What if I told you that a splash of vibrant color now enlivens a path leading to Holyrood Road? This is The Holyrood Mural.
Walking down one of the stepped closes to Holyrood Road you now encounter The Holyrood Mural. It decorates the wall of the commercial building at 21-23 Slater’s Steps.
The Holyrood Mural is another example of Chris Rutterford’s beautiful art. He designed and created the art for Colinton Tunnel. He also created the mural in Braidburn Park. This commercial commission energized Chris’ creative side.
Chris found the perfect way to remind everyone that this year marks the 900th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Burgh in Edinburgh in 1124. He was unaware of the significant anniversary until recently. The Holyrood Mural livens up the space. It is being used as a counter graffiti measure by the owners.
King David I introduced the system of royal burghs as a means of economic and political structure. The burgh of Edinburgh was the first. It dates from 1124. In 1128 the Canongate Burgh was created around Holyrood Abbey. These two merged later. Burghs have no legal status since 1975. But they are recognized informally. The City of Edinburgh Council has chosen to recognize the 900th anniversary this year and next.
Right next to Holyrood Park is the tale of David I and the stag he encountered in the park. It was at the time more of a forest. King David went hunting on the day of the Holy Cross when he ought to have been in church. He came across a huge white deer. His horse bolted. Thinking he was about to be gored the king noticed that a cross appeared between its antlers. He tried to get hold of the cross. When he did so the deer took flight. The king was later convinced it was a message from God. He built Holyrood Abbey nearby. It was one of the first markers of the city which he granted the status of a royal burgh.
David I is a saint. He is recognized by the Roman Catholic Church. Although he is commonly regarded as a saint he was never canonized unlike his mother Margaret. She became Saint Margaret of Scotland.
Chris said he just wanted it to feel really magical. He said this was a fairly non-descript path. But he brought the forest to it. His friend Adam was helping with the practical stuff. So Chris used him as a model. Adam is now the King of Scotland in The Holyrood Mural.
Chris did comics at college. He said The Holyrood Mural is essentially a four panel comic which tells the story. The antlers are ever present in the city. He hopes this brings the tale to everyone’s notice.