Intellectual Property | Michael Corr
A new mural for Cumnock: honouring our past, inspiring our future
Designed by Ayrshire based artist, Michael Corr, Industries of Cumnock is a mural that honours the town’s rich heritage and the resilience of its people.
You may be familiar with Corr's artwork as he previously designed the Robert Burns Mural.
The artwork will be installed using spray paint only, with safety fencing around the work area.
A video will also be created during installation to document the mural from start to finish.
Installation of the mural is likely to take place in spring 2026.
About the mural
The recent demolition of buildings at 12–16 Glaisnock Street has revealed the side wall of 18 Glaisnock Street – a newly visible space in the heart of Cumnock.
In June 2025, this gable wall was rendered as part of essential works to stabilise the building’s foundations.
This building is Category C listed, which means it is officially recognised as being of special historic interest.
The mural seeks to celebrate the industries that built the town, while shining a light on the enduring camaraderie and spirit of its community.
Michael’s mural concept is titled: 'A Mural Celebrating Heritage, Resilience, and Renewal'
From his application:
"Cumnock’s history is a tapestry of industry, community, and perseverance. This mural will capture the town’s story through a dynamic, collage-style design – stitched together with the symbols, textures, and colours that shaped its people and landscape.
Cumnock pulses with life. More than just an industry, coal mining was the lifeblood of Cumnock, transforming quiet hills into a booming industrial force.
This mural is a living legacy. Woven with the voices of the past and the spirit of today, it will stand as a patchwork of Cumnock’s enduring strength – a tribute to those who shaped its legacy and those who carry it forward."
The mural will feature visual references to several key industries that have shaped Cumnock’s identity.
Coal mining - the town’s heartbeat
A miner’s portrait, surrounded by symbols of the trade:
- winding wheels
- mining tools
- black diamonds
- soaring starlings to represent community resilience
Weaving - a close-knit community
- Handloom patterns and muslin florals – celebrate the town’s skilled weavers and their contribution to local life
- Pottery - earth and craft – decorative fragments and textures reflect the craftsmanship of local potters who transformed clay into everyday essentials
- Snuff box making - hidden histories – subtle sycamore leaf motifs nod to the unique tradition of Cumnock snuff box making
- Farming - the land’s lifeblood – ploughed field lines and golden wheat sheaves honour the generations of farmers who have sustained the land
Commission process
The opportunity to design the mural was shared via the Creative Scotland Opportunities platform and was live for one month at the end of 2024.
The overall objective of this commission was to develop an artwork for the public realm which is site-specific and contributes to the regeneration of the area by recognising Cumnock’s past, present and future. The resulting artwork aims to be engaging, interactive, accessible and sympathetic to the local culture and environment.
It attracted 10 submissions from artists across the country. After a thorough shortlisting and interview process by a steering group: (Councillor Jim McMahon, The Cumnock Business Association, a representative from Cumnock Action Plan, and the Chair of the Community Council), Michael Corr was appointed as the lead artist.
The mural is funded by East Ayrshire Council and was allocated to Cumnock Community Council to make improvements to the town.
About the artist
Michael brings over a decade of experience in public and private mural work, with projects completed in Glasgow, Miami, and now, Cumnock.
Find out more about Michael Corr's projects
Meet the artist event
An event was held to meet the artist, Michael Corr to allow the community to share their thoughts on the proposed mural design on Saturday 2 August 2025 at The Baird Institute in Cumnock.
15 people attended the event, including four participants who travelled from Fife as they had strong ties to Cumnock.
Conversations on the day were generally very positive and encouraging and included:
- “It’s stunning”
- “It’s marvellous"
Engagement East Ayrshire feedback
An Engagement East Ayrshire survey was circulated online which received some stellar feedback from members of the community such as:
- “I think the story behind the Mural is spot on as the heritage of Cumnock and the surrounding areas should be celebrated and showcased to all.”
- “I think art is such a powerful way of bringing people together and reminding them of who we not only are but what we can be.”