A CALL to paint Dunfermline green with colourful murals across the city centre has been made.

West Fife's Scottish Green Party group has urged Fife Council to invest in local artists to help brighten up tired and empty spaces around the area.

The idea follows the success of the Glasgow City Centre Mural Trail and similar installations in Edinburgh and Dundee.

The group's co-convener, Ryan Blackadder, explained: "Walking around Glasgow, you are taken aback by the beauty and character of the building side murals depicting nature, landmarks and its famous descendants.

"These murals provoke thought and spark joy, bringing colour and beauty to previously dreary or boring spaces. As Dunfermline finds it feet as a new city, it should express itself by showcasing art and creativity.”

Mr Blackadder and the group have written to members of the City of Dunfermline area committee about the proposed project and requested they consider making funds available to encourage local artists and those from further afield to create designs for consideration.

“A prime location to start is on our proposed future city square where the High Street meets the bus station on Queen Anne Street. Either side of this green space are prime canvases ready to be decorated," he added.

“What better way to celebrate our new city than by brightening the landscape with a mural of our beloved peacocks like Malcolm or to connect with our twinned towns and cities across the globe by inviting their artists to get involved and illuminate our walls with some European artistry.

"Creating a mural trail is a great and cost-effective way of promoting tourism around our city whilst supporting local businesses and artists. Cities across the UK and Europe have embraced street art and Dunfermline should too.”

City of Dunfermline area committee convener, Councillor James Calder, said: "We have exciting plans for Dunfermline and if successful in our funding bid from the levelling-up fund, our city centre will have a transformational change," he said.

"This will include the gap site which will become a great community space.

"We will of course be considering all ways in which to achieve these changes – a lot of work is being put into this by Fife Council to make sure this is done right. This includes involving the local community and local businesses who are essential partners in this endeavour.

"The City of Dunfermline area committee will of course consider any funding applications that are made to help complement the work we are doing in transforming our city centre."