Intergenerational mural unveiled in Kilbirnie

A community project bridging connection, heritage and anti-ageism is thriving thanks to the Garnock Valley Locality team. Connecting residents at Bridgend Community Centre in Kilbirnie, the collaboration was made possible by enlisting a commission from a local artist.

Brought together over four sessions delivered by Glasgow-based artist Nicola McGuigan from Little Book Transfers, everyone then got involved, picking up a paintbrush to bring the idea to life.

The idea behind the mural came from the Locality team and community members who remembered the previous mural located behind the community centre that depicted local landmarks and Gaelic writing but had faded and seen better days. The second mural of its kind this year for Kilbirnie – created in partnership with North Ayrshire Council, the splash of vibrancy and colour behind the local community centre was completed by residents of all ages.

Residents over the age of 50 who are currently part of the Discovery Award Group joined forces with young people aged between 14-18 from Garnock Valley Youth Synergy - based at the community centre and the Garnock Valley Youth Forum who meet weekly at Kilbirnie Library.

A brilliant success already, the launch of the colourful mural on Tuesday 9 June includes design elements requested by the community members involved such as other groups currently operating at Bridgend Community Centre and an uplifting phrase: “At the heart of our wee town is a place called Bridgend, where we all come together and make many a friend.”

Launched at a special celebration event, Councillor Margaret Johnson, Cabinet Member for Education and Young People attended sharing: “I can tell by the uplifting atmosphere in the hall between The Discovery Group and the young people that everyone has had fantastic time together. The second mural now for Kilbirnie, it is wonderful to see the vibrancy of our community members and their passion and ambition for our local area being celebrated on this mural. Well done to everyone involved.”

The young people said their involvement in the project helped them to share ideas and create something for the wider community. They were able to push themselves out of their comfort zone and engage with people they wouldn’t normally. This new-found respect and understanding of their wider community helps them to effectively contribute as active citizens.

The celebration event included a host of activities including ice-breaker bingo, a cup-stacking challenge, guess the objects with everything from historical artefacts and butter churns to sci-fi and pop culture show and tell items from the young people.

Timed perfectly with Age Without Limits – an awareness day held on Wednesday 10 June – the celebration was all about challenging ageism and stereotypes surrounding how society views and values the older generation, dismantling biases about older age and celebrating the joy of diverse and intergenerational experiences.

Then, the group celebrated the contributions of the over 50’s who are part of the Discovery Award – a special award’s programme run by the Discovery Award Federation, involving trips out, taking on personal challenges and learning new skills, ensuring older residents feel connected in their community.

Liz Hood, Janet Johnstone, Jane Thomson, Ann Quigg and Georgie Bryson were celebrated and they mark the first locality in North Ayrshire to have two Gold Award winners Liz McCallum and previously awarded Nan Morrow.

If you would like to find out about youth, older people’s groups and other projects happening in your area, contact your locality team to discover how you can be part of Shaping North Ayrshire too!

Published: 22 June 2026