A new and inventive art trail will let people go with the flow and drift around the south of the island in their own time.

The Basking Shark Trail opened in Port Erin at the weekend, with is creators unveiling a series of colourful, individually created ceramic tiles depicting a basking shark figure and a name, each one located throughout the shopping centre and promenade area of the town.

People will be able to pick up an informative map, full of details, hints and clues as to where the tiles are hidden, along with local facts, historical information and insights into the town.

The shark tiles are spread between three different trails, or ’pods’, with the first taking people through the town centre and around the railway station, and the second along the beach and promenade.

The third ’pod’ will be unveiled later this year.

The project was created between the Port Erin Traders and community artist Eve Adams, who created the Bally Cashtal Beg fairy door trail across Castletown.

Eve hand-crafted each of the 32 tiles and also created the design of the map.

’The trail mirrors the heritage trails that are already in Port Erin, and the idea is that children could follow along doing one trail while their parents are doing the other. We wanted it to appeal to the whole family.

’We came up with the idea of sharks and they also wanted to incorporate the names of well known people from the town’s history.

’So each tile is decorated individually with a shark and has a name attached and the idea is that you look at the trail map for clues and you go looking for the sharks.

’The clues on the back of the map will help you find out the details connected with the tile.

’It was quite difficult to draw all the three elements together of the sharks, the people and the walking trail, but I think it works really well.’

There are many events planned around the walking rail throughout the summer, including arts workshops and craft sessions.

It is hoped that the trail will appeal to locals, while also leading to increased footfall through the town.

’So far we have had really good feedback from the locals, and people who have done the trail seem to like it,’ said Eve.

’But I think that, when the idea really gets about, a lot of people, such as tourists and people who live on the island, will make an effort to come to Port Erin, especially through the summer.

’The good thing about the trail is that you don’t have to do it all at once. You can drop in and out of it at any time.

’The other thing I like about it is that it puts the art at the forefront of the project.

’When the idea of the trail was discussed, they wanted a walking trail, but they didn’t want something that was made of plastic. They wanted something, individual, eye-catching and handmade, and unique to Port Erin.’