The Station Murals and The Long Goodbye
Step off the train and, you can begin exploring the Invergordon Station Murals – a remarkable open-air gallery that tells the story of a Highland town shaped by sea, service and community. These murals, created by artist Tracey Shough as part of the Invergordon Off the Wall project, have the theme The Long Goodbye; the mural depicts the departure of the 4th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders for France in 1940. It references their involvement in the events at St Valery-en-Caux, where many were captured during the Second World War.
The composition reflects the emotional farewell between soldiers and families, a scene that would have unfolded on platforms across the Highlands during wartime. By situating the artwork at the station, the mural connects present-day rail passengers with moments of departure and uncertainty from the past. It is a reminder that stations are not simply places to pass through; they have long been settings for some of life’s most significant moments.
Invergordon
Situated on the shores of the Cromarty Firth in Easter Ross, Invergordon grew in importance during the early 20th century when its deep-water harbour became a key Royal Navy anchorage. The railway connection was central to that growth, linking the port with Inverness and further north. Today, while the purpose of travel has changed, the railway remains an essential thread connecting the town to the wider Highlands.
Visitors can explore on foot at a relaxed pace, taking in the artwork, local shops and cafés, and views across the Cromarty Firth. Cruise ships regularly anchor in the Firth, bringing international visitors to Easter Ross, yet arriving by rail offers a quieter, more gradual introduction to the town.
Invergordon Off the Wall: A Community Vision
The mural trail began in 2002 as a local initiative to revitalise the town centre and celebrate Invergordon’s heritage. What started with a single artwork grew into a coordinated project involving multiple artists and community support.
The trail was formally opened in 2007 by HRH The Princess Royal and now includes more than eleven major murals across the town.
Other works reflect a wide range of themes, including:
- Naval and maritime history
- Community volunteering
- Highland music and culture
- Sport and local achievement
The project continues to evolve, with organisers exploring opportunities to expand the collection and gather public feedback on future additions.
Together, the murals transform the town into a walkable gallery. Each piece adds another layer to Invergordon’s story, from its military connections to its everyday community life.
Exploring by Train
Travelling by train supports sustainable tourism and helps maintain vital transport links for Highland communities. At Invergordon It also offers a direct connection to place: stepping off the train into a town, just a short walk away, whose stories are quite literally painted on its walls.
Invergordon Station murals are more than public art. They are part of a living narrative, one that connects rail travel, community identity and Highland history in a uniquely visible way
