A New Mural for Cumnock: Honouring Our Past, Inspiring Our Future

Background

The recent demolition of buildings at 12-16 Glaisnock Street has revealed the side wall of 18 Glaisnock Street - a newly visible space in the heart of Cumnock. In June 2025, this gable wall was rendered as part of essential works to stabilise the building’s foundations.

This building is Category C listed, meaning it is officially recognised as being of special historic interest.

Community Collaboration

In response to this new opportunity, Cumnock Community Council has brought together a dedicated steering group to explore the creation of a mural on the newly exposed wall. The group includes:

• Councillor McMahon
• The Cumnock Business Association
• A representative from the Cumnock Action Plan
• With support from East Ayrshire Council and East Ayrshire Leisure

Together, they are working to deliver a mural that reflects the town’s rich heritage and vibrant community spirit.

Artist Appointment

The opportunity to design the mural was shared via the Creative Scotland Opportunities platform, attracting ten submissions from artists across the country. After a thorough shortlisting and interview process, the group appointed Michael Corr as the lead artist.

Michael brings over a decade of experience in public and private mural work, with projects completed in Glasgow, Miami, and now, Cumnock.

The Proposed Design: The Industries of Cumnock

Michael’s mural concept is titled: “A Mural Celebrating Heritage, Resilience, and Renewal”

From his application:

“Cumnock’s history is a tapestry of industry, community, and perseverance. This mural will capture the town’s story through a dynamic, collage-style design—stitched together with the symbols, textures, and colours that shaped its people and landscape.

Cumnock pulses with life. More than just an industry, coal mining was the lifeblood of Cumnock, transforming quiet hills into a booming industrial force.

This mural is a living legacy. Woven with the voices of the past and the spirit of today, it will stand as a patchwork of Cumnock’s enduring strength—a tribute to those who shaped its legacy and those who carry it forward.”

The mural will feature visual references to several key industries that have shaped Cumnock’s identity:

• Coal Mining - The Town’s Heartbeat
  A miner’s portrait, surrounded by symbols of the trade—winding wheels, mining tools, and black diamonds—alongside soaring starlings to represent community resilience.
• Weaving - A Close-Knit Community
  Handloom patterns and muslin florals celebrate the town’s skilled weavers and their contribution to local life.
• Pottery - Earth & Craft
  Decorative fragments and textures reflect the craftsmanship of local potters who transformed clay into everyday essentials.
• Snuff Box Making - Hidden Histories
  Subtle sycamore leaf motifs nod to the unique tradition of Cumnock snuff box making.
• Farming - The Land’s Lifeblood
  Ploughed field lines and golden wheat sheaves honour the generations of farmers who have sustained the land.

Meet the Artist

We’re inviting the community to meet Michael Corr and share your thoughts on the proposed mural design.

Date: Saturday 2 August
Time: 12.00pm - 14.00pm
Location: The Baird Institute, Cumnock

Whether you're curious about the design, the materials, or the story it tells, Michael will be on hand to share his vision and listen to your thoughts.

Have Your Say

Your feedback is important. This mural is being created for the people of Cumnock, and we want to make sure it reflects your stories, your pride, and your vision for the town.

If you’re unable to attend, you can still view the design documents on this page and complete the short survey below to have your say. Whether you have thoughts on the design, ideas to share, or simply want to show your support - we’d love to hear from you.