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There is an open invitation to all locals and friends to the event at Kirrie Connections in Bank Street on Saturday (28 April), where there will be a small reception and display of the projects undertaken through the Kirriemuir Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) until 1pm.
But first, at 11am, there will be official unveiling of a mosaic in Cumberland Close, which captures the town's history, its stories and memories.
The eight-metre long mosaic is a collaborative labour of love by local artist Maureen Crosbie and Kirrie Connections dementia friendly hub and its members who are living with dementia. Other town residents, from age 8 to 88 were also involved in the creation to complete a work that is truly by the local people and for the local people, as well as for the many visitors to Kirriemuir. Maureen collected stories, anecdotes and memories through joining people at the hub and transformed them into the striking images that comprise the mosaic. All have their own story, from a Meffan's bus to a Black Tup ram, and are connected by the words of local poet Violet Jacob's poem – The Wild Geese.
Local councillor Julie Bell, who is also a member of the Kirriemuir CARS steering group said: "It's a wonderful piece of artwork that reflects the heritage and spirit of the town and its people. It also exemplifies the positive force that the Kirriemuir CARS project has been for the town."
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Depute Leader and local councillor Angus Macmillan Douglas, who is also a member of the steering group added: "This is a beautiful piece of art and fits so well with the CARS project which has helped to restore the centre of Kirriemuir."
The Kirriemuir CARS initiative began in 2013 as a joint venture between Angus Council and Historic Environment Scotland. The aim was to reinstate the character of the historic buildings within the conservation area boundary, by providing grant funding for external repair and restoration projects. As well as providing grant assistance, the scheme also aimed to promote greater awareness of the town's built heritage so as to encourage additional investment.
In addition to the traditional building repair works, Kirrie CARS has worked closely with local schools and community groups including Kirrie Connections.
Graham Galloway, Project Coordinator at Kirrie Connections said: "As well as a unveiling of the new mosaic, Saturday is also all about celebrating the great work the CARS project has carried out over the past 5 years. In addition to the art work, Kirrie Connections has also collaborated with CARS on a variety of public realm works in the town, most notably the new crossing point outside Lyall Court.
"This joint work was highlighted The Royal Institute of Town Planners as an excellent example of community partnership work. Kirrie is looking the best it has in years, and a lot of that is down to all the hard work the CARS team have put in."
The town square was repaired and refurbished, incorporating designs from schoolchildren, and there was an ethos of education and training throughout the five-year project. Contractors, local professionals, residents and schools came together to better understand their heritage and traditional methods of building repairs, through seminars, workshop and hands-on training.
Saturday's celebration event will be attended by many of the people who have been involved in Kirrie Cars over the past five years. There will also be a story map, slide show and an array of photographs on display – highlighting the work that has been done.
Provost and local councillor Ronnie Proctor (a member of the steering group since the scheme's launch) said: "The Kirrie CARS project has had a very positive impact on the town and its people. I hope it has brought a close community, even closer still and will leave Kirriemuir with a lasting legacy from which we can all continue to protect our proud history and secure a prosperous future for the town."
(MH)
