Artist Suzi Macaulay uses art and architecture to bring Edinburgh murals to life

Suzi Macaulay has created two commissions in Edinburgh eateries, using the combined knowledge gained from two different degrees to enhance the surroundings for diners.

And the freelance architectural designer has already received a literal thumbs-up from one of the biggest names in Scottish art – even if she did shoo him away.

She may not have recognised painter Jack Vettriano initially, but he returned the next day to offer some advice.

The two murals, one in Pirlous in the city’s Grassmarket and the second in La Plaza Bistro in the New Town, are designed to bring atmosphere to blank spaces as they recall history at home and far away.

Macaulay, 50, has graduated from Edinburgh College of Art twice – initially as an artist in 1993 and later as an architect in 2012.

She uses these two skills to bring together the murals.

“I find it very expressive – because I'm an architect, I understand the structures,” she said.

"The two murals are both very different. The first was in Pirlous and depicts Edinburgh in the 1700s, which is quite an imposing image.

"I wanted something that would be dramatic, catch the eye and make people stay longer.

“It took a few months because I had to paint in the evenings when the eatery was closed.