SMM+S

Adam Brown · Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2009 3:09 pm Post subject: Leith History Mural

Leith History Mural
Location: Junction of Ferry Road and North Junctions Street
OS Ref: NT 265 764

I don't know the proper name for this mural but it needs a bit of TLC. It sits next to Leith Library and is in a very prominent position.

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Scottish War Memorials Project
Scottish War Graves Project

Adam Brown · Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2009 3:15 pm Post subject:

In the first image you can see one of the 'Cavorting Sailors'. One of the original three has gone and the other two are well past the cavorting stage Sad

This bit of Leith which should be its pride and joy is just little better than a dump I'm afraid to say. 'Leith Ahead' on the plaque rings a little hollow now. I wonder if anyone can come up with a better title than 'Cavorting' for them now?

Anyone know what was taken from here, was it something to do with the mural?

Adam
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Scottish War Memorials Project
Scottish War Graves Project

Adam Brown · Posted: Sun Feb 15, 2009 3:21 pm Post subject:

It looks like they're for the chop anyway...

http://edinburghnews.scotsman.com/latestnews/Cavorting-sailor-statues-to-be.4747443.jp

Cavorting sailor statues to be thrown overboard

01 December 2008

STATUES of three "cavorting sailors" in Leith have become so badly vandalised that they look set to be removed.

Community leaders say residents no longer want to keep the artworks, even though they were specially commissioned and installed five years ago as a tribute to the port's maritime history.

The statues next to Leith Library – designed by local artist Shaeron Averbuch – have been so badly damaged that some feel it is time for them to be taken away. Their faces have been destroyed and they are missing limbs.

Councillor Marjorie Thomas said: "The message that this damage gives sums up the worst aspect of Leith, that vandalism has the upper hand. Broken statues add nothing to this site and I think the whole area needs a rethink. It looks and feels very sad."

Residents were polled in a community survey over the future of the maritime structures, agreeing that in their current state they have no place in the area.

The council has confirmed that unless Ms Averbuch wants to keep the statues, they could be removed fairly quickly at a nominal cost.
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Scottish War Memorials Project
Scottish War Graves Project