Pupils' art project is the natural choice for care home's sunspot

SCHOOL pupils have left their mark on a city care home - by covering it in paint.

But far from being unwanted graffiti, the youngsters have created a "fabulous" mural for the residents to enjoy.

The young artists were commissioned by the Castlegreen Care Home in Niddrie to transform a "bland" wall in the courtyard where residents enjoy spending time.

The Castlebrae Community High pupils, pictured below, jumped at the chance to use the experience as part of their art coursework and have spent nine months planning their designs.

After getting the seal of approval from residents in the dementia unit - where the courtyard is - the S3 pupils went into the home last week to draw their designs and returned this week to paint them. The courtyard now boasts a natural world-themed wall, featuring an "underwater" area, human figures, plants and flowers, and the animal kingdom.

Bridget Morwood, personal activities leader at Castlegreen Care Home, came up with the idea of the mural and said it has been a great way of bringing young and old together.

She said: "We have a courtyard where residents can sit in the sunshine but the walls were just plain white so it was a bit bland.

"My daughter was doing art at school and we thought we would get in touch with the local high school to see if they would be interested in getting involved and they were up for it right away. The kids brought their designs up to us and spoke to our residents about what they liked. It's looking really good and the residents think it's fabulous."

Ann Archer, acting faculty head at Castlebrae High, said the venture has given pupils a taste of the working world outside of the classroom.

Art specialist Mrs Archer said: "We try to give pupils a 'live brief' to give them experience outside the classroom and experience of real life.

"As a school we are quite good at getting involved in the local community and this was perfect for us. The kids have worked really hard. It looks lovely and it really enhances the residents' experience.

"Normally, the pupils would be doing something in a classroom but this has given them the opportunity to see a project through.

"It's been nine months of planning from the beginning so seeing the residents' admiring their work has been great for them."

Castlebrae High hopes to use the experience for other projects at the school as part of the Curriculum for Excellence.