HISTORY jumped off the wall and into the hearts and minds of a new generation in an Easter Ross town last week as a bright idea was put into action.

Invergordon's famous mural trail formed the backdrop for a special school outing enjoyed by hundreds of pupils from Newmore, Park, South Lodge and Milton primary schools with history coming to life thanks to the trailblazing artwork and the colourful input of local volunteers.

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Children taking part in the Our Invergordon project had the chance to see their own artwork, poems and stories displayed in a living 'art gallery' along the port town's long High Street as businesses gladly offered window space for the project.

At Poet's Corner, pupils shared snatches of what the town means to them as school groups made their way from mural to mural to be greeted by a colourful cast of characters.

There was the sort of poignant moment which simply cannot be planned when a train arriving at Invergordon Railway Station was greeted by an excited gaggle of flag-waving children who had been told the story behind The Long Goodbye mural.

It depicts the departure for France of 4th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders, their action at St Valery in 1940 to delay the German advance and the departure of prisoners to a German POW camp.

Outside Albyn Housing Society, host to another striking mural, Catherine Williams – a former member of Kildary Angling Club who gleefully recounted her inability to catch a single fish – entertained and informed in equal measure, looking the part in tweeds and with a large net. Fish may have escaped her attentions but the listening children were hooked.

The appearance of hometown heroes Tom and Luke Stoltman at Invergordon Church of Scotland delighted schoolchildren who peppered the world's strongest brothers with questions.

Lorna Valentine, who came up with the idea, was thrilled with the response: "I just like to see people happy and the community working together. It's great to see what happens with a little bit of encouragement and positivity."

The church hosted a concert in the evening. That featured Norrie MacIver of Skipinnish.

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