New street art unveiled at Nairn West Links shelter and partnership approach supporting a safer and better Nairn Games

This brought together local young people, artists and the wider community in a celebration of creativity and coastal heritage.

The artwork was created by artist Tilly Currah, who was selected by pupils from Nairn Academy following a collaborative process supported by Blue Space Highland. The unveiling ceremony was overseen by Area Chair Michael Green and featured a lively countdown to the reveal of each wall, with great fun had by all involved.

Councillor Michael Green, Chair of the Nairnshire Committee, said: “This has been a fantastic example of what can be achieved when young people, artists and the community work together. The success of the West Links shelter shows how public art can transform spaces, create pride in our community and inspire us to build on this momentum across other shelters in Nairn.”

The project forms part of wider efforts to enhance community spaces around Nairn’s seafront while encouraging young people to engage with art, wellbeing and the local blue space environment.

Blue Space Highland, a Nairn-based wellbeing charity promoting mental and physical health through water-based and coastal activities, helped support the initiative alongside community partners.

Partnership approach supporting a safer and better Nairn Games 

Extensive partnership work is underway to ensure this year’s Nairn Games is delivered in a safe, welcoming and well-organised environment for competitors, residents and visitors alike.

Area Chair Michael Green said: “This is very much a team effort, with Highland Council officers, the Nairn Games Committee, local charities and community organisations all working together towards the same goal – delivering a safer and better Nairn Games for residents and visitors alike”. 

The initiative has been led through the collaborative efforts of Highland Council Community Development Officer and Nairn Common Good Fund Project Officer, working closely with the Nairn Games Committee alongside a wide range of local charities, community groups and organisations.

A major contribution towards the event’s safety and infrastructure arrangements is being provided through the Nairn Common Good Fund, which is contributing £21,000 to support measures that will help create a safe and positive environment throughout the Games weekend.  This support allows the Nairn Games Committee to focus fully on the successful delivery and running of the Games themselves.

Cllr Green said:  “The support from the Nairn Common Good Fund demonstrates a real commitment to protecting and enhancing this important community event for the future.”

Also during Monday’s Nairnshire meeting (25 May 2026):

Ward Discretionary Fund payments

Members noted the Ward Discretionary Fund payments that had been approved since the previous meeting of the Committee.  These were:

New playpark equipment – Nairn Links

News was welcomed of the successful installation of new playpark equipment (a slide and ship structure) at the Nairn Links during the school Easter holiday.  A competition will shortly follow with local schools, setting them the challenge of officially naming the new ship. 

Artwork installation for Common Good greenspace by riverside

Finally, members agreed to use Nairn Common Good riverside land for the future installation of artwork.  The Walk Wheel Cycle Trust will install a piece of public art on the greenspace, designed and fabricated by artists Mary Bourne and Lynne Strachan.  Funding for the artwork has come from a donation to Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, from the estate of Jan Nowell who died in 2022.  Jan lived in Moray, was a keen cyclist who loved the local area and was passionate about art.

Above:  The unveiling of artwork at Nairn Links on 8 May 2026.