HOPES for a trail of public artwork through Musselburgh have been raised thanks to an eye-catching kingfisher mural on a gate along the River Esk.

Local environment group Love Musselburgh C.I.C. is keen to pursue the project following the success of a National Trust for Scotland initiative which saw graffiti on the gate covered by the colourful painting of the bird – a nod to the one which can be spotted nesting alongside the river during the summer months.

The conservation charity, which owns and cares for Inveresk Lodge Garden, approached artist Tragic O’Hara to cover up graffiti tags and paint an artwork that could be enjoyed by walkers and cyclists using the River Esk Walkway.

Melanie Roccio, of Love Musselburgh, is hoping the piece will lead to a trail of artwork in the town.

She said: “The project is something I’ve wanted to do for years.

“I spent a lot of time travelling around Europe and saw how street art has become a huge part of cities’ identity.”

She added: “The kingfisher mural is beautiful.”

Melanie is hoping Tragic might become involved in the project, adding: “I’d also love to hear from other local artists who would like to take part.”

She added: “I’m working on getting permission to use telecoms boxes and other infrastructure as the blank canvases for artists to work on.

“Imagine lots of different artists with various styles using existing infrastructure such as gates, walls and street cabinets to create a trail of designs that would brighten up the town.”

Melanie added that Musselburgh resident Chris Coldwell, who has “vast experience” of this type of project, had come on board to assist with the planning and funding.

Melanie said: “I hope that the project will bring colour and vibrancy, and act as a deterrent to the rising amount of graffiti we’re seeing everywhere.”

She is also keen to get feedback from the public about the project. Love Musselburgh can be contacted by emailing welovemusselburgh@gmail.com