EDINBURGH’S iconic Elm Row pigeons have come home to roost on Leith Walk as the trams to Newhaven project nears completion.
The eight bronze birds, created by sculptor Shona Kinloch, were removed during the original tram project in 2006.
Specialists from Powderhall Bronze renovated the statues prior to their return. This involved sandblasting and applying patina, which creates the familiar green colouring, as well as casting three brand new pigeons. To do this, wax replicas were created using the original moulds for the sculptures, before pouring in molten metal to produce a finished product.
The pigeons were installed in their new location near the top of Elm Row earlier today. Edinburgh City Council transport convener, councillor Scott Arthur, was joined by Shona Kinloch and council archaeologist, John Lawson, to welcome the pigeons back.
Passenger services on the tram line to Newhaven launched on June 7, with the project delivered on schedule and within the £207.3m budget. Outstanding public realm works are ongoing in some sections, including on Elm Row and Blenheim Place, which are scheduled to be completed next month
Councillor Scott Arthur, transport and environment convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, said, “I’m so pleased to welcome the Elm Row pigeons back to their rightful home. They’re an iconic part of the Leith Walk streetscape and their return is fitting as we put the finishing touches to the public realm along the tram route.
“Improvements in areas like Elm Row, as well as walking and cycling infrastructure along the line, are helping to create a much safer, more welcoming environment, where people can relax, spend time and support local traders. This will complement the new tram service, which has gone from strength to strength since launching, with passenger numbers doubling in the first few weeks and remaining high since then.”
