Saltcoats: Wall outside The Hip Flask used for Tragic O'Hara workshop

In fact, one local even contacted the Herald, confused as to how the wall outside of the old Hip Flask pub had transformed - seemingly overnight.

From its previous blank look, the surround of the former beer garden suddenly dawned a plethora of spray painted letters and drawings.

And it has now been confirmed that the fresh look is the work of aspiring young street artists from the Three Towns.

The work is that of 10 youngsters, aged from 12-16, who have been taking part in workshops organised by SeaSalt Streets - a group of local volunteers seeking to make improvements to Dockhead Street and surrounding environments.

This year, the group received NAC Place Based Investment Funding to run Tragic O'Hara street art workshops for a group of youngsters.

These workshops, which includes three sessions, began on Wednesday, May 17, at the Argyle Community Centre.

This gave young people the opportunity to learn about street art and think about ideas and designs they had for their own works.

While the second of these sessions took place last Wednesday, May 24, and the group had the opportunity to use spray paint for the first time and practice what they had learned.

This workshop was the one which saw the group, accompanied by Tragic O'Hara, take to the wall at the former Hip Flask - which they had been given permission to use by building owner Ewan.

The youngsters' third and final session will be their toughest one yet - but will be one which leaves a lasting impression on the town.

The team will be assisting Tragic O'Hara by helping design and paint his latest mural in Saltcoats.

This latest work will soon be created along the wall at the side of Sloane's the jewellers, off Dockhead Street.

It is certainly an exciting project for the aspiring artists, and one which will leave a lasting impression on their home town.