Photo credit | Karl Canning
The Heart of Kilmarnock’ is a fictional piece of artwork, created as a gift to the Kilmarnock people, designed by Karl Canning.
The mural is located on St Andrews Street, Kilmarnock, KA1 3EY, and was completed in August 2025.
About the mural
Karl crafted the mural over five days between 10-15 August 2025.
This mural was not commissioned and initially did not have a title. Karl’s original plan was for the mural to be a casual gift to the Kilmarnock people, but it turned out to be so much more.
Speaking of the mural, Karl said:
“Having grown in confidence, I wanted to paint something in Kilmarnock and turned to my love of the highland warriors of old. I wanted to paint a symbol of Scottish pride and heritage, and at the same time continue to practice my portraits. This is what led to my design, and I created three images of fiery red headed warriors that I wanted to paint around Scotland.
“The Old Picture House turned out to be a perfect wall in need of some attention, but I couldn’t find a way to contact the owners, so I started the mural with fingers crossed.”
About the artist
Karl was born in Kilmarnock in 1981 and moved to Leeds in 1986. He has always taken pride in his heritage and tries to bring his daughter to visit Kilmarnock during school holidays.
Karl has only been painting for two years and considers himself a reasonably new artist. He likes to find ways to spread and practice his art by giving back to the communities he grew up in and has love for, by finding run-down neglected walls and transforming them into something beautiful and inspiring.
You can keep up-to-date with Karl’s latest artwork on his Instagram.
Community feedback
The support Karl received from locals over the five days he carried out the mural was incredible. Karl said:
“I learned so much about the town and the struggles and the recent town centre fire, and saw how the people still stayed positive, friendly, and happy in the face of it all, and that’s how the mural got its name.
After the mural was shared on a local social media page, it received an immense amount of engagement, with hundreds of likes and comments, and some people even asked for printed copies of the mural.”
A tribute to Alana Louise Black
Sadly, the mural also had a profound impact, as a local young woman passed away during the time that the mural was completed, named Alana Louise Black.
Elise Pilling, Alana’s best friend contacted Karl when the mural was finished, expressing her appreciation and love for the mural.
Photo permissions - Karl Canning and Elise Pilling
Elise said:
“Alana was a devoted mum to two amazing children, and a deeply loved daughter, sister, niece, and friend.
“She was known for her fiery red hair that perfectly matched her vibrant personality. Everyone who knew Alana knew that when she walked into a room, it was going to be a good night – full of endless love, mischief, and giggles. Through it all, she was the best mum to her children, always putting them first.
“This mural was painted on the day Alana was taken into hospital. For myself and those who were close to Alana, it displays her vibrant, flowing red hair and a sword representing the many years she spent bravely battling her mental health.
"The mural has brought comfort to everyone, reminding us that a piece of her will always remain with us – encouraging us to keep going and to keep fighting, even on the darkest days.
"Alana is deeply missed. This mural acts as a tribute for Alana’s friends and family, and we remember Alana for the strong, beautiful, and remarkable woman she was – and always will be.”