Artwork created by Gourock school pupils and Alec Galloway on show at station

AN incredible piece of artwork which strongly shows how Gourock young people feel about racism has been unveiled.

Pupils at Gourock, Moorfoot, and St Ninian's primaries, and from St Columba's and Clydeview secondaries, have been working on an anti-racism project funded by Gourock Schools and Churches Together.

The centrepiece of the project was the creation of a unique and original piece of artwork, designed in collaboration with Inverclyde artist Alec Galloway, which would take pride of place in Gourock train station.

Together, the pupils and Alec designed a very striking and colourful stained glass panel which features hands of different colours and shapes reaching out to each other.

(Image: Duncan Bryceland)

The creation carries the message 'Gourock Schools Against Racism' which sums up exactly what the project was all about.

The artwork was unveiled at a special ceremony on June 28.

Alec said the project was a 'lovely collaborative project'. He added: "All of the themes and ideas came from the children.

"They did a lot of research, and the theme of hands became quite a dominant one.

"I sketched it all out and brought it all together, and presented it to the teachers who were all really happy with it.

"It was such a nice thing to do and the sentiment behind it made it a really lovely piece to work on."

Network Rail donated the frame which holds the colourful creation. 

Pupils and head teachers from all of the schools involved in the project attended the unveiling, along with Father Gerry McNellis, Reverend Teri Peterson, and Reverend David Burt.

(Image: Duncan Bryceland)
St John's, Old Gourock and Ashton, St Ninian's, and Gourock Community Baptist Church are all part of Gourock Schools and Churches Together.

Reverend David Burt welcomed everyone to the official unveiling and said the artwork was 'absolutely stunning'.

David added: "It's here as a reminder of the initiative and will be here forever for everyone to see.

"All of the passengers will see it when they're travelling through the station.

"It shows that everyone is welcome and everyone is valued, and stands as testament to what can be achieved.

"It's so important for us in Gourock that churches work so closely with schools.

"We're so grateful to the young people for their input."

(Image: Duncan Bryceland)
Elyse Buchanan, head teacher at Moorfoot Primary, said everyone involved was thrilled to see the artwork installed.

She said: "It's an amazing focal point for people passing through the station.

"We want to say a huge thank-you to all of the churches for helping to fund the project.

"Thanks also to Alec and Louise from Crow Cottage Arts for bringing us all together and getting every single pupil involved.

"We want to thank all of the children who have created this legacy, and who have made a promise that we do not accept racism in Gourock."