Finn McKay: Family 'overwhelmed' by mural honouring Ayrshire graffiti artist who died aged 20

An Ayrshire family say they’re “overwhelmed” after a memorial to their younger brother was unveiled as part of a street art project.

Finn McKay was a budding graffiti artist who died suddenly on his 20th birthday after a heart attack at his Tarbolton home in 2021.

His portrait has been painted onto the walls of the Alloway Railway Tunnel, as work continues to transform the space into one of Scotland’s largest murals.

Finn’s siblings Callum and Molly McKay say the painting has helped keep his memory alive.

Callum told STV News: “He was very creative – he loved music and art. He used to DJ a lot.

“It’s good to see how much effort has gone into this. They put so much thought and care into what they’ve done.”

Callum and Molly McKay speak at memorial in tribute to Finn STV News

Molly added: “The fact his friends can come here and remember him that way is really nice.

“It’s quite overwhelming. it looks like him – it’s like he is looking back at you. Chris has done such a good job, it’s amazing.”

Finn is featured alongside his family portrait wearing a hat with his graffiti tag ‘Cass’ on the badge.

Artist Chris Rutterford said the new piece replaced an older mural in tribute to Finn.

He and a team of local schoolchildren and college students helped transform the space for the whole community.

Chris said they are “halfway” through the project.

He said: “It’s a massive day.

“This tunnel was a special place for both Finn and Calum – it just means the world. It’s a big responsibility to get something like this right.

“Previously we had our big nature scene – this side is much more about heritage and the people of Ayrshire.

“Children, amateur and professional artists have helped paint the tunnel. It gives them ownership and you end up with a space that feels special to them.”