TWO 19th century sculptures have been unveiled at an affordable housing development in Edinburgh after spending over 50 years in storage.
The griffin sculptures originally stood either side of the entrance gate of Muirhouse Mansion at Granton Waterfront. Later put into storage, they have since been restored and have been placed at the City of Edinburgh Council’s Silverlea housing development.
Local contractor James Innes & Sons led the careful conservation and restoration – which involved the removal of 20th century concrete repairs and the crafting of missing feet, wings, and beaks which had been broken off in the past.
The project marks the last phase of archaeological work on the site which included the excavation in 2024 by AOC Archaeology of part of the grounds associated with the earlier 17th century Muirhouse Castle.
The local authority is in the process of handing the keys for over 100 homes to new residents at Silverlea, located at Granton Waterfront, with another 43 homes expected to be ready for tenants in early 2027.
The City of Edinburgh Council leader Jane Meagher said, “There is a huge amount of work going on to celebrate Granton Waterfront’s rich cultural heritage. Placing the sculptures as art in open space near these much-needed new affordable homes, gives residents an opportunity to enjoy their connection to generations of people who lived in the area before them.
“This is one of many important conservation projects we’re carrying out to celebrate the area’s long-standing history. The former Granton Station Building, with original platforms, is now home to local artists, and the nearby iconic gasworks has become a new city park. The headquarters for the UK’s first car factory – Madelvic House – as well as Granton Lighthouse and Granton Castle Walled Garden are all also at different stages of being restored and I’m looking forward to seeing them all brought back to life.”
