A golf-inspired mural will soon welcome visitors to St Andrews after planning permission for the artwork alongside the Home of Golf was granted.
Members of north east Fife’s planning committee approved the application for the free-standing wall at the Bruce Embankment at their meeting on Wednesday, despite a formal objection from St Andrews Community Council.
The group raised various concerns, suggesting the mural would adversely affect the conservation area by drawing attention towards the modern pumping station and toilet block, both of which lack any architectural merit.
However, St Andrews Preservation Trust indicated its support for the initiative, describing it as “a novel way to deal with a rather unsightly wall”.
Debbie McCallum, volunteer chairwoman of the local tourist association Tourism St Andrews, said the mural will prove to be pleasant addition to the area.
“This is an extremely exciting project planned for this season which will again ensure that our wonderful town of St Andrews remains as a ‘must visit’ destination,” she said.
“The project will certainly gain interest in the public eye, as well as providing a safer environment for that must have picture.”
The mural is part of a wider project to upgrade the toilet block and the surrounding environment and a corresponding application has been submitted.
The wall, measuring three by nine metres, is owned by Fife Council but Tourism St Andrews will take responsibility for maintaining the mural throughout its lifetime.
With consent in place, professional artist Kerry Wilson, whose work can already be seen in public places in Glenrothes and Cowdenbeath, will be commissioned to create the artwork, which will be seen by thousands of tourists each year as it is just yards away from the famous Old Course.
The community council’s opposition prompted the matter to be considered by committee.
It said the plans would be in contravention of the town’s design guidelines in terms of appropriateness, durability and long-term maintenance, particularly given the mural’s coastal location as it would likely degrade far quicker than if in the town centre.
It also highlighted problems previously encountered when other artworks have needed to be replaced, noting difficulties due to the artist’s rights to the art.
Despite that, case officer Kirsten Morsley assured councillors the issues raised had been taken into account when coming to her recommendation for approval.
“It has been confirmed the artist would not have design rights over the mural, only a design right that it could not be replicated elsewhere without her permission.
“The intended lifespan of the mural would be for five years initially and after this time a decision to touch up or re-paint the wall would be taken.
“The intention would be to paint directly onto the wall using high quality masonry or acrylic paint with a high lightfastness rating, designed specifically for exterior use.
“A clear top coat would then be applied, providing additional protection.
“There is also the option to apply a ‘vandal proof’ coating if this were thought to be necessary.”
