might cheer people up.
"The yellow colour was really striking and it brought some colour to what was previously quite a desolate spot.
“We’ve been absolutely delighted with the reaction. When we posted a video on social media, friends in Canada, Australia and other parts of the world commented on how much they liked the sunflower. It seemed to strike a chord and add a wee bit of sunshine.
“Colour can have such a positive effect on communities and we’re so pleased that Hamish’s sunflower has led to the development of this new mural and garden area. It’s so nice to see a real team effort for the community, turning a space that was once quite grey in to a colourful, welcoming area for everyone to enjoy.”
The Gateway project began in early 2021 and is the community council’s biggest partnership project to date. In addition to the garden and sunflower mural there is also an artwork showcasing the town’s best-loved landmarks and architecture, located outside Cambuslang railway station, and a Welcome Wall that transforms a once-vandalised wall into a colourful modern artwork.
The project was made possible thanks to awards of £10,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund Scotland, and £5000 from Community Rail Partnership, Rail 74.
The murals were designed by Chris Hannah, a Cambuslang resident and creative director at Glasgow advertising agency, Maguires, who waived his fee to support the project.
He said: "Cambuslang is a town with so much history and natural beauty, and it’s been a real pleasure to help bring the project to life with such a great team.
"Each of the murals has been inspired and influenced by the local community, from Hamish’s sunflower wall, to the station wall mural which features some of the community’s best-loved places and spaces, including the park, Cambuslang Institute and the iconic Miners’ Monument."
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