Meechan

Murals

Currently working up a new web site; Coming Soon at WIX

Hello & Welcome; The purpose of this site is to inform update, and showcase my arts and activities. Grounded in society & community arts, and a johnnie come lately, of 40 years, to Craigmillar. I have been active, locally and nationally, always with the aim to deliver a quality assured product and service(s).

The 'Claim NOW' image was,on both sides of the old petrol station, now the Medical Centre. The image was to spotlight the Welfare Rights Campaign, which commenced with this Niddie Mains Road drop-in and ended up as C.A.N. Craigmillar Ability Network.

Contact gusmeechan@gmail.com 07842950068 Website: https://sites.google.com/site/angusmeechan/

News Wonderful! the former arts organisation C.C.A. is no more, and the Craigmillar Now, of high regard and principles, are the occupants, and service delivery of the Craigmillar Arts Centre. craigmillarnow.com

My contribution to arts and our living environs with community activism commenced circa 1982 volunteering and with Greenscheme, the first urban aid project of its kind, based from the housing scheme’s shop front in Niddrie Marischal Street.

In 1996 the Edinburgh District Council, in partnership with the Craigmillar Initiative, succeeded in developing one of the first projects to be funded by the Millennium Commission as part of the Millennium Forest for Scotland Project. The Craigmillar Urban Forest ‘Plantation’ project involved planting 39,650 new trees in the Craigmillar Castle Park, over a 3 day period with the help of 2,332 volunteers

With the Council support, by their decentralisation policy, and my role as a community Local Forum representative my director’s membership of the board, Craigmillar Initiative commenced 1st January 1992, being the first public/private partnership for area regeneration. I also had the remit to progress an Environment Strategy sub-group. Hence the formation of a priority for a tree bank/park resources. In 1996 the Edinburgh District Council, in partnership with the Craigmillar Initiative, succeeded in developing one of the first projects to be funded by the Millennium Commission as part of the Millennium Forest for Scotland Project. The Craigmillar Urban Forest ‘Plantation’ project involved planting 39,650 new trees in the Craigmillar Castle Park, over a 3 day period with the help of 2,332 volunteers. This was in addition to many other urban planted areas e.g. Cavalry Park Duddingston.

Officer quote ‘’The Edinburgh Plantathon was an incredible weekend for the City. Thousands of people of all ages and backgrounds turned up in high spirits to do their bit for their local environment. Two decades later we have a wonderful woodland for the people of Craigmillar and a great home for the city’s wildlife. The Plantathon, a contender with the Guiness book of records, catalysed the planting of many other woodlands across the city, and no doubt inspired many people into further environmental and community activity”

https://www.tree-time.com/20th-anniversary-of-craigmillar-millennium-woods/

My art activism, although I had to reduce my artistic endeavours e.g. family monies! then led me to assist in establishing The Housing Development Project 1989 (C.H.D.P.), initially in a voluntary role, then as a Development Worker. The successful Housing Conference 1991 set many priorities with the Housing framework e.g. the housing made of Niddrie (Mains) Brick be partially retained. My CHDP role was working to establish and support local groups, and enable them to participate and engage with the regeneration of their neighbourhoods e.g. Niddrie Marischal Action Group deputation at the Council Chambers, Ali~the~alien. Also established the community housing association Edincraig, registered with Scottish Homes 1993. This was succeeded by Kintry Housing Partnership. Now splintered into its constituents parts of the Housing association movement e.g. Link, Castlerock etc.

Now, with the archive Susan George Exhibition, at the Whitehouse, images from the commissioned work by my development role, to capture the housing before, during and after, will be made available for view with Sandra’s legacey.

As above so~below, the picture of the old petrol garage Mural (inserted image from archive), now the Medical Centre, steamed from the Welfare Rights Campaign circa 1984, the Thatcher government parliament Election year. This led ultimately to the services delivered by CAN, Craigmillar Ability Network. ‘’To take the dis’ out of dis-ability’’ Unfortunately this popular and cost effective organisation recently closed down with Xmas cuts in 2019. The council’s Shot -itself-in the-foot!

