LOOK BOTH WAYS
Between Urbanisation and Conservation: An Edinburgh Perspective
These are the outputs of my photography project that aims to show the relationship and tension between the development of the City of Edinburgh and conservation of its buildings, identity and green spaces.
Find more about the project HERE and hope you enjoy the gallery of pictures and (re)discover the City of Edinburgh under new angles.
Organised Fun (1)
Location: Royal Mile, City Centre, Old Town.
This photograph was taken during the Torchlight march on the 30th of December 2019. The march brought together dances and citizens holding torches together.
In this picture we can see to the left actors wearing costumes and brandishing torches. In the darkness, to the right of the picture is a man in a high visibility jacket in charge of the security of the event.
This picture is entitled "organised fun" recognising that, behind all community and city events are planners, security and other services that are vital in making sure that these events run smoothly. Though these may hide in the shadows to ensure that fun prevails, they are nonetheless critical.
This photograph was taken during the Torchlight march on the 30th of December 2019. The march brought together dances and citizens holding torches together.
In this picture we can see to the left actors wearing costumes and brandishing torches. In the darkness, to the right of the picture is a man in a high visibility jacket in charge of the security of the event.
This picture is entitled "organised fun" recognising that, behind all community and city events are planners, security and other services that are vital in making sure that these events run smoothly. Though these may hide in the shadows to ensure that fun prevails, they are nonetheless critical.
Organised Fun (2)
Location: Princes Street, City Centre, New Town
In this picture, two workers in high visibility jacket are putting up signs for the Hogmanay street party.
I happened to catch this image as they were putting the signs up so I'm sure they were installed correctly.
However, I thought this was a tongue-in-cheek illustration of how confusion can sometimes reign in the organisation of large scale events - transport, location, access - all of which of course has a big impact on the life of the city.
Signs and correct information are all-important, in particular in a city that is undergoing regular change.
In this picture, two workers in high visibility jacket are putting up signs for the Hogmanay street party.
I happened to catch this image as they were putting the signs up so I'm sure they were installed correctly.
However, I thought this was a tongue-in-cheek illustration of how confusion can sometimes reign in the organisation of large scale events - transport, location, access - all of which of course has a big impact on the life of the city.
Signs and correct information are all-important, in particular in a city that is undergoing regular change.
Steady on !
Location: Leith Walk, Leith
This is a love letter addressed to the citizens of Leith from the organisers of a campaign to save early 19th century buildings on Leith Walk.
These buildings were to be demolished as part of a planning application from a developer to building accomodation and retail space. The planning application was initially refused, appealed to the government and the initial verdict was upheld.
This is a love letter addressed to the citizens of Leith from the organisers of a campaign to save early 19th century buildings on Leith Walk.
These buildings were to be demolished as part of a planning application from a developer to building accomodation and retail space. The planning application was initially refused, appealed to the government and the initial verdict was upheld.
Meanwhile...in Leith
Location: Leith Walk, Leith
I knew that was a "ready-made" picture as soon as I walked past the scene on Leith Walk: an advertisement for pop-up communiy space in Leith with many barriers and signs piled in the way.
Just a very simple illustration of that tension between the needs of the community and community space versus the needs of developmment and how each other interact with space in urban environments.
I knew that was a "ready-made" picture as soon as I walked past the scene on Leith Walk: an advertisement for pop-up communiy space in Leith with many barriers and signs piled in the way.
Just a very simple illustration of that tension between the needs of the community and community space versus the needs of developmment and how each other interact with space in urban environments.
Selective Focus (1)
Location: Commercial Street, Leith
A selective colour focus was applied to this picture on the roadworks elements: a two way sign and some cones.
Consider a moment that picture without those elemtns in the picture. The picture would evoke a calm cobblestone street with sandstone buildings and a modern building in the background. There is no indication of when the picture may have been taken.
The cones and sign in the picture give it meaning immediately, they become the focus of the picture.
Although they take an insignificant amount of space on the actual picture, they become a key feature, naturally highlighted by being the only coloured element in the picture
A selective colour focus was applied to this picture on the roadworks elements: a two way sign and some cones.
Consider a moment that picture without those elemtns in the picture. The picture would evoke a calm cobblestone street with sandstone buildings and a modern building in the background. There is no indication of when the picture may have been taken.
The cones and sign in the picture give it meaning immediately, they become the focus of the picture.
