What has inspired a new mural in the Inverness Victorian Market?

An eye-catching mural of a Highland landscape featuring mountains, moorland and wildlife is stopping visitors to the Inverness Victorian Market in their tracks.

The city's newest artwork was finished in the early hours of yesterday morning and is already captivating passers-by.

It has been created in a joint venture involving mental health charity, Mikeysline, the Victorian Market and Highland Council.

Located at the building's Union Street entrance, it not only enables people to enjoy attractive artwork but part of its message is to encourage people to embrace the outdoors and nature which can improve wellbeing.

It is also designed to raise awareness of Mikeysline with details about the charity to be added later this week

A quote by the ecological thinker and environmental advocate, John Muir, will also be incorporated: "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.".

Emily Stokes, Mikeysline chief executive, explained it came about after the mural outside the charity's base, The Hive, in Academy Street was being freshened up.

"We know from our own experience how many people come to look at that wall and get a photograph of it," she said

"We wanted to appeal to a wider representation.

"We hope this mural can encourage other businesses to raise awareness of Mikeysline by doing something visually attractive for staff and visitors."

Mikeysline development manager Allana Stables hoped it would encourage other organisations to self-fund nature-based art in support of the charity.

She added: "When a person looks at a piece of art that they see as beautiful, there is an instantaneous release of dopamine – a chemical that is linked to feelings of love – into the brain."

The mural's creator is Marc Delaye, of Fresh Paint, based in North Kessock.

The French-born artist worked on it during the early hours, sometimes starting at 3.30am.

"It was getting very difficult to paint when people were coming in and out of the market," he said.

"Everyone was very supportive but it can be distracting."

He painted it freestyle using spray paint and working to an agreed design which includes the Mikeysline symbol of a bee as well as a stag.

"It isn't perfect," he maintained. "But I always say if you want perfect, get a sticker."

Acting market manager Cameron MacFarlane is delighted with the end result which he said had brightened up a dark and gloomy entrance.

"The number of locals and tourists who walk in here and stop and smile is great," he said.

"They look at it and stand back and say how phenomenal it is.

"It is lifting people's moods."

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