PAINTING is underway on a mural that will depict the history and culture of Peebles and is expected to prove a big draw for tourists.

Local artist and designer Michael Jessing will take around 40 days to complete the paintwork for the mural on the Old Bakehouse wall in Pennels Close off the High Street.

Plastering was carried out by local company John Grandison a few weeks ago Ward councillor Willie Archibald said: “This is going to look impressive when it’s done - it’ll become a rare historical artefact and I am sure all the visitors to our town will come to see it. It will be yet another wonderful attraction in Peebles!” The mural which will measure 30 feet by eight feet has been made possible thanks to an intiative from the community council.

Robin Tatler, a community council member and chairman of the mural project, said: “We’re delighted at how things are going and we hope it should all be completed by the autumn.

“Michael has designed it all himself but he did get some advice from local people to help him draw up the plan.

“Anyone wishing to see what it will look like when it’s finished can see the plans in the Eastgate Theatre.” Awards For All provided the bulk of the money for the project with some cash also coming from the Common Good Fund. The nearby Royal Bank of Scotland is also helping with some fund-raising.

“We still need a little bit more money to complete the project so any donations would be welcome,” said Mr Tatler.