Mural project brings memories to life

Published: Monday 31 March 2025

This image shows a member of staff from SLLC at one of the murals done as part of a project at McKillop Gardens care home

A mural inspired by the lives of residents has gone on display at a South Lanarkshire care home.

South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture’s (SLLC) Arts Development team spent time with residents of McKillop Gardens in East Kilbride who shared stories and memories of their lives.

These conversations inspired ‘Windows to the Past’, a project which transformed the corridor walls within McKillop Gardens into a trip down memory lane.

Local artist and SLLC art tutor Kayleigh McCallum painted the mural:

She said: “It was an enjoyable project to work on and brought a sense of brightness and fun to the corridor. I loved meeting all the residents and staff that participated along the way too.”

The theme centred around windows which offered a glimpse into past familiar places and memories such as holidays to the seaside, going dancing, garden walks and village life.

Care Home Manager Valerie Miller said: “The aim was to provide residents with a nicer environment to walk through every day.

“The mural also gave residents something to talk about and encouraged them to increase their step count and increase their mobility levels each day.”

“The discussions with residents were beneficial and enjoyable to them and to staff, Kayleigh captured the themes really well and with such great detail.”

“Every time you look at the murals, you spot another detail.”