Papay School’s fishy artwork “shoal” looks good!

They weren’t fishing for compliments with their latest art project at Papa Westray’s Community School – but they “shoal” have netted them!

The front of the school was a little uninspiring so with the help of professional mural artist Chris Rutterford, the playground has been transformed into a bright and colourful fisherman’s paradise to rival those of the waters that surround the island.

What began as a simple idea to introduce footprints to guide pupils to their respective areas of the school spiralled thanks to Chris’ artistic flair and he came up with the idea of a fish theme, designed the templates and helped the entire school community to get involved.

Head Teacher Tim Ross pictured here with two pupils said: “I thought it would be nice to brighten up the area outside the front of the school with footprints which would also act as a guide to pupils coming to the nursery or primary for the first time.

“Chris, who is Papay-based for part of the year, has been involved in a number of art projects on the island and further afield, and he was delighted to get involved. He has helped now with three pieces of art on what we like to call the ‘high street’ in Papay.

“This became a school community project, from the pupils to myself, the school cook, janitor, nursery teacher and visiting teacher to parents who came along and got involved. Myself and Chris painted the backing base colour on the Friday night, ready for everyone to bring the fish to life on the Monday morning with the painting of colour and detail.

“The little fish will guide the nursery children to their area and the larger fish take the primary bairns, staff and visitors to the main entrance. Every person who walks past them has a smile on their faces and one of the pupils said it was ‘the best art lesson ever’.”

The pupils involved said: “We have to give a special massive thank you to Chris for helping us with every aspect of the project: the idea, the design, the materials, the stencils and the painting.

“The new mural has brightened up the school a lot and we hope we can do something like this again soon.”

Chris’ most high-profile recent project was at the Colinton Tunnel - a 140m Victorian tunnel transformed in Edinburgh that’s become a major new tourist attraction.

He said: “Part of what I did there involved 400 schoolchildren in the building of the mural.”

While the projects on Papa Westray may have been on a smaller scale, Chris is as passionate about them all.

“I have lots of family from Papay - Maggie Harcus was my grandma’s first cousin. My partner Lubi and I have bought a dilapidated croft on the island – apparently, where all the Harcus would have come from - it’s beautiful.

“The school is just so vibrant and Tim the new teacher is bubbling full of energy. They deserve to have their frontage reflect the fantastic work they are doing inside. My long term plan is to continue to help the Papay Development Trust to highlight the amazing work the island is doing. It’s so beautiful and really progressive. I just paint the ugly things to let the beautiful things shine.”

Chris has also created some new signage for the Papay Market Garden project and created a mural for the Farmers’ Co-operative.

“Papay has so much to offer. I’ll help wherever I can. Hopefully there will be more exciting projects on the island in the future. We really feel like part of the family up there so it’s an absolute pleasure,” Chris added.