A MURAL has been approved to brighten up the walls of an Alloa vennel with plans for more public art to appear in the Wee County.

Councillors last week approved £15,700, secured via housing developer contributions, to deliver a mural on the walls of the passageway connecting Drysdale Street to the King Street car park, on the walls of MacDonald Morson Dental Care and in association with Living Alloa projects.

A handful of bids were received for the project with Clacks artists Ross Hastie and Michael Corr commissioned.

The work will encompass both walls and the space in between with a painting of the goldcrest, the smallest bird in Scotland, drawing parallels with area being the Wee County.

It will also feature the motto "Look Aboot Ye Here Till I Return" – attributed to King Robert the Bruce.

Artist Ross said: "I'm really excited to get started on this mural project in Alloa.

"After spending the last six years travelling to paint signs all over the UK I'm really happy to be able to paint such a large piece of work in our hometown."

Diane Brown, Project Manager at Alloa First, added: "We're delighted that the mural has been given the green light. Ross and Michael submitted a great entry to the competition.

"We know they are more than capable of delivering a stunning piece of artwork that will complement the area and even better that they are both local artists.

"With the new Primrose flats nearing completion, the opening of the new Alloa Hub later this summer followed by the completion of the mural, this part of Alloa has significantly improved. We hope it will be enjoyed by both locals and visitors to the town."

The funding, provided by companies behind larger housing developments in the area, can only be used for public art.

Councillors were also asked to agree further engagement with partners Alloa First, the third sector, artists, businesses, elected members and communities to identify further opportunities for such pieces – and not just for Alloa.

Cllr Fiona Law, who proposed the paper, said: "I'm happy to see the funds form developer contributions for public art actually being utilised.

"These projects do help to bring colour and vibrance to our public spaces."

Cllr Martha Benny added: "There is money sitting in different places, I know there is one in Alva and eventually there will be art within Alva; it needs to be out there for everybody, not just for Alloa."