The iconic Elm Row pigeons have “come home to roost” as work on completing public realm works on Leith Walk following the construction of the Trams to Newhaven extension start to come to an end. The bronze birds were removed back in 2006 ahead of the first period of tram construction but they are now back in pride of place.
There are eight pigeons in total with sculptor Shona Kinloch creating the installation. They have now been either refurbished or completed recast to allow them to be put back in position and they can now be seen near the top of Elm Row. They are located alongside the London Road Pillar Clock which itself was returned to the area in August 2022.
Specialists from Powderhall Bronze have been involved in the restoration of the pigeons which has seen five of them sandblasted and having patina applied whilst three have been created from scratch. The new pigeons were made by using wax replicas created using the original moulds for the sculptures before molten metal was poured in to produce the finished product.
An official unveiling took place on Thursday 27th July with Transport Convener Cllr Scott Arthur, Council Archaeologist, John Lawson and sculptor Shona Kinloch all present.
Cllr Arthur commented: “I’m so pleased to welcome the Elm Row pigeons back to their rightful home. They’re an iconic part of the Leith Walk streetscape and their return is fitting as we put the finishing touches to the public realm along the tram route. Improvements in areas like Elm Row, as well as walking and cycling infrastructure along the line, are helping to create a much safer, more welcoming environment, where people can relax, spend time and support local traders. This will complement the new tram service, which has gone from strength to strength since launching, with passenger numbers doubling in the first few weeks and remaining high since then.”
Outstanding public realm work continue on the route of the extension, including on Elm Row and Blenheim Place, which are scheduled to be completed in August 2023.
I believe that when they constructed the tramway, they killed off the real pigeons that used to be outside the cathedral in Sheffield. The war against nature means that only metal artwork pigeons are acceptable in the city now.