Seven unique Fife railway stations on the east coast mainline provided a platform for painters, artists and poets to showcase their talents.
Thousands of people took part in the Artline Open Doors Weekend as once- vacant station buildings were strikingly transformed into artists’ studios or heritage centres as passengers travelling on the Fife Circle or east coast routes were able to share in the festivities.
Visitors were able to visit all the venues in a day, taking in what is one of the UK’s most scenic rail routes at the same time.
As well as the art on show, people could explore the heritage of the area at nearby museums and galleries to discover the stories behind the history and restoration of the buildings.
Kinghorn artist Lynette Gray, director of the Artline Open Doors Weekend, explained: “This section of the East Coast mainline is a real gem; not just for the beautiful coastal scenery but for the lovely stations along the route.
“The Artline Open Doors Weekend is a unique opportunity to see inside these stunning spaces and meet the creative communities that are the custodians of the buildings.
“I’m delighted to see more artists getting involved in this event, as well as providing a wonderful opportunity for visitors to explore the heritage of the area.”
Lynette exhibited work at Kinghorn, where the former ladies waiting room on the ground floor has been turned into a gallery. The upper floor contains Lynette and Douglas Gray’s studios.
Artists Karen Trotter and Lucie Macaulay were exhibiting artwork in North Queensferry, where the Forth Bridge Hub has recently been refurbished to its original Victorian style. Historic images were exhibited alongside fascinating memorabilia of the UNESCO World Heritage Forth Bridge.
A poster exhibition in the original waiting room and writing by Sheena Berry and Maureen Sangster was on show at Inverkeithing, while Burntisland played host to two events.
Fine fabric painter Susy Kirk new studio at the Station House was open, while the old platform building was transformed into studios for artists Sally Grant, Beth Legg, Grace Girvan, Ebba Goring, Gingerbread Designs and Sophie McKay Knight.
Kirsty Lorenz’s studio and the Off the Rails Arthouse were attractions at the picturesque Victorian station in Ladybank, while Kirkcaldy Galleries and Cupar Heritage Centre also attracted visitors to the exhibition spaces.
The Artline group was formed in 2015 to represent those who were involved in the Adopt a Station Scheme in Fife.
Restoration of the railway buildings was made possible by grants from the Railway Heritage Trust and the Stations Community Regeneration Fund, while further funding for the Artline Open Doors Weekend came from the Association of Community Rail Partnerships (ACoRP)/Transport Scotland Small Grants Fund.