A SELKIRK LEGACY
approximately 30m-long mosaic mural
Selkirk, Scottish Borders (2018)
Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme Community Art Project commissioned by Scottish Borders Council
Selkirk, Scottish Borders (2018)
Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme Community Art Project commissioned by Scottish Borders Council
The people of Selkirk were the inspiration, the active participants and the co-creators of this project.
The largest part of the mosaic at one end of the wall portrays participants of Common Riding in a variety of roles throughout the years, creating a historical narrative of the community. Common Riding is an old tradition in the Scottish Borders, dating back over 500 years, of riding on horseback around the common land boundaries to protect them from encroachment. This aspect of the artwork has been designed together with Selkirk residents, based on images, ideas and information provided by them.
A kelpie, Scottish mythological water demon, occupies the other end of the wall symbolising the River Ettrick and the floods. Graham Coulson, a prominent community figure elected by Selkirk citizens via a vote, is shown taming the creature, protecting the town from its destruction. This acts as a metaphor for the flood protection scheme and relates to the original purpose of Common Riding.
The mural is completed with a large number of leaping salmon mosaics, representing native wildlife, made entirely by locals of all ages in a series of workshops.
The largest part of the mosaic at one end of the wall portrays participants of Common Riding in a variety of roles throughout the years, creating a historical narrative of the community. Common Riding is an old tradition in the Scottish Borders, dating back over 500 years, of riding on horseback around the common land boundaries to protect them from encroachment. This aspect of the artwork has been designed together with Selkirk residents, based on images, ideas and information provided by them.
A kelpie, Scottish mythological water demon, occupies the other end of the wall symbolising the River Ettrick and the floods. Graham Coulson, a prominent community figure elected by Selkirk citizens via a vote, is shown taming the creature, protecting the town from its destruction. This acts as a metaphor for the flood protection scheme and relates to the original purpose of Common Riding.
The mural is completed with a large number of leaping salmon mosaics, representing native wildlife, made entirely by locals of all ages in a series of workshops.