Although they take an insignificant amount of space on the actual picture, they become a key feature, naturally highlighted by being the only coloured element in the picture
Selective Focus (2)
Location: Holyrood Park, Newington
"I cannot see the forest for the trees". I came upon this composition walking on Holyrood Park in Edinburgh. The "Give way" sign is not an addition, it is part of the original composition.
I particularly liked this angle because it frames very well the choice that cities such as Edinburgh have to make: what shall you give the priority to? Is it green spaces, building of accommodation, the preservation of monuments?
What will give way ?
"I cannot see the forest for the trees". I came upon this composition walking on Holyrood Park in Edinburgh. The "Give way" sign is not an addition, it is part of the original composition.
I particularly liked this angle because it frames very well the choice that cities such as Edinburgh have to make: what shall you give the priority to? Is it green spaces, building of accommodation, the preservation of monuments?
What will give way ?
The Belly of the beast
Location: Princes Street Gardens
This photograph was taken in November as the Edinburgh Christmas Market 2019 was being set-up. The market this year has received significant criticisms for the way it has been organised (planning processes) as well the impact the scaffolding is having on Princes Street Gardens.
A number of organisations voice their opposition to the market's location and this debate has featured in the local and national press.
This photograph was taken in November as the Edinburgh Christmas Market 2019 was being set-up. The market this year has received significant criticisms for the way it has been organised (planning processes) as well the impact the scaffolding is having on Princes Street Gardens.
A number of organisations voice their opposition to the market's location and this debate has featured in the local and national press.
Welcome to Leith
Location: Leith Walk
This photograph was taken on Leith Walk, off Pilrig Street.
I found the contrast interesting between the formality of the sign, the collection and flags, indicating a sense of pride and long history of the port city.
And yet, there is a sense that this tradition may under attack from the sign "save Iona Street" right below. The concerns highlighted from the sign, related to the building of new accommodation would "destroy" Iona street, if it requires saving, presumably because the identity of the street may change as a result.
This photograph was taken on Leith Walk, off Pilrig Street.
I found the contrast interesting between the formality of the sign, the collection and flags, indicating a sense of pride and long history of the port city.
And yet, there is a sense that this tradition may under attack from the sign "save Iona Street" right below. The concerns highlighted from the sign, related to the building of new accommodation would "destroy" Iona street, if it requires saving, presumably because the identity of the street may change as a result.
Stone, Iron and Steel
Location: View of the City Centre from Calton Hill, City Centre.
This photograph was taken from the top of Calton Hill looking at the development of the new St James Centre, over to the Melville Monument at the centre of the Frame and the National Records of Scotland dome under repair.
It highlights the different materials used for construction at different times throughout history, but also the ambition and scale of the buildings. The concrete towers of the new St James Centre seem to dwarf the lone column which, although made of standstone, looks vulnerable.
This photograph was taken from the top of Calton Hill looking at the development of the new St James Centre, over to the Melville Monument at the centre of the Frame and the National Records of Scotland dome under repair.
It highlights the different materials used for construction at different times throughout history, but also the ambition and scale of the buildings. The concrete towers of the new St James Centre seem to dwarf the lone column which, although made of standstone, looks vulnerable.
Calton Hill's autumn frame
Location: Pilrig Park, Leith
This photograph was taken close to sunset from Pilrig Park in the autumn of 2019. Many of the trees had started to lose just enough leaves to create windows of the landscape to open up this beautiful view.
To me, this picture represents so clearly how tied Edinburgh is to its topography and nature. Calton Hill is an island isolated from the bustling life of the city centre and this "autumnal frame" provided the perfect opportunity to showcase this.
This photograph was taken close to sunset from Pilrig Park in the autumn of 2019. Many of the trees had started to lose just enough leaves to create windows of the landscape to open up this beautiful view.
To me, this picture represents so clearly how tied Edinburgh is to its topography and nature. Calton Hill is an island isolated from the bustling life of the city centre and this "autumnal frame" provided the perfect opportunity to showcase this.
This is my home (1)
Location: Johnston Terrace Natural Reserve (Scottish Wildlife Trust).
In this picture, we can see a squirrel holding his hands together on a branch. None of the branches have their leaves left so the scene is bare, aside from the squirrel. This photograph was taken at Johnston Terrace Natural Reserve, Managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, one of the few refuges for wildlife in the historic centre of the City of Edinburgh. Nevertheless, a home too squirrels and other wildlife too.
