Controversial Replacement Artwork for Edinburgh Church Wall Forced Through Despite Strong Local Opposition

The mural designs have unsurprisingly split the local community, with a community council claiming they couldn't find a single soul who was actually consulted about the plans.

Nevertheless, new artwork for the historic wall of Leith South Parish Church—dismantled and rebuilt during tram works—has been given the green light, despite many branding it “poor quality” and “completely out of sync with the historic character of Leith.”

The original murals, which had adorned the boundary wall, were deemed “too far gone” to be salvaged. And so, the tram project team decided to scrap the idea of restoration altogether, citing “natural deterioration” as the convenient excuse. Instead, they've opted for something "fresh"—but not everyone is thrilled.

The plans for the new murals, which include a “cartoon depiction” of the people of Leith, have left some locals horrified, according to the community council. A whopping 30+ objections were lodged by residents who weren't exactly enamored by the modern interpretation.

The 18th-century wall, allegedly “structurally unsound,” had to be painstakingly dismantled, brick by brick, during the tram project, for fear it might collapse. Now rebuilt as part of the Trams to Newhaven project, it seems the wall's return comes with a fresh coat of artistic controversy.

Before its dismantling, the wall's murals depicted scenes that actually meant something: a wedding at the church, a 1777 plan of Leith, local silhouettes, and boats in the harbor—a nod to the area’s seafaring past. These images were supposed to make a comeback, but instead, we’re getting "colourful depictions" of peaceful church grounds. How charming.

The Tram Team insists they worked with Vue Arts, an Edinburgh-based group, and that the new designs reflect a "less is more" philosophy. They claim the church congregation was consulted, though the local community council remains skeptical, sarcastically noting that they’ve yet to meet anyone who was actually involved.

Despite 37 objections—including complaints about the "poor quality" of the artwork and its irrelevance to Leith’s historical character—planning officers waved the plans through. After all, why bother consulting the community? There’s “no statutory requirement” for such trivialities, according to officials.

In the end, the decision was made. The new murals will be installed in the same spots as the old ones, and whether the locals like it or not, they'll just have to live with it.

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