Project Co'2' BIGfoot, , a hand painted project which was visible on the Google Earth .circa 2007/8...Three 95' long Bigfoot(s) onto the original tarmacked Niddrie Mains Terrace by the old Roxy & laundry, aimed at amplifying the planning rhetoric with development carbon footprint. This area had been the result of demolition-ed homes and a once vibrant living community, constructed from the 1930's quality engineered Niddrie Brick. This world renowned product from, Newcraighall, helped fuel the golden time; produced from the Klondyke high grade coal vein; seam. The land; Niddrie Mains farm was a part of the laird Wauchope estate(s). circa 1780-1920's The mine was also amongst the most valuable assets back in the good times. This first tranche of municipal housing for the festival capital Edinburgh, was built with the Niddrie Brick, being the foundation for the living 'Community' with it's world renowned festival society. With planning for the current housing led market urban regeneration, these homes were deemed 'surplus to requirements' or let's start from a new page. We argued the contrary, but were ignored. Back in-the day, this being the first municipal inner city land clearance scheme for Scotland, a cure for 'the problem' of inner city overcrowding, and it's environs. e.g. the 'Royal Mile'. and Canongate.

NOW; apart from new build homes, this valuable city asset land, is occupied by the multi- euro grocer's LIDAL, Bargain Store (other products are available) etc.. The actual footprints, will now be under the innovative.////.community newbuild website///project

O' Aye, the replacement housing, and land post Wauchope, was controversially, and mainly transferred to the new 'affordable housing' association(s), the current trend with urban regeneration. The other replacement social facilities were to be build later e.g. Scottish Homes housing criteria.

Also, with environment education local school's pupils painted their own ''footprints'' in-situ. Recorded in the Craigmillar Chronicle article. 'What the fuc#''; a surprised quote from the Head teacher. The pupils had just returned fresh faced, with paint, and exuberant to their school(s).

'O' Aye, the new High School has now opened, the community campaign(s) for a new school was circa; 1979.

Photo & twitter feed by courtesy of Edinburgh Councillor Maureen Child. Following years of well appreciated public service steps down as the Councillor in 2022.

Some of my Contributions to Event(s) at Craigmillar

On the Street with the 'Fringe Festival', this returned in 2021

School; tbc e.g. embedded Connecting Craigmillar video with the new school , it;s mural activity. with the newly built Castlebrae School. A new beginning in comprehensive education!

Also I continue Exhibits at Duddingston, during the Edinburgh Open Doors Festival.

During a Edinburgh Fringe Festival, another successful Exhibition was concluded at Dr Neil's Garden, showcasing of 'Tamson's Progress'. http://www.drneilsgarden.co.uk

Aye this all happened on the Craigmillar doorstep, and including the parish Richmond Church, Niddrie Mains Rd.

Craigmillar is sighted as the originator of Community Arts & Festivals. Even before the 'official' Edinburgh fringe. A little known fact much muted by Richard Demarco.

From Wikipedia; Jock Tamson's Bairns is used as a personification of the Scots nation, it is also used to refer to the human race in general. It is also used when people think one of their number is showing off, or considers himself better than his peers: "Who does he think he is? We're all Jock Tamson's bairns." One explanation of this phrase (as recorded in the History of Duddingston Kirk) is that the Reverend John Thomson (Jock Tamson

Thomson), minister of Duddingston Kirk,Edinburgh, from 1805 to 1840, called the members of his congregation "ma bairns" and this resulted in folk saying "we're a' Jock Tamson's bairns" which gave a sense of belonging to a select group. Tamson's Progress explores to continue this narrative, by way of 'Penumbra'; the artist's visual interpretation and style of painting where areas of partial shade, an eclipse, and to spotlighting issues of interest. Further points of view & discussion are welcomed.

Did you know;the world famous Raburn painting of oor' Men'ister, is reputed to be the most re-produced marketed image, after the Mona Lisa.

This image of the 6'X4' painting; oil based medium on a mixed fibre canvas, showcases the painting which was exhibited at the famous Tower at the Thomson Manse

A celebratory contribution to Celebrate World Community Arts Day held in February(s)

http://worldcommunityartsday.com/

The controversy was the then Chief Inspector of Lothian Police, who had a multi-coloured flag, above the HQ Fetties. We unwittingly got the blame, hew LGBTQX! The coverage went viral with the Evening News. With comments from far off Australia!

