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Monday 5 Feb 2024

Scotland’s Railway provides a work of art at Keir Hardie Memorial Primary

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Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Scotland’s Railway has brightened up Keir Hardie Memorial Primary School’s playground as part of their ongoing partnership.

The partnership officially launched in October last year and has blossomed over the last few months.

During that time, Michael Corr, a graffiti artist from Alloa, painted a beautiful mural in the school’s sensory garden and has brightened up a large outdoor storage container with the school’s motto – Ready, Respectful, Safe.

After a brief meeting with headteacher, Shirley Queen, to discuss key themes, the artist came up with a design which was both pleasing to the eye and captured the school’s spirit.

Jeremy Spence, Route Delivery Director for Scotland’s Railway, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to provide such a beautiful piece of art to the exterior of Keir Hardie Memorial Primary.

“Michael has created such a clever and intricate design and one that the school will be proud to show off for years to come.”

Shirley Queen, headteacher of Keir Hardie Memorial Primary School, said: “Thank you to Network rail for providing this great opportunity to Keir Hardie. The pupils and staff have been really excited watching the progress of the murals over the last few weeks.

“Michael Corr spoke to us about the designs, using school colours, our Ready, Respectful Safe motto and integrated the school badge shape throughout the bird. The pupils love the designs and they brighten our playground.”

The school partnership was forged with Scotland’s Railway’s Motherwell Maintenance Delivery Unit as part of a pilot programme where each of the country’s maintenance units are paired with a local primary.

It is hoped that the community partnership will continue to flourish and provide an opportunity to promote safety on the railway.

It will also enable participation in STEM activities to encourage young people to learn more about technology and engineering and think about possibilities beyond their school years.