A vibrant new mural has appeared at The Tarradale Chippy in Muir of Ord. It’s the latest piece in Mikeysline’s ongoing campaign to spark conversations about mental health and suicide prevention.
The charity commissioned artist Marc Delaye, of Fresh Paint, to create the piece. As a result, it now works as a highly visible reminder of the support services Mikeysline offers across the North of Scotland.
The artwork is playful and whimsical. A character resembling Willy Wonka takes centre stage, dressed in his signature purple jacket and top hat. But instead of sweets, he’s tucking into a bucket of chips. Meanwhile, he stands in a fantastical forest of twisting trees, purple and pink foliage, and oversized lollipops. Bright red and white toadstools dot the scene, and a large bumblebee hovers nearby.
This mural adds to a growing collection of Fresh Paint artworks that highlight Mikeysline’s presence across the region. Similar murals already stand in Inverness, Wick, and Thurso. Earlier this year, for example, a piece featuring Scottish singer Callum Beattie went up in the Inverness Victorian Market, further spreading the charity’s message.
Overall, Mikeysline has become a vital resource for residents across the Highlands, Islands, and Moray. In particular, the organisation works to dismantle the stigma around mental health, encouraging open, honest conversations with anyone facing emotional distress.