Guess what’s making waves in Invergordon? Our town is buzzing with excitement for a weekend packed with art, history, and heroic action! Celebrate 21 years of stunning murals and join the RNLI for an open day full of fun. You won’t believe what our community has planned – are you ready to be part of the magic?
Invergordon is set to burst with community spirit and vibrant celebrations as residents and visitors prepare for a special weekend of events, marking a significant milestone in the town’s artistic and communal journey. This collaborative effort between Invergordon Off the Wall and the local RNLI lifeboat crew aims to foster civic pride and highlight the rich cultural tapestry of the Ross-shire town.
A cornerstone of these festivities is the 21st anniversary of Invergordon’s inaugural mural, “The Loch,” which was meticulously painted by artist Ken White in 2004. This landmark artwork, created in consultation with the Kildary Angling Club and Albyn Housing Society, originally sparked the town’s now-famous mural trail, transforming drab walls into captivating visual narratives that tell the story of the community.
To commemorate this artistic legacy, Invergordon Off the Wall has engaged local schools, inviting pupils to contribute their own artwork and poetry. These creative expressions will be proudly displayed in Albyn Housing Society’s windows throughout the weekend, showcasing the talent of the younger generation and reinforcing the educational value of public art.
Young attendees can look forward to a diverse range of activities in Natal Gardens, including engaging music performances, captivating storytelling sessions, and traditional games. These family-friendly offerings are designed to provide entertainment while subtly embedding a sense of community history and shared experience among participants.
Further enhancing the mural experience, Invergordon Off the Wall is launching a new map leaflet for the mural trail. This tangible guide offers an alternative to the existing IOTW app, allowing both tech-savvy and traditional explorers to navigate the town’s open-air gallery. The leaflet, priced at £2.50, will be available for purchase at various local shops, supporting community initiatives.
Complementing the mural celebrations, the Invergordon RNLI will host its annual open day on Saturday, September 6th, packed with exciting demonstrations and boat tours that offer a unique glimpse into the vital work of the lifeboat crew. The “Volunteer Spirit” mural, dedicated to the RNLI, underscores the profound connection between the community’s art and its life-saving heroes.
The RNLI’s activities extend to a vibrant barbecue, thrilling kayak races, and a friendly baking competition, appealing to a wide range of interests. A craft village and a knitting and crochet competition further round out the day, transforming the open day into a true community fair and fostering interaction among residents and visitors alike.
The celebratory weekend culminates on Sunday with a collaborative effort between Invergordon RNLI and various local clubs and groups, presenting activities across multiple venues. Invergordon Off the Wall will maintain a dedicated stall, promoting the app, selling leaflets, and running a tombola, while the Invergordon Museum and other local attractions will open their doors to all, inviting deeper exploration.
The overarching message of the weekend, as articulated by event organizers, is to ignite and sustain civic pride, drawing inspiration from the success of similar volunteer-driven initiatives in neighboring towns like Tain and Dornoch. The aim is to collectively demonstrate Invergordon’s abundant offerings and solidify its reputation as a town residents can genuinely be proud of.
