When work on the Trams to Newhaven project really got underway during 2019, the famous Robert Burns Statue was removed for safety and restoration work but now, just over two years later, it is back in prime position in Leith. The newly restored statue was unveiled once more on Tuesday 25th January 2022 – Burns Night.
As we have seen at various points in the construction of both the initial Edinburgh Trams line and the Trams to Newhaven extension, historically significant statues and memorials have been removed for safe-keeping whilst construction works takes place and the 124 year old Burns Statue was no different being removed from public display in December 2019. During its period away it has also undergone conservation work so that upon its return it could look almost as good as new.
The statue is now located at the junction of Constitution Street and Bernard Street in the heart of Leith and is just to the north of the future Shore tramstop. As well as the statue an original time capsule has been placed under it along with a new time capsule to allow both to be discovered a new in the future.
Cllr Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “I’m delighted to see this much-loved Robert Burns statue returned to its home in Leith – and spruced up thanks to specialist conservation work – just in time for Burns night. It’s fantastic that so many members of the community have been able to contribute to the new time capsule placed underneath the statue. Thanks to their input we’ll be able to share an insight into Leith today with future generations, just like our nineteenth century forebears did when they buried the original time capsule.”
* Speaking of the overall Trams to Newhaven project and the latest tram progress route map has been released showing that there are now only three sections of the line which have not had any work undertaken on them at all. You can view the map by visiting https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/tramstonewhaven/downloads/file/535/progress-route-map-december-2021-pdf-.