Heritage mural unveiled at Prestonpans day care centre

Harlawhill Day Care Centre in Prestonpans is now home to the artwork by Edinburgh-based Mexican artist Draya Madú, which celebrates the town’s heritage and familiar landmarks, including Preston Tower, the Johnny Moat Stone, and the town’s iconic Laburnum Arch.

Commissioned through funding awarded by Postcode Local Trust from funds raised by players of People's Postcode Lottery, the project forms part of a wider scheme of improvements at the centre, including redecoration, new flooring and essential equipment upgrades.

The mural also features a robin, intended as a gentle reminder of loved ones who have passed away.

Ewan McMillan, chair of Harlawhill Day Care Centre, said: "Prestonpans is rightly proud of being Scotland's Mural Town, and our members have always enjoyed seeing the wonderful artwork around the community as they travel to and from Harlawhill on our bus because many of them can no longer get out by themselves.

"For so many years we wanted to bring a little of that same colour, creativity and local identity into the centre.

"Watching the mural develop was every bit as rewarding as seeing the finished result. Every week our members tried to guess what each new section would become, and with every brushstroke came another conversation or memory.

"That's exactly what we hoped it would achieve."

Mr McMillan also praised the wider improvements made possible by lottery funding, including 'major repairs' to the centre’s ageing minibus.

He said: "We're also hugely grateful to Postcode Local Trust and to the players of People's Postcode Lottery.

"Their support has allowed us not only to create this wonderful piece of artwork, but also to improve the environment throughout the centre and keep our minibus on the road while we work towards replacing it.

"Every improvement helps us continue providing the welcoming, safe and stimulating environment our members deserve."

The centre say the mural is already having a positive impact on those who attend the centre, sparking memories and encouraging conversations about the town and its history.

Members watched the artwork unfold over several weeks, with many sharing stories and reflections about the places depicted.

Once completed, Draya Madú returned to the centre to meet members, who presented her with a framed drawing of Preston Tower by local artist Amanda Owenson as a thank you.

Ms Madú said: "It was an amazing experience working on the mural.

"Prestonpans and its people are so friendly and the town itself is so charming.

"I am really grateful for the opportunity to have painted at Harlawhill Day Care Centre, as it represents part of the town's community.

"It was lovely to hear the comments about the mural from the community and I felt very welcomed and appreciated by them.

"I am truly grateful to Ewan and Fiona for having trusted in my work and thankful for having the chance to be a part of the community's cultural scene."

Harlawhill Day Care Centre is inviting members of the community to visit and view the mural in person.

Visitors are encouraged to take in the latest addition to Prestonpans’ tradition of public art and learn more about the charity’s work supporting older people.