In preparation for the official reopening of Picardy Place island later this month a much missed statue has been returned – and its elementary as the Sherlock Holmes statue is back in position. The statue was removed in 2018 during the Trams to Newhaven works but now after restoration and the near completion of works to refurbish Picardy Place Island it is back to keep an eye on things.
The creation of Arthur Conan Doyle, who was born close to the site, Sherlock Holmes is the world famous fictional detective. The statue was officially unveiled on Wednesday 13th September by relative of Conan Doyle and creator of the Sherlock Holmes tartan, Tania Henzell. Picardy Place Island will be official opened to the public later in September and will include new pedestrian routes and cycleways, rain gardens and trees and shrubs (due to be planted in October).
Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Sherlock’s return has been the finishing touch for Picardy Place island – I’m pleased to welcome him back to his creator’s birthplace, taking pride of place in this transformed public space. For so long this area has been disused and unloved, so it’s wonderful to see it brought back to life. Not only will it link walking and cycling routes to and from the city centre, but will provide a spot to relax, meet up and enjoy some of the fascinating cultural artefacts on display.”
The statue was sculpted by Gerald Ogilvie Laing and was originally installed close to 11 Picardy Place, where Conan Doyle was born but has since been demolished.
Tania Henzell commented: “I am pleased to see that Sherlock Holmes has returned to the new location, Picardy Place island, to keep a watchful eye in the heart of Edinburgh. Many of his followers have asked where he had gone; to the north of Scotland to solve a long running case, I replied!”
A picture is worth a thousand words