ALLOWAY Railway Tunnel is celebrating the approach of the halfway milestone of its spectacular community arts project to regenerate a dilapidated tunnel.

The news comes on the day the charity also revealed a £21,450 funding boost from players of People’s Postcode Lottery to help continue its good work.

Chris Rutterford, the project’s lead artist, unveiled a huge new section of his mural with scenes from the River Ayr, Ayr town market, and Dunure Harbour all peppered with portraits of local notables.

Chair Ron Ireland said: “Reaching the halfway point wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our volunteers, supporters and funders.

"We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone for getting us this far and we are delighted and very grateful for this latest funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

"It’s the second time players have supported our project, and the money raised will help us move onto the next exciting stage.

“Chris is the passion behind the painting. He has delivered this latest stage of the mural, and it’s exceeded our expectations.

"He’s gone above and beyond, and this latest section of mural was painted alongside 700 people in the local area, visiting them in their community halls, nurseries and schools."

Community groups who got involved in the mural in this stage of the project are; Kyle Academy, Belmont Academy, Ayrshire College, Alloway and Doonfoot Primary School Early Years pupils, Doonvale Nursery, 2nd Alloway Guides, Lochside Woman’s Group, Kincaidston Women’s Group, Troon and Prestwick Women’s Group, Ayrshire College and South Ayrshire Care Experienced Children.

Chris Rutterford said: “I am so delighted the mural is being embraced and so loved by the community.

"I’ve now worked alongside nearly 2,000 amateur artists, all involved in hands on painting, together we are giving this forgotten tunnel a new lease of life.

“I really recommend people come along and see the latest additions to the mural. It’s another 60m of mural to enhance the tunnel experience.

"This project is rapidly becoming a real hidden treasure and a must-see beacon of optimism and positivity on the Ayrshire cultural landscape."

The public are invited to get involved in painting the next stage of the mural. Chris will be hosting workshops in the Cutty Sark Centre in Ayr in September.

Anyone wishing to participate can drop in on September 20, 21, 22, 23, 28 or 29 anytime between 10am and 4pm.

Workshops are free, and open to everyone. Full information is on the Alloway Railway Tunnel website.