A park in Kilwinning now boasts a new poetic attraction thanks to a Prestwick-based poet-in-residence.
As part of a project known as 'Lyrics in the Loos', Simon Lamb crafted a series of poems inspired by Eglinton Country Park to display in their loos.
He was approached by North Ayrshire’s Arts and Culture team after the Countryside Ranger Service came up with the idea and worked with the park team and Countryside Rangers over the past year.
Mr Lamb said: "I was thrilled when the Arts and Culture team approached me with the idea for ‘Lyrics in the Loos’."
He recounted a memorable incident during his first meeting with the Countryside Ranger team when they heard about a toad trapped down a drain.
He said: “Instantly, lunch abandoned, the Rangers dashed to the toad’s rescue. That moment and the subsequent happy ending for the toad proved to be perfect inspiration for one of the 22 poems, a piece I dedicate to the caring, knowledgeable and friendly team on-site.
“One of my favourite poems in the sequence is called ‘Red Admiral’. It was inspired by two incidents. First, I noticed an artist sketching a buddleia bush in the courtyard near Tournament Café. They were attracted to the bush by the many butterflies and wanted to catch them in their art.
“Second, in the same spot, I was lucky enough to have a butterfly land on my chest during a nature walk for families. I held myself so still! A beautiful scene. Two sweet, tiny moments now brought together and embellished in poetry.”
Mr Lamb, who is also a Writer-In-Residence at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, hopes the poems will encourage visitors to spend more time in nature and "not too long in the loo."
Amanda Downie, senior countryside ranger, said: “As Countryside Rangers, the flora and fauna and adventures to be had in nature serves as our daily inspiration.
“Protecting and appreciating our surroundings is at the heart of everything we do, so we wanted to commission a project that could really celebrate elements of the Park that we love through the medium of poetry, to inspire others too.
“We liked the idea of ‘Lyrics in the Loos’ to add some interest to our toilet facilities throughout the Park, and we thought, why not have a series of poems to bring some culture to our cubicles?”
Rhonda Leith, head of service for Connected Communities, said: "Simon is a local and national talent. His work is outstanding and truly inspiring.
"I hope that his poetry will encourage visitors of all ages to take a moment to slow down and appreciate their surroundings this summer.
“We are delighted to have collaborated with Simon on this exciting poetry project and are proud to be able to display his work as we head into the busy summer season.
"Hopefully the poems will encourage visitors to gain a deeper understanding of just what makes Eglinton Country Park so very special to us all.”
Red Admiral © Simon Lamb, 2024.
By the buddleia an artist sits and sketches.
They tell me they’ve chosen this spot
because of the butterflies
and, it's true, there are many butterflies.
As if summoned by the old magic of names
one disappears from the rich purple of the butterfly bush
and flourishes itself upon my chest. I hold myself in place
to give as much of this moment to myself as possible;
a feat of prestidigitation in which I played no part
Later, I see the drawing,
"Who's that?" I ask, referring to the lone figure off by the edge.
The artist replies, “That’s you, Poet."
I look closer:
a butterfly upon its heart pins the figure in its place
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