Inverness Mikeysline mural featuring Callum Beattie unveiled at Victorian Market

It is hoped a new city centre mural will encourage more people to open up about their mental health struggles.

Inspired by the music of Scots singer and Mikeysline ambassador Callum Beattie, the new fan-funded piece of artwork has taken pride of place within the Victorian Market, beside another mural also promoting the work of the Highland charity.

The new artwork is the brainchild of Callum Beattie fan Ruthie Cumming who, after a trip to the Highland capital on holiday from Eaglesham, was inspired by the Mikeysline nature mural in the market.

Mikeysline was established in 2015 following the tragic deaths of good friends Martin Shaw and Michael Williamson in a 48-hour period.

Currently in its 10th anniversary year, it provides 365-day a year support to those struggling with their mental health and/or suicidal thoughts via a number of outreach services including 1:1 peer-support, textline and webchat, as well as some group support options.

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Ruthie said: “The sight of the Mikeysline nature-inspired mural in the Victorian Market served as a powerful reminder to me of the connection between nature, art and mental well-being. Seeing it brought so much joy to my holiday.

“As a Callum Beattie fan I know that both he and his manager Dave are passionate advocates for breaking the stigma around mental health as well as patrons of the charity.”

Hearing Callum’s single ‘Something in My Eye’ - a song about mental health – gave Ruthie the idea of funding another mural to embody the message that it’s OK not to be OK.

“I presented the idea to the fan page and it gained momentum,” she said. “So I spearheaded the campaign, with supporters donating and spreading the word.

“The hope is that the mural will be a symbol of community, of music’s ability to heal, and of the importance of speaking up about mental health.”

Mikeysline chief executive Emily Stokes said: “Prominent visual pieces of art like this will help us to challenge the stigma and change the dialogue around mental health.

“We are so grateful to Ruthie and all the wonderful Callum Beattie fans who so generously donated towards this amazing artwork; Marc from Fresh Paint who has brought this incredible idea to life; and the Victorian Market for their support in this partnership.”

The new work is the latest addition to the Murals for Mikeysline initiative as part of the charity’s Bee the Change campaign – a strategy designed to encourage communities, businesses and schools to join forces and advocate for better mental wellbeing.

Bee the Change manager Allana Stables said: “As we’ve learned from Ruthie, powerful artwork can have a real positive impact on someone’s day. A recent study has shown the links between beautiful art and dopamine release, the hormone that transmits signals of joy to the brain.

“We’re really keen to have more artwork like this commissioned all over the Highlands, Islands and Moray, so if your workplace or organisation would like more information on funding a piece in partnership with Mikeysline, please email beethechange@mikeysline.co.uk”

Callum Beattie’s manager and fellow Mikeysline ambassador, Dave Rogers, added: “Both Callum and I are overwhelmed not just by the generosity of Ruthie and the fan base for making this happen, but by the mural itself, which has so brilliantly encapsulated the positive power of music, art and nature.

“As passionate mental health advocates with strong links to the Highlands we are so proud to be affiliated with Mikeysline and champion the narrative that it’s OK not to be OK. We can’t wait to be back up in Inverness to see the mural in person.”

Victorian Market manger Cameron MacFarlane said: “We are so proud of our ongoing relationship with Mikeysline and the mural takes us to a new level of understanding the importance of what the charity are doing in support of IT’S OK NOT TO BE OK.

“Countless members of the public have said how they loved the original mural and what it represents about the people of Inverness; we were honoured to be asked to have another in the Victorian Market.”

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