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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
National
Robert Fairnie

Super-talented Edinburgh artists light up Leith with 13 utility box murals

Stunning murals have appeared on utility boxes throughout Leith after the Trams to Newhaven project commissioned a series by talented local street artists.

The 13 works can be seen on both Leith Walk and Constitution Street – where tram works are currently taking place, along with Manderston Street.

Trams to Newhaven shared details of the artwork project, which was carried out alongside Vue Arts and Tactical Media.

The works include an underwater scene inspired by Leith Docks, a striking take on Leith's 'persevere' motto and a piece inspired by the skeletons discovered in the dig on Constitution Street.

The 13 pieces, as shared by Trams to Newhaven, are below.

1. Leith Heals

(Trams to Newhaven)

This was created by Breeze Thirteen, and is part of a larger body of work entitled Pigeon City. Inspiration is taken from the tower blocks and pigeons he sees every day in the area.

2. Witch's Cat

(Trams to Newhaven)

Witch's Cat was created by KMG and inspired by the Leith Witch Trials and, in particular, Agnes Sampson who was accused of sinking a dead cat in the Water of Leith.

3. Robot Medicine

(Trams to Newhaven)

This clever piece was done by local artist Keith Paton and can be found outside the British Red Cross shop.

4. Y'awright Pal?

(Trams to Newhaven)

Y'Awright Pal was produced by artist Trench One, and references the skeletons discovered while digging up Constitution Street.

5. The Sea Lion

(Trams to Newhaven)

Another brilliant piece by KMG and this one remembers the story of three sea lions escaped from Edinburgh Zoo and found in the harbour in Leith in the 1920s.

6. You OK hun?

(Trams to Newhaven)

Also by Trench One, this can be found at the end of Links Lane. The artist wants people to look after their own health, and the health of others in these challenging times.

7. Lovin' Leith

(Trams to Newhaven)

Isn't this just great? Artist REK simply wants to inspire people and spread a bit of positivity. This mural certainly helps to do that.

8. Gold Leith

(Trams to Newhaven)

Look closely and you'll see Leith's motto – 'Persevere'. Keith Paton spent days on Leith Walk creating this masterpiece. You'll probably have seen him hard at work if you use the area regularly. His perseverance certainly paid off.

9. The Police Box

(Trams to Newhaven)

This mural is by an artist called 'Ooft' – and features something of a tongue-twister (try saying that quickly). It can be found outside the police station on Constitution Street.

10. Underwater Scene

(Trams to Newhaven)

This piece, by Ross MaCrae, can be found on Manderston Street. Trams to Newhaven say the scene is inspired by Leith's docks.

11. More Than Streets and Buildings

(Trams to Newhaven)

Now this is very clever. The mural shows a birdseye view of Leith – or most of it anyway. Artwork by Gratis Quo.

12. Leith Soothes

(Trams to Newhaven)

Leith Soothes is by artist Breeze Thirteen, and it is inspired by Leith's soothing nature. This one has a particularly special feature – there's a luminescence in the paint so it should glow at night.

13. 12 O'Clock Coachmen

The 12 O'Clock Coachmen mural is on display in Leith (Trams to Newhaven)

This striking piece is by Vincente Aguado and it's inspired by the tale of the 12 O'clock Coachmen, haunting Tolbooth Wynd.

All 13 murals are on-display throughout Leith. Have you managed to spot them all on your (essential) travels?

The Trams to Newhaven Project will see the transport network expanded across the city, with almost three miles of new track added. New stops will be created at Picardy Place, McDonald Road, Balfour Street, Foot of the Walk, The Shore, Port of Leith, Ocean Terminal and Newhaven

The new line is expected to be operational in 2023.

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