News Centre

Young people lead community transformation through art in Glenrothes

Auchmuty underpassA group of young people from Auchmuty High School in Glenrothes and Fife Council’s 16+ project are taking bold steps to reclaim and make their local community somewhere you want to be through a collaborative mural initiative.

The project, which the young people have named POSITIVITUNNEL, is a partnership and involves a number of Fife Council services including the Glenrothes area’s Community Learning and Development (CLD) and Safer Communities teams, Police Scotland and Amey. It aims to transform a vandalised underpass near the school into a vibrant and welcoming space.

The idea was sparked by young people themselves, who voiced concerns about feeling unsafe in their neighbourhood. In response, they suggested creating a mural to enhance the area and foster a sense of pride and ownership. Working alongside local artists, Vanessa Gibson and Donna Forrester, students have been involved in designing the mural, which they began painting this week.

Support from various Fife Council’s Cleansing Services and Community Payback teams, has been instrumental in preparing the site, with power washing and whitewashing already completed. The mural is scheduled to be officially unveiled on Monday, 1st September.

Funding for the project came from a small donation by Amey and Fife Council Participatory Budgeting funds – an initiative where the local community decide how the money is spent. This mural is one of several youth-led projects currently being developed through this funding.

This initiative not only showcases the creativity and leadership of local young people but also highlights the power of partnership in addressing community concerns and promoting positive change.

“It’s inspiring to see young people taking the lead in making their community safer and more welcoming. This mural project is a brilliant example of what can be achieved when we listen to their voices and support their ideas. The Glenrothes Area Committee is proud to back initiatives like this that bring people together and create lasting positive change.”