SPECTACULAR sculptures of some favourite story book characters with strong links to Scotland have been created in one of Ayr's most popular open spaces.
Rozelle Park has been transformed aspart of South Ayrshire Council's special Once Upon a Time in South Ayrshire - Story Stroll event.
Visitors can follow the family-friendly self-led trail to find 11 willow sculptures specially created by local artist David Powell.
These include J.M. Barrie’s classic characters and arch rivals Captain Hook and Peter Pan, the Sorting Hat from Harry Potter, Rupert Bear, Robert Louis Stevenson’s Long John Silver, Mairi Hedderwick’s young adventurer Katie Morag, Beatrix Potter’s Squirrel Nutkin and Peter Rabbit, Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes, beloved Scottish ogre Shrek and the intrepid Stick Man.
The trail is free for everyone and can be enjoyed in any order, as one complete trail or in smaller parts.
The trail will be extended in 2023 to Troon, Prestwick, Maybole and Girvan.
Councillor Alec Clark, South Ayrshire Council’s portfolio holder for tourism, culture and rural affairs, said: “Story Stroll is the perfect way to round off the Once Upon a Time in South Ayrshire series of events.
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"The walking tour will really ignite the imaginations of children, young people and their families for years to come as they see some of their storybook favourite characters brought to life.
“The beauty of a self-led walk means that it can be enjoyed at any pace, and I would highly recommend a visit to our stunning Rozelle Park to see the new sculptures.”
Gordon Smith, regional director at VisitScotland said: “We are delighted to be supporting Story Stroll at Rozelle Park as part of Scotland’s Year of Stories 2022.
"It’s a great finale to the Once Upon a Time in South Ayrshire programme and a real opportunity for locals and visitors alike to encounter some iconic literary characters in beautiful surroundings.
“People will be able to enjoy Story Stroll beyond the Year of Stories itself, providing a legacy for the area as well as an opportunity for people to get reacquainted with some of their favourite storybook characters or even discover some new ones.”
Story Stroll is running as part of a programme of events supported by EventScotland as part of the Year of Stories 2022.
You can find out more by visiting www.destinationsouthayrshire.co.uk/story-stroll
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