I am very grateful to the Scottish Wildlife Trust and in particular to the Reserve Manager, Julian Warman, who arranged access to the reserve.
In this picture, we can see a squirrel holding his hands together on a branch. None of the branches have their leaves left so the scene is bare, aside from the squirrel. This photograph was taken at Johnston Terrace Natural Reserve, Managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, one of the few refuges for wildlife in the historic centre of the City of Edinburgh. Nevertheless, a home too squirrels and other wildlife too.
I am very grateful to the Scottish Wildlife Trust and in particular to the Reserve Manager, Julian Warman, who arranged access to the reserve.
This is my home (2)
Location: Johnston Terrace Natural Reserve (Scottish Wildlife Trust).
In this picture, we see a squirrel in a much more aggressive stance, holding up a paw as if about to attack. To me this picture represents the efforts that animals and organisation supporting wildlife have to put in to protect their habitat and biodiversity.
I am very grateful to the Scottish Wildlife Trust and in particular to the Reserve Manager, Julian Warman, who arranged access to the reserve.
In this picture, we see a squirrel in a much more aggressive stance, holding up a paw as if about to attack. To me this picture represents the efforts that animals and organisation supporting wildlife have to put in to protect their habitat and biodiversity.
I am very grateful to the Scottish Wildlife Trust and in particular to the Reserve Manager, Julian Warman, who arranged access to the reserve.
Apologies for any inconvenience
Location: Leith Street
This photograph was taken on Leith Street near the development of St James' centre. It shows a worker resting against a barrier looking at his phone while a bus rushes past.
It is sometimes easy to forget that, behind construction or development projects , are men and women whose safety may sometimes be at risk.
In discussing issues of conservation and urbanisation, it is important to also keep in mind that they also have an impact on jobs and livelihoods.
Finally, there is also an ironic side to this picture which shows a worker taking a break next to a sign apologising for the inconvenience caused during the progress of the works - in other words, that projects always take time and that disruption can be long-lasting.
This photograph was taken on Leith Street near the development of St James' centre. It shows a worker resting against a barrier looking at his phone while a bus rushes past.
It is sometimes easy to forget that, behind construction or development projects , are men and women whose safety may sometimes be at risk.
In discussing issues of conservation and urbanisation, it is important to also keep in mind that they also have an impact on jobs and livelihoods.
Finally, there is also an ironic side to this picture which shows a worker taking a break next to a sign apologising for the inconvenience caused during the progress of the works - in other words, that projects always take time and that disruption can be long-lasting.
The Spot
Location: Advocate's Close, Royal Mile
This picture presents such a contrast: on the one hand the low-ceiling passageway (close) and the vintage lantern in the distance leading down from the Royal Mile ; on the other a young lady wearing modern clothes waiting in a casual pose smoking a cigarette. In other words, the Old World Meeting the New World but there is nothing odd or innocuous about this picture. Or at least to me! And that goes right down to Edinburgh's identity and the fact that it blends perfectly the old and the new, with no one batting an eyelash.
This picture presents such a contrast: on the one hand the low-ceiling passageway (close) and the vintage lantern in the distance leading down from the Royal Mile ; on the other a young lady wearing modern clothes waiting in a casual pose smoking a cigarette. In other words, the Old World Meeting the New World but there is nothing odd or innocuous about this picture. Or at least to me! And that goes right down to Edinburgh's identity and the fact that it blends perfectly the old and the new, with no one batting an eyelash.
Crossroads (1)
Location: St Andrews Square
This is a busy picture. In the foreground, there is a pedestrian crossing the tram line with another group standing near an old building. Ovehead, electrical cables criss-cross. A little behind you can make out the top of a double decker bus and tree tops. Finally, the Firth of Forth and the Coast of Fife are in the background.
What a contrast between the different elements in this picture - modern developments such as the tram and lots of traffic signs, a busy scene. Meanwhile, the softness of the light in the background creates a sense of serenity and longing for the countryside, to want to cross over the river and to escape. The electrical cables provide that leading line.
This is a busy picture. In the foreground, there is a pedestrian crossing the tram line with another group standing near an old building. Ovehead, electrical cables criss-cross. A little behind you can make out the top of a double decker bus and tree tops. Finally, the Firth of Forth and the Coast of Fife are in the background.
