THE UK’s largest marine plastic mural has received a positive reception, as locals flocked to see its unveiling.

The mural is made of 13,000 pieces of plastic waste found on East Lothian beaches, with the intent of sending a message about the negative effect such waste has on marine wildlife and landscapes.

The art piece is located on an eight-metre stretch of the harbour wall near the Scottish Seabird Centre, and depicts a beach scene and the Bass Rock, alongside an interpretation board that explains the artwork’s meaning.

The educational mural was designed by Julie Barnes, an artist from Aberlady, and has been created in connection with North Berwick Harbour Trust and local businesses Jerba Campervans and Caledonian Horticulture.

Paul McLennan, MSP for East Lothian, attended the unveiling and welcomed the “stunning” artwork, which he believed was a stark reminder of the impact we have on our shores.

He said: “This stunning new artwork demonstrates clearly the link between the impact we have on the environment, and the need to safeguard our beautiful natural environment for the future.

“It challenges all of us to ensure that we look after our environment, especially our local beaches.

“I was delighted to attend the mural launch. The dedication and patience of the litter pickers was incredible, and the mural itself is a fantastic piece of art.”

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The materials for Julie’s mural were sourced by fellow East Lothian local Elizabeth Vischer, who collected 27,000 pieces of plastic from a 200-metre stretch of Longniddry Bents during 100 beach cleans.

Caledonian Horticulture became aware of Elizabeth’s beach clean work through the Scottish Coastal Clean-Up Project and, alongside Jerba Campervans, saw potential to create a ground-breaking installation with an important message at its heart.

Only half the items collected were incorporated into the mural, demonstrating the extent of marine waste on East Lothian’s coastline.

Simon Poole, co-founder of Jerba Campervans, said: “It was fantastic to see the local community supporting this inspirational initiative so wholeheartedly.

“North Berwick now has a fantastic and thought-provoking new piece of art, which adds vibrancy to the harbour as well as sending a vital message about plastic waste in our seas.

“It has been incredible to see the project grow from an initial idea into a large-scale physical depiction of such an important issue in today’s society.

“The public’s response to the mural’s unveiling was fantastic; the recognition gained by such an innovative project was fully deserved.”

The unveiling event also featured workshops on the dangers of marine waste; a photographic exhibition, ‘Art in Action: Not Just a Load of Rubbish’, which can be viewed in the Seabird Centre showcasing images of Elizabeth’s plastic collection.

Elizabeth said: “It was wonderful to be at the unveiling of the stunning mural by Julie Barnes, and to see such an overwhelming response from everyone there to this fabulous project.

“It’s incredible to see so many of the plastics I collected being used to create such a powerful piece of work. It truly looks amazing.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to have my own photographic work documenting the plastic picking project I undertook showing in the Seabird Centre.

“Together they form a powerful narrative on the issues surrounding plastic pollution and the protection of the coastline we love so much.”

Visitors can view the ‘Art in Action: Not Just a Load of Rubbish’ exhibition at the Scottish Seabird Centre until the June 25.