City underpass given a new look

Ten young people in the Charleston area of Inverness are busy this week transforming a dark and dull underpass in their local community into a bright eye-catching work of art.

The graffiti art sessions are part of the The Highland Council’s Summer Events Programme. Youth development officer, Nikki Rasdale who organised the sessions said:  “The idea for this graffiti project came about from a consultation with young people in the Charleston Academy area. Many of the young people commented on how dark and unattractive the underpass was and thought that by painting it in bright colours it would make the community more attractive and brighten up an area where the community walk past every day.”

Artist Clair Nichols who is working with the young people said:  “I aim to help develop and deliver a wide range of artistic and creative projects, enabling people to learn new skills and express themselves through the arts. The young people who are taking part are having a great time and are very proud of the brilliant piece of work they are creating.”

Inverness West Ward Councillors Alex Graham, Alasdair Christie and Pauline Munro were all keen to support this project through the Ward Discretionary Fund. They said that they hoped that the bright artwork will discourage the unsightly graffiti which has in the past blighted the underpass.