A MURAL is set to brighten up the walls of a prominent Alloa lane, if approved by councillors tomorrow.

The artwork is being planned for the lane connecting Drysdale Street to the King Street car park, on the walls of MacDonald Morson Dental Care and in association with Living Alloa projects.

Following a call for submissions by partners Alloa First, elected representatives will on Thursday, June 23, hear about the preferred bid.

Four entries received will be showcased to councillors, including the preferred Goldcrest and Clacks Motto mural.

Council papers said: "This entry encompasses both walls, as well as a space in between, linking them together to create one cohesive artwork that meets and exceeded the terms of the brief.

"This is also the only submission from local professional artists, with a demonstrable track record that shows they can deliver the project technically, on time and on budget."

Documents to be tabled for elected representatives did not name the "two local professional artists" behind the bid, but added: "The concept references the county's motto [Look Aboot Ye] and links this to painting of a goldcrest; the smallest bird in Scotland, drawing parallels with Clackmannanshire's status as the 'Wee County'.

"Also, the goldcrest's Latin name is Regulus regulus, meaning king [kinglet], and thereby linking it to the county's motto which is attributed to King Robert the Bruce."

Papers to be tabled explained the entry was endorsed by the dental practice, who own the walls.

Councillors will be asked to approve £15,700 of public art funds for the mural from developer contributions – funding provided by companies delivering larger projects in the area.

The money is to cover the cost of the artists painting the mural at £10,000 while £4,000 will be spent on anti-graffiti paint to protect the work.

Up to £1,700 will be used to cover the costs for a legal agreement with the dental practice, which owns the walls, to cover matters such as costs, repairs, insurance and maintenance.

Council officers will also be seeking approval to engage further with Alloa First BID and the third sector, artists, businesses, communities and elected representatives to identify further opportunities for murals funded by developer contributions for Alloa's town centre.