A talented Cumbrae-loving artist raised £850 after auctioning off a special painting in aid of the ongoing Millport Town Hall renovation.

Harry Sutton celebratedhis latest solo art exhibition opening in Garrison House by inviting bids for ‘Gloaming’, with all funds going to the charity behind the project.

The kind-hearted painter says the work in question is popular amongst locals, and a similar canvas already has pride of place in an island business.

Harry explained: “This view is very important to Millportians as it rewards the viewer differently at different times of the year or day.

“I’ve painted this picture a few times for a variety of reasons, with the first being six years ago for my first show on the island.

“The second time, and this particular canvas, was as a demonstration piece in pastel that was used to practice for the Isle of Cumbrae Distillers mural.

“The third time was the mural itself and it is easy to pick out as it dominates the bottom left hand corner of the big picture.

“The fourth time was another oil on canvas, done as a commission for the distillery for front of house.

“The pastel has a vigour about it that isn’t always so easy to create with brush and paint, so I like to think it is an interesting painting.”

The painting was won by Rosina and Alistair Irwin of Millport, and the Millport Town Hall Charity has praised them for their generosity.

A spokesperson said: "The couple have enjoyed 50 years of visiting the Town Hall in the past and taking their own children to the cinema and events that were held there.

"They are looking forward to visiting the new Town Hall when it reopens, and attending the up and coming Tea Dances and participating in other community events.

"The Trustees would like to extend their enormous gratitude to Harry Sutton and Rosina and Alistair Irwin for their generous donations and support.

"Thank you so much everyone for making this auction a huge success."

Harry hopes his exhibition can show reisdents and visitors a different side of the island, and is encouraging everyone to head along before it ends.

He added: “It’s almost six years to the day when I had my last solo exhibition here on the island.

“At that time, I had been on the island for just under a year and was looking at things with the eye of a newcomer.

“I was intrigued by the quirky charm of the town. I was also stimulated by the light and colour of the seascape around the Firth of Clyde.

“I have worked fairly consistently around the island ever since and this group of pictures develops these themes in a personal and painterly fashion.

“The small spaces are a terrific feature of the island. Closes, shops, gardens and public buildings all reflect the pride and care of the owners.”

Harry’s ‘Small Spaces Big Places’ exhibition opened on April 2 and will be displayed for several weeks.