A vibrant mural by Fife artist Lauren Morsley will brighten Kirkwall’s high street as part of the new Garden Square project, incorporating local folklore and cultural icons near the upcoming Rapture nightclub.
An eye-catching mural is set to adorn Kirkwall’s high street as part of the eagerly anticipated Garden Square development, bringing a burst of creativity and culture to the area. This striking piece, designed by Fife-based artist Lauren Morsley, incorporates vibrant elements that pay homage to Orkney’s rich heritage. Recognisable motifs such as the Stoor Worm, a Trow, orca whales, and the iconic standing stones feature prominently in the artist’s distinctive style, promising to resonate with both residents and visitors alike.
The mural will be strategically positioned along the south-facing wall of Anchor Buildings, rather than directly facing the street, allowing it to serve as a welcoming entry point to the future Rapture nightclub. This multi-purpose development on Bridge Street is expected to transform the landscape of Kirkwall with its offering of a nightclub, bowling alley, food kiosks, and an arcade. Local businessman Neil Stevenson spearheads the project, which aims to enhance the vibrant social scene in Kirkwall.
Plans for the mural were presented to the council’s planning committee, where they received broad support. Jamie Macvie, the council’s planning manager, noted that the mural’s unique style offers a contrast to other artworks in town, specifically highlighting its “limited visibility” compared to a mural on the side of the Highland Park shop. Despite some initial reservations voiced by councillor John Ross Scott, who expressed curiosity about public reactions to the mural’s design within the conservation area, the committee ultimately approved the plans unanimously. Mr Scott remarked, “I have come to love it. It will brighten up the town and brighten up our lives,” reflecting a shared optimism for the project.
Lauren Morsley, renowned for her bold and colourful designs, is steadily making a name for herself in both the art and music scenes. Previously, she completed a mural at the Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy and worked on projects promoting sustainability in Dundee. Her signature style shines through in various applications, illustrating her ability to connect with community themes and local culture. Celebrated for projects that resonate with her surroundings, Morsley’s work at the Garden Square development promises to be yet another vibrant addition to her portfolio.
As development progresses, it has been noted that some components, including the nightclub’s establishment, will be temporary for a decade. Mr Stevenson envisions a dynamic future for the site, stating, “The whole area could form a much more ambitious site.” His perspective lays the groundwork for potential evolution within Kirkwall, encouraging a blend of innovation and tradition that aligns with the artistic spirit illustrated by Morsley’s mural. With the development aiming for a summer opening ahead of the Island Games in July, the excitement surrounding this project showcases a commitment to fostering cultural vibrancy in Orkney.
In addition, the Orkney Islands Council’s Art in Public Places scheme continues to support creative endeavours within the region, ensuring that public art remains a cornerstone of community identity. This aligns seamlessly with initiatives like the ‘Remembering Together’ Covid Memorial Project, further embedding art within the cultural fabric of Orkney. As the Garden Square development takes shape, it stands to not only transform the physical environment but also enhance the community’s sense of belonging and pride.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/business/local/6767412/mural-orkney-nightclub-rapture-kirkwall/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/entertainment/4818350/fife-artist-lauren-morsley/ – This article highlights Fife-based artist Lauren Morsley, known for her bold and colourful designs. It discusses her recent mural at the Adam Smith Theatre in Kirkcaldy, reflecting her personal connection to the venue. The piece also touches upon her commission to design merchandise for the band Frightened Rabbit, showcasing her growing influence in the art and music scenes.
- https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/dundee/3397626/flats-mural-stobswell/ – The article covers a vibrant mural created by Lauren Morsley on the side of a block of flats in Dundee’s Stobswell area. Commissioned to promote sustainability and community spirit, the mural features characters engaging in eco-friendly activities. The project was funded by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and took eight days to complete, with Morsley expressing hope that it would brighten the area.
- https://madebrave.com/blog/madebrave-meets-illustrator-lauren-morsley/ – In this interview, Lauren Morsley discusses her journey as an illustrator and printmaker. She shares insights into her creative process, inspirations, and the challenges of self-promotion. The conversation also touches upon her experiences with notable clients and her involvement in various exhibitions, highlighting her rapid success in the art world.
- https://www.theaoi.com/entries/lauren-morsley-sunny-trails/ – This entry features Lauren Morsley’s work ‘Sunny Trails’, which was longlisted in the 2021 World Illustration Awards. The piece showcases her distinctive style, characterised by bold, bright, and colourful designs. The article provides a brief biography of Morsley, detailing her education and notable clients, and highlights her aspirations to work within film and large-scale illustrative murals.
- https://www.orkney.gov.uk/our-services/leisure-and-culture/arts-development/public-art/ – The Orkney Islands Council’s Culture Service operates the Art in Public Places scheme, annually acquiring pieces for the existing collection. The collection is accessible to the public through schools, colleges, Orkney Library and Archive, and other public buildings. The page also mentions current projects, including the ‘Remembering Together’ Scottish Government Covid Memorial Project and the ‘SUN 2023’ installation at St Magnus Cathedral.
- https://www.lockeliving.com/en/features/exploring-edinburgh-s-creative-hubs-with-lauren-morsley – In this feature, Lauren Morsley discusses her bespoke graphics found on Eden Locke’s key cards, centred around Scotland being ‘a land of myths and legends’. She shares insights into her creative process, inspirations, and the significance of Edinburgh’s folklore in her designs. The article also delves into her background, education, and experiences as a freelance illustrator and printmaker.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative appears to be original, with no evidence of prior publication. The earliest known publication date of similar content is May 29, 2025. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. However, the inclusion of updated data alongside older material may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The development aims for a summer opening ahead of the Island Games in July, indicating recent activity. ([pressandjournal.co.uk](https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/6740427/why-an-orkney-businessman-says-his-soon-to-open-nightclub-can-work-while-others-face-hard-times/?utm_source=openai)) The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The quotes attributed to Jamie Macvie and Councillor John Ross Scott are unique to this report, with no identical matches found online. This suggests potentially original or exclusive content. However, variations in wording compared to other reports may indicate paraphrasing.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Press and Journal, a reputable Scottish newspaper. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. However, the reliance on a single source may limit the breadth of information.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the Garden Square development and the mural by Lauren Morsley are plausible and align with known information. The development aims for a summer opening ahead of the Island Games in July, indicating recent activity. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. ([pressandjournal.co.uk](https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/6740427/why-an-orkney-businessman-says-his-soon-to-open-nightclub-can-work-while-others-face-hard-times/?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative presents plausible and original content, with unique quotes and a reputable source. However, the reliance on a single source and the inclusion of recycled material alongside updated data warrant further verification.
