A Fife church repeatedly targeted by sectarian graffiti has unveiled a Remembrance Day mural in a bid to prevent further vandalism.
The Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Leslie revealed the new artwork, which depicts the dark silhouette of a soldier, a black cross and red poppies, on Saturday.
Painted onto the wooden gate of the High Street church, the mural faces the village’s war memorial.
Minister Ryan Robertson says he hopes the artwork will inspire the community to reflect on the “what our service men and women do for us”.
It was painted by Glenrothes artist Amanda Sloan, 28, as a “gift” to the church and local community.
Ryan said: “The church by nature holds Remembrance Day dearly.
“With the church being positioned right across from the war memorial in Leslie, we believe it is fitting for us to show a beautiful piece of art, for the people of Leslie to be proud of as well as those who pass through Leslie to admire and reflect on.
“It seems fitting that we remember what our service men and women do for us on a daily basis: past, present and future.”
The minister is hoping the mural may help to prevent vandalism of the gate, which has been targeted in the past.
Gate targeted by sectarian graffiti
He said: “The gate has suffered from graffiti of sectarianism.
“As a Christian church we do not support this.
“It is our hope that by Amanda’s willingness to share her artistic gift to the whole community, all would have the due respect to reflect on the artwork and not graffiti over such a beautiful memorial painting that speaks to us all.”
He added: “The congregation are humbled with Amanda’s art and hope that it blesses the whole community”.
Thousands around Tayside and Fife fell silent on Sunday to remember the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces and their families.
Several events were held across the region as well as throughout the country to mark the annual occasion after two years of restrictions during the pandemic.