North-east artist Shelagh Swanson is about to transform her local restaurant with special commissioned work as part of its refurbishment.
The Silver Darling, which is currently undergoing renovations, asked Ms Swanson – a painter and glassmaker based in Aberdeen’s Footdee harbourside district – to produce a glass feature for the restaurant.
She is now busy creating a series of glass-fused pieces inspired by the panoramic views from the restaurant, which overlooks the beach, the historic fishing village of “Fittie” and the harbour.
The artist has also called on her local community to source old pictures of Footdee and some of the people who have lived there, with a view to using these for her project.
Ms Swanson said: “I am delighted to be working with the Silver Darling on this very exciting collaboration.
“As a local artist, it is always great to be involved with community projects and as this commission came to life we thought it would be perfect to add local touches.
“We managed to get some fantastic pictures of the area which will make this piece truly unique, whilst complementing the new surroundings.
“I am working full-time on the project right now and am very excited to see it come to life.”
The Silver Darling is owned by the Aberdeen-based McGinty’s group, whose operations director, Alan Aitken, said: “We are really excited to be working with Shelagh on this special project.
“We are lucky to have a very unique location in the city, and as part of the refit we want to showcase the beauty of our spot and thought it was the perfect opportunity to work with Shelagh.
“The drawings look amazing and we cannot wait to see the full project come together and see the magic unfold as she instals the piece.”
McGinty’s, whose restaurant and hotel portfolio also includes McGinty’s Meal An’ Ale, The Stag, No. 10 Bar and Restaurant, Ferryhill House Hotel and the Fourmile, acquired the Silver Darling for an undisclosed sum last September.
The restaurant, which is due to open after its refurbishment within the next few weeks, is renowned as one of Scotland’s best seafood restaurants.
It was previously owned by Didier Dejean, who moved to Aberdeen from the south of France about 35 years ago and opened the restaurant in 1986 with his wife Dianna.
Silver Darling customers include rocker Rod Stewart, who dined there before watching his beloved Celtic beat Aberdeen FC 3-0 at Pittodrie last October.