Throughout October a series of art installations and performances celebrating Black History Month will take place along traffic-free National Cycle Network routes in Scotland.

They will also highlight Scotland’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.

In Kilwinning, artist Harvey Dimond examines the relationship between the climate crisis, anti-Blackness and homo/trans-phobia.

Harvey’s project will feature two sandstone monoliths bearing the names of slaves who were used to build the wealth of Robert Gordon and the Montgreenan House estate in North Ayrshire.

Their piece can be seen until October 31 in Kilwinning along National Cycle Network Route 7.

Together with an external steering group of artists and engineers, the charity commissioned the eight artists to deliver unique artworks or performances on traffic-free National Cycle Network routes in Scotland.

The artists individually selected a section of the National Cycle Network relevant to the story they want to tell through their work, with the successful commissions including sculptures, murals, digital art, poetry, music, and theatre.

Art installations, performances, and events will take place in North Ayrshire, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, and West Dunbartonshire.

Black History Month is a month-long celebration of Black history, held in the UK throughout October since 1987.

A programme of art and events on Scotland’s walking, wheeling and cycling routes has been launched as part of 2021’s Black History Month celebrations across the country.

Announced by walking and cycling charity Sustrans, the artworks and performances will use spaces along with the country’s National Cycle Network throughout October to celebrate notable Black people from Scotland’s history, and key events that have made Scotland the country it is today.

Artworks, performances, and events by Jim Muotune, Ojo Taiye, Grace Browne, Moira Salt, Senanu Tordzro, Harvey Dimond, Mark Tremaine Agbi ‘Okata’ and Becky Sikasa will take place in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, North Ayrshire and West Dunbartonshire.

Nelson Cummins, Black History Month coordinator at the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (CRER), said: “In 2001, The Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights (then known as the Glasgow Anti Racist Alliance) co-ordinated the first Black History Month programme in Scotland.“Twenty years on the programme continues to grow with partners across community, voluntary and public sectors contributing dozens of events every October.

“Thank you to the organisations and individuals who have contributed events for their continued support.”

John Lauder, deputy chief executive at Sustrans, said: “We are dedicated to equality, diversity, and representing everyone through our work. These priorities underpin everything we do. We want walking, wheeling, and cycling to be accessible and attractive to everyone who lives in Scotland, regardless of age, ability or background.”

“These exciting Black History Month events will highlight and celebrate Scotland’s diversity, encouraging people from all communities to walk, wheel, and cycle along the National Cycle Network to experience the artworks and events throughout October.

“Celebrating the histories, heritages, and cultures of people who call Scotland home is crucial in our ongoing mission to create a National Cycle Network that welcomes, represents and includes everyone.

“We hope this celebration of Black History in Scotland inspires people across the country to learn more about the important subjects explored and encourages more people to explore their local walking, wheeling and cycling connections along with the National Cycle Network.”