'We tried to jazz up a local eyesore'; artists Mark Carr and Gus returned to the spot. The former police box has recently been removed after being sold! Perhaps a 50ft sculpture would look good in this space.!

Click below to see the dastardly deed, which attracted worldwide attention, and featured on the front page of the Edinburgh Evening News.

https://myspace.com/markus000karkus/video/wcad/28362173

http://www.scotsman.com/news/scotland/top-stories/pink-painters-come-clean-1-1251100

Sca'th ~ the shadows of our past has become the shelter of our future

This narrative was with the then imminent and spectacular demotion of the Cockenzie Power Station, and the future regeneration, for the East Lothian housing expansion. It's twin chimney towers location being viewed from many miles distant. Again central to the image & profile of the local people, it's roots with power generation, coal mining, and fishing traditions. I wonder what will replace it? Not Covid outreach http://www.3harbours.co.uk/

Below 10'X4' oils on canvas has been completed to compliment the portrait, based on the Red Clydeside ship building. Title: Gee it some elbow

1980's Greenscheme, the first urban-aid project, of it’s kind in Scotland for arts and urban education. Active in local arts was combined with our family living in Greendykes, over 25 years. This was the time of campaigning with the 'poor' derelict housing awaiting regeneration.still grounded. I must be in with the bricks!

During nine years residency at Brighton in 1976 to the early 1980’s I self-taught and practised visual art. This was during the early explosion of Punk, and dub Reggie . On returning home I further developed my innovation skills, initially as a volunteer. For 12 years enabled as a local housing organiser, local groups with participation in the urban regeneration process and initiatives. I held many Chairperson roles with society & arts delivery through local organisation. Full CV on separate page.

Working studio space: currently still looking!

Projects:

For Namesake; 10'X 4' Oils on Canvas

This narrative aims to reflect the changing place name(s) of Niddrie & Craigmillar with the market led regeneration e.g. 'gold' Niddrie Brick.

For Namesake' Niddrie as 'Craig Moil Ord' the Gaelic name for Craigmillar, meaning between a rock and a hard place, but don't quote I in I.

The top left background image represents child labours; coal miners and daughters, Agnes & Janet Moffat (aged 8 & 10 years) whom part of the renewed Niddrie neighbourhood now bears their name. See 'The Moffat Way Mural' on YouTube, and the life story about children bonded in mine works, and the sister's testimony to the Victorian Parliamentary Commission which was instrumental in changing children's conditions of bonded working in mines & factory use of such labour's.

Whilst employed, self-employed works and completing many successful project; involving schools, local groups and organisations at local, city-wide, and international level. I endeavoured to keep campaigning for a more sound living environment. As a personal commitment as a carer for medical family support, resulted in a prolonged period with no activities and skint! But in hind site a rewarding reflective time.

Empowerment~based on the White Hoose at Craigmillar Niddrie Mains Rd. 10'X4' oils on canvas.This narrative reflects on this iconic building, which has recently been renovated, as the 'heart' of the new Town Centre regeneration, and it's dark past as the infamous 'watering hole'.

B & B; Part of the Eden Malaise series of works this image was a 4'x 6' oils on canvas.

Unfortunately this along with a number of other large works, were 'BIN'ed' by the City Council, whilst 'unofficial', but that's debatable, at the Craigmillar (former Festival Society) garage. How some artists are treated when they do not come from an established artistic background. P.S. I am Open University trained and qualified in' Managing Non-profit Organisations, the Business School of Management,

Tryst; oils on canvas 6'X4'. Based on the old drovers pathway routes. Reflecting my walks around the Crieff in the beautiful Perthshire countryside.

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/home for recent & archived images of artwork. IMAGES being updated.

No part of this publication(s) or digital images may be reproduced, and or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any other form or by any other means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publisher. Within the UK exceptions are allowed in respect of fair dealing for the purpose of research or private study, or criticism or review, as permitted under the copyright, Designers & Patents Act 1988.

Please excuse ant grammatical errors due to my limited dislexia. This site is also currently being constructed with updates.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse