A Sherlock Holmes statue which was removed to make way for Edinburgh’s trams to Newhaven project has returned to the capital.
The life-sized bronze sculpture was originally installed near 11 Picardy Place – near to where creator of the super sleuth, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, was born – however, it has since been demolished.
The newly redeveloped Picardy Place Island is the statue’s new home, with the sculpture also having been renovated by Nairn-based firm, Black Isle Bronze, since its removal in 2018.
The work at Picardy Place island comes as part of the growth accelerator model agreement for the St James Quarter development, and the completed island is set to open to the public next week – with it including pedestrian routes, cycleways, rain gardens, and trees.
Councillor Scott Arthur, transport and environment convener at the City of Edinburgh Council, said, “Sherlock’s return has been the finishing touch for Picardy Place island – I’m pleased to welcome him back to his creator’s birthplace, taking pride of place in this transformed public space.
“For so long this area has been disused and unloved, so it’s wonderful to see it brought back to life. Not only will it link walking and cycling routes to and from the city centre, but will provide a spot to relax, meet up and enjoy some of the fascinating cultural artefacts on display.”
City archaeologist, John Lawson, added, “We are delighted to see this statue back in place, now due to the creation of this new island we were now able to place closer to the original birth place of Arthur Conan Doyle.”
Barry Young, of The Sherlock Holmes Society of Scotland, commented, “It’s wonderful to see Conan Doyle’s most famous creation back in the heart of the capital. We understand that in his absence Holmes has met the head lama in Tibet, travelled through Persia and sorted out a spot of trouble with the Statue of Liberty, the results of which he has communicated to the foreign office.
“He now retakes his rightful place in Picardy Place, overseeing the teeming metropolis and ready to undertake the investigation of whatever mysterious domestic issues might be puzzling the authorities.”
