Published: Tuesday, 22nd September, 2009 3:21pm

Sistine Chapel inspires train station ceiling

by Jenny Foulds

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ONE of the most famous pieces of art in the world has provided the inspiration for a unique heritage centre.

Michelangelo's renowned painted ceiling in Rome's Sistine Chapel, pictured right, is behind what has become known as the Bannockburn Ceiling in the new Robert the Bruce Heritage Centre, in Renton.

The colourful ceiling, in Renton Train Station, will be made up of wooden panels painted with images of four generals who fought alongside Bruce against King Edward II of England in the famous 1314 battle, "and sent him homeward tae think again".

It will also include eight clan crests.

Duncan Brown, the artist behind the eye-catching creation, hopes that it can become a major attraction at the facility, to help educate people about the links between the former King of Scotland and the area.

And Duncan has revealed that he was eager to help out the Strathleven Artizans, in promoting Scottish history, and is looking forward to seeing how the completed ceiling looks.

The 59-year-old told the Reporter: "When it is finished, it is going to be quite a monument to the brave men who fought for Scotland in the past.

"I just thought that I could do something a bit different, and use the ceiling instead of the walls."

He added: "So I suppose it's like my own wee version of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel - and hopefully when it is up, it will be there long after I'm gone."