Unique arts collaboration transforms local playground

Woodburn Primary School playground has been transformed thanks to a collaboration with the arts group, Dalkeith Arts.

Famous hats and caring cats

The artists have taken fantastic designs by pupils of everything from caring cats to famous hats and replicated them on the school walls.

Encourages imaginative play

Head Teacher Joanna Findlay said: “We have thoroughly enjoyed working with Dalkeith Arts. The Woodburn staff, children and families are absolutely delighted with the murals.  The children who designed them and the artists who brought them to life have done an amazing job.  Our playground has been transformed.  When the children are outside it is lovely to see them engage with the murals, they are a great stimulus for imaginative play.”

A vibrant place to play and grow     

Chair of Dalkeith Arts Mary Blair said: “Dalkeith Arts is made up of volunteers who want to share their enthusiasm for the arts with as many people as possible. It's been fantastic working to transform the playground and create a more vibrant place to play and grow.”

Fantastic designs

A huge well done to pupils Ewan Lough, 8, Ailsa McClanachan, 8, Annabel Watson, 7, Finlay McFaul, 9 and Olly Mair, 9,  for the great designs showing images from pirate ships, flowers, animals thistles and lots more.

A second project

The murals were completed just months after the artists helped produce five mosaics, again in the playground, designed by pupils and local people during lockdown as part of a competition organised by the Woodburn Parent Partnership.

Brought to life

The winning designs were then brought to life using tactile, child-friendly materials such as buttons and recycled bottle tops, by the artists.

The picture shows: Woodburn Parent Partnership member Mary Stones, Taryn Lough, Maria Campbell, Ewan Lough, Margaret Bititci, Ailsa McClanachan, Annabel Watson, Evie Watson, Isla Watson, Pauline Jenks, Evie Laud. All adults other than Mary are from Dalkeith Arts.