Lino and a whale add latest artistic touches to Kirkcaldy’s waterfront
Kirkcaldy’s waterfront is enjoying a creative boom - and people are noticing the difference.
The red heart at the harbour end has become the single most photographed landmark in town after locals took it to their heart.
Now, the Esplanade has added a homage to lino, and installed new plaques which bring the land and seascape to life, along with a stunning new whale mural.
They come just a week after a new photographic installation was unveiled which celebrates the Lang Toun’s unsung heroines, and if you look closely you will also find the unmistakable face of Jocky Wilson, the town’s legendary darts world champion, on the waterfront..
The work forms part of a much bigger renaissance of public art which has changed so much of the landscape across the town centre with giant murals created by Fife artists, with one more to to be added on the gable end at the Port Brae, and the launch of the Weymss Cat Trail which has sparked massive interest.
The projects have been led by Fife Council and the Kirkcaldy Lottery, which was launched by Adam Smith Global Foundation to raise funds for improvement projects.
Andrew Walker, Fife Council project manager for place and tourism, said: “People are starting to notice that so much is happening. There are a lot more positive comments on the town. People are warming to the colourful elements. It feels as though we are turning a corner.”
The use of so many Fife creatives has brought a host of projects to life, and added some much needed colour to the town centre while work goes on on how best to spend the £20million from the UK Government’s Growth Mission Fund.
The lino designs sit below the 12 new plaques at one of the viewing points on the Esplanade, close to the whale which has been painted by Kerry Wilson, the artist behind the stunning mural of a young Adam Smith in the east end of the High Street.
The lino captures the style and influence of the industry Kirkcaldy gave to the world, while the information panels bring the landscape to life, from Ravenscraig Castle and Dysart to Kinghorn and Burntisland, with features on the Links Market, whales and fossils - and more are to follow.
“The next stage is to add plaques on the geology of the Forth and tell people more about what they can see, and also spotlight the islands in front of them,” said Andrew. “They bring colour to the landscape, and more activity too - they make walks along the Prom more fun.
“The plaques tell the story of Kirkcaldy, and highlight who we are and what we are about. They are written for all to enjoy - including children.
“We want to encourage families to come down to the waterfront, enjoy the views and now they can find out more about the town and what is all around them.”
The lino artwork was installed by the company which added designs for children’s games along the Prom which have been such a hit with families.
> Two stencils of Jocky Wilson have also appeared on the Esplanade. They depict the unmistakable face of the twice world champ from the Lang Toun who has yet to be honoured by his home town despite his achievements.