A MURAL depicting Peebles’ rich history and culture over the past several hundred years was officially unveiled in the town this week.

Local artist Michael Jessing painted the 30 ft by 8 ft mural on the wall of the old Bakehouse in Pennel’s Close, which is just off the high street, over the course of the summer.

The much anticipated unveiling was conducted by Scottish Borders Council's Convener, Tweeddale Councillor Graham Garvie.

Chairman of Peebles Community Council and project leader Robin Tatler spoke about the amount of time and effort that has been put into this venture.

“It has taken us three years to identify a suitable site, commission our wonderful local artist, get permission from the owners and planning permission and finally to secure funding for this project.

“But the finished artwork has been well worth the wait.

“We are very grateful to all those who helped to fund the project and to those who helped with the content and historical information for the mural.

“None of this would have been possible without the support from Awards for All, Peebles Common Good Fund and Peebles Creative Place 2014 and we would like to record our sincere gratitude to all those involved.”

Mr Tatler said: “This mural will be a great asset to the residents of Peebles – old and new.

“And it should provide useful historical and cultural information for visitors to the town.”

Speaking for Peebles Creative Place 2014, who commissioned Michael Jessing to do the initial drawings, Caroline Adam said: “It has been fascinating to see how Michael has developed his initial pencil sketches into fully realised colour images of some of the most iconic people and places associated with the town.”

After the mural was unveiled Michael Jessing took time to explain some of the events and individuals depicted in the painting.

This was followed by the ceremonial handing over of the piece to Reverend Malcom Jefferson of St. Andrew’s Leckie Parish Church, which owns the Bakehouse Wall home to the mural.

Church board member Jim Yuill said: “We are delighted that our building will carry this important piece of work.

“It will be a permanent tribute to the people and events that have shaped Peebles over the years.”

An new interpretive brochure giving further details and information about the mural is now available from Whitie’s.

Copies will also be in the tourist information centre in Peebles.