RAIL representatives and local politicians came together to celebrate the launch of Prestonpans Railway Station’s eye-catching new murals.

The formal launch took place on April 27, with South Scotland MSP Martin Whitfield among those in attendance.

The guests were given a tour and guide to the artworks before enjoying lunch at the Prestoungrange Gothenburg.

East Lothian Courier: Jacquie Bell, Brooke Ritchie and Martin Whitfield MSP admire the murals. Image: Keir Mathieson

Jacquie Bell, Councillor Brooke Ritchie and Martin Whitfield MSP admire the murals. Image: Keir Mathieson

The station previously was home to a variety of paintings on its south-facing wall, but these became damaged by weathering over time.

After a number of restorations led by East Lothian Community Rail Partnership (ELCRP) in 2015 and 2017, it was decided that the original artworks should be replaced.

The originals were then donated to Preston Lodge High School and new works were commissioned by the group, with funding from rail operator CrossCountry.

The murals depict four scenes with connections to the area: The Mallard train, Wiles Motor Services bus, The Waggonway and Prestongrange Museum.

East Lothian Courier: The new murals at Prestonpans station. Image: Keir Mathieson

The new murals at Prestonpans station. Image: Keir Mathieson

Prestonpans is regarded as Scotland’s mural town, with more than 40 of the artworks located within the town itself.

Harry Barker, chair of ELCRP, told the Courier about the new murals, which feature at the station in the form of multiple posters.

He said: “All of the artists came from Prestonpans itself – Lesley Innes (Mallard and Wiles Motor Services bus), Tom Ewing (Waggonway) and the art department of Preston Lodge High School (museum).

“In addition, the photography and digitisation was also completed in East Lothian by Hangar Art and Framing, as was the printing by East Lothian Council print department.

“Two spare copies of each of the posters are kept locally in Prestonpans so that any damaged poster can be replaced very quickly, and reprinting will be easy as all are in PDF format.

“It is just as well because in March the same strong gale that toppled the ship over in Leith Docks tore one of the posters out of its grip and it has been lost but was replaced almost immediately.”