A BREATHTAKING mural in Greenock created by a world-renowned international artist has been unveiled to promote breastfeeding.

Sam Bates, better known as Smug, has transformed the gable end of a block of flats on Nicolson Street into a tasteful and striking image of a breastfeeding mermaid.

Smug, who has created popular murals in Glasgow, was commissioned by Inverclyde Health and Social Care Partnership's health visitor and infant feeding co-ordinator Catriona MacLean, to create an artwork with lasting impact which would encourage breastfeeding.

Smug, who has almost a quarter of a million followers on Instagram, said: "Catriona originally reached out to me to pitch the idea and the whole concept behind it is thanks to her.

"She wanted something different, so we did some brainstorming and came up with the mythical vibe.

"We wanted it to capture the essence of breastfeeding."

Smug and Catriona started exploring the old folklore of Greenock and the Clyde, reading tales about fishermen and workers and their relationship to the river.

They read about mermaids, found out about a mythical figure named Clota, goddess of the Clyde, and she became the inspiration for the creation.

Mum Angela Gibson and her baby girl Evie were drafted in to pose for pictures before Smug got to work.

He had to encounter the recent spate of storms over eight days to get the mural finished and hopes it will help to change attitudes towards breastfeeding.

Smug added: "The fantastical element of it sets it apart and makes it a standalone mural.

"It's about normalising the concept of breastfeeding and changing the culture.

"The more people who see a mural of someone breastfeeding, the more people will expect to see it as part of normal life."

The project was a collaboration between Inverclyde HSCP's Infant Feeding Team, the Scottish Government and Oak Tree Housing Association, who own the block.

Catriona said breastfeeding rates in Inverclyde remain low but is hopeful that the public artwork will help to change that.

She said: "Some mums are still not feeling comfortable breastfeeding outside and we need to change the culture from a very young age.

"The immense health benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby make it a public health priority.

"We wanted something that would really get the community talking and capture the imagination.

"The beautiful, striking image that Smug has created really gets the conversation started.

"This beautiful new piece of public art will help an area-wide approach to supporting families."

Councillor Lynne Quinn, Inverclyde’s women's champion, believes the mural is a great idea and will have a positive impact.

She added: "I've seen first-hand the great work the local Infant Feeding Team do in our community.

"They deserve huge credit for coming up with this brilliant idea and securing the services of such an acclaimed artist, who has done a magnificent job."

Councillor Robert Moran, Inverclyde’s health and social care convener, added: "This is a fantastic example of partnership working to highlight the very important issue of how perfectly normal breastfeeding is.

"I’m sure this terrific mural can help to encourage many mums and expectant mums out there to think about breastfeeding and to seek expert help and advice from our excellent staff to support them to do that."

Oak Tree manager Hazel Aitken said: "We're delighted to play a part in promoting such a positive message in this unique way."