The faces of a Paralympian, a public health pioneer and an inspiring primary school teacher have appeared on an Aberdeen wall as part of a popular art project.
This year’s edition of the Nuart festival is launched today, with works appearing across the city under a theme of “a revolution of the ordinary”.
And a group of young people from less well-off areas of the city were helped to incorporate their chosen “unsung heroes” into one of the pieces.
Self-styled “craftivist” Carrie Reichardt taught 10 students chosen by the Station House Media Unit to make a tile, training them in skills such as grouting and cutting.
Each of their creations now forms part of a large-scale mural at Rennie’s Wynd at the side of Kenny’s Music shop.
Granite City-born cyclist Neil Fachie, who recently took his tally of Commonwealth gold medals to a record-equalling four, is among those featured.
Another is medic Mary Esslemont, a local doctor who was the first female to negotiate on behalf of the British Medical Association with Anuerin Bevan on the development of the NHS.
Alongside them is a picture of Caroline Thomson, head teacher at Cornhill Primary School, who died in 2016 after a battle with cancer.
The mother-of-two from Portlethen was chosen by a former pupil, who pays tribute on his tile to her “words of wisdom” that continue to inspire him to this day.
“She always strived to create a better community,” the inscription reads.
Seeing his words deeply touched Mrs Thomson’s family – who have raised more than £40,000 for charity in her memory.
“Over the last two years, we’ve been so touched by the stories we’ve heard about Caroline, often from strangers,” said her mother Lorraine Gossip.
“It is amazing how many lives she touched, and we enjoy hearing these lasting memories. We are so proud Caroline has been selected for the Everyday Heroes mural, and the kind words included by the former pupil who nominated her mean so much. It’s a fitting tribute.”
