Art made by young people from Cumnock is being showcased at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh.

Vibrant posters, prints and banners created by 20 pupils from Robert Burns Academy have been mounted in an exhibition titled ‘You Are Here’ which is on display until the end of June.

The pupils, aged between 12 and 17, set up their own mini-art school, supported by the National Galleries of Scotland Outreach team.

They made striking street art designed to change the face of Cumnock by graphically representing young people’s views on the past, present and future of the area.

Pupils hope that it can help youngsters have their voices heard more.

The display at the Portrait Gallery includes a monumental wall. Like a giant shrine, it features posters, placards and a dramatic banner stretched across the top.

All of the pupils involved were absolutely thrilled to be given the chance to showcase their talents to such a broad audience, and they’ll be looking to build on this success in the future.

One of the young artists, Crystal Edgar, aged 13, described her hopes for the exhibition and what she wishes to achieve.

Crystal said: “We hope our art and re-branding of the town will change adults’ opinions and help them see it from a young person’s point of view.”

Robin Baillie, outreach co-ordinator at the National Galleries of Scotland, added: “It is a great achievement that these young artists have created a display of street art, graphics and banners that stops you in your tracks, and shows what would things look like if young people could shape their own environment.

“Their imagination, enthusiasm and freedom to think differently is a major resource for their area.”

This project was led by National Galleries of Scotland Outreach in partnership with the Robert Burns Academy, the Coalfields Communities Landscape Partnership and the Corra Foundation.

Funding support has been provided by the Scottish Government’s Youth Arts Fund, through Creative Scotland with support from Youth Music Initiative and Time to Shine.

The Youth Arts Fund ensures creative opportunities for children and young people continue to exist across Scotland despite the Covid-19 pandemic.