A YOUNG boy who gifted a home-grown sunflower to the town of Cambuslang has inspired a new mural.
Hamish, 5, grew the sunflower from seed during lockdown last year and left it in a pot on the town’s main road for everyone to enjoy.
Local residents were so touched by the gesture that Cambuslang Community Council was inspired to create a mural and a permanent seating area with planters in the same spot.
The colourful artwork depicts bees, flowers and trees, and is one of three murals being unveiled this week by the Community Council’s Gateway Project, which was set up to create a warm welcome to the town for residents and visitors.
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Hamish’s Dad, Dave Shea, said: “Hamish started growing the sunflower during the pandemic at a time when everyone was isolating, and he left it on Glasgow Road where he hoped it might cheer people up.
"The yellow colour felt really striking and it brought some colour to what was previously quite a desolate spot.
“We’ve been absolutely delighted with the reaction. When we posted a video on social media, friends in Canada, Australia and other parts of the world commented on how much they liked the sunflower. It seemed to strike a chord and add a wee bit of sunshine.
“Colour can have such a positive effect on communities and we’re so pleased that Hamish’s sunflower has led to the development of this new mural and garden area.
"It’s so nice to see a real team effort for the community, turning a space that was once quite grey in to a colourful, welcoming area for everyone to enjoy.”
Chris Hannah, who designed all the murals, including Hamish's, said: “Cambuslang is a town with so much history and natural beauty, and it’s been a real pleasure to help bring the project to life with such a great team.
“Each of the murals has been inspired and influenced by the local community, from Hamish’s sunflower wall, to the station wall mural which features some of the community’s best-loved places and spaces, including the park, Cambuslang Institute and the iconic Miners’ Monument.”
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