What a contrast between the different elements in this picture - modern developments such as the tram and lots of traffic signs, a busy scene. Meanwhile, the softness of the light in the background creates a sense of serenity and longing for the countryside, to want to cross over the river and to escape. The electrical cables provide that leading line.
Crossroads (2)
Location: Royal Mile
Taken on the Royal Mile, this photo echoes the first with someone walking across the cobblestone street but in a fleeting manner.
This photo to me is evocative of a crossroads where so many encounters and visits were made, from locals and tourists alike.
One side of the street, where the shops are is well lit, the other isn't. The avenue, very quiet in the evening, might be filled with all these ghosts from the past.
Taken on the Royal Mile, this photo echoes the first with someone walking across the cobblestone street but in a fleeting manner.
This photo to me is evocative of a crossroads where so many encounters and visits were made, from locals and tourists alike.
One side of the street, where the shops are is well lit, the other isn't. The avenue, very quiet in the evening, might be filled with all these ghosts from the past.
Tyred stream
Location: Water of Leith (near Dean Village)
A single black tire stuck on a cut down tree stump in the middle of the Water of Leith stream. The water is clealy troubled and dirty - a murky yellow or brown colour. A simple image that shows the impact of human development on nature in an urban environment.
A single black tire stuck on a cut down tree stump in the middle of the Water of Leith stream. The water is clealy troubled and dirty - a murky yellow or brown colour. A simple image that shows the impact of human development on nature in an urban environment.
On the edge
Location: Near Hermiston Gate
This photograph was taken on the very edge of the city of Edinburgh, just past the Edinburgh Bypass (in the background), where the city ends and the countryside begins.
The trees and fence are reminiscent of traditional countryside scenes if it wasn't for the abandoned and broken down shopping carts standing awkwardly in the foreground.
This picture tries to illustrate how cities creep up progressively on the countryside - and in some cases to its detriment.
This photograph was taken on the very edge of the city of Edinburgh, just past the Edinburgh Bypass (in the background), where the city ends and the countryside begins.
The trees and fence are reminiscent of traditional countryside scenes if it wasn't for the abandoned and broken down shopping carts standing awkwardly in the foreground.
This picture tries to illustrate how cities creep up progressively on the countryside - and in some cases to its detriment.
Going back in Time
Location: George IV Bridge
This photograph was taken looking West from George IV Bridge onto the clock face of Magdalen Chapel (1544) and the Grassmarket area.
This view, to me is an illustration of the rich diversity of architecture in Edinburgh: the medival stone buildings in the foreground, tenement blocks with slate rooms in the main scenes with TV antennae and the University of Edinburgh's brick Laurieston Campus in the background. All of these contrasts, perfectly captured by the clock, remind us that time moves on.
This photograph was taken looking West from George IV Bridge onto the clock face of Magdalen Chapel (1544) and the Grassmarket area.
This view, to me is an illustration of the rich diversity of architecture in Edinburgh: the medival stone buildings in the foreground, tenement blocks with slate rooms in the main scenes with TV antennae and the University of Edinburgh's brick Laurieston Campus in the background. All of these contrasts, perfectly captured by the clock, remind us that time moves on.
Keep walking
Location: Princes Street, City Centre
This tongue-and-cheek picture brings together two unconnected signs.
Aside from the ironic message from the picture "Sorry, we're close, keep walking" - there is a more serious message behind it.
Change in cities does not only apply to residential but also business accommodation. Many main streets in Scotland, have seen huge changes and turnover of brands or independent shops.
Shops and front windows have a big role to play in the 'feel' or identity of a particular location or place and should not be underestimated. One example could be the many independent shops of Leith.
Disclaimer: This picture was slightly edited to remove branding.
This tongue-and-cheek picture brings together two unconnected signs.
Aside from the ironic message from the picture "Sorry, we're close, keep walking" - there is a more serious message behind it.
Change in cities does not only apply to residential but also business accommodation. Many main streets in Scotland, have seen huge changes and turnover of brands or independent shops.
Shops and front windows have a big role to play in the 'feel' or identity of a particular location or place and should not be underestimated. One example could be the many independent shops of Leith.
Disclaimer: This picture was slightly edited to remove branding.
I'm watching you (1)
Location: York Place
This picture aims to demonstrate the threat that new developments can pose to Edinburgh's identity in a metaphorical way.
In this picture, the angle of the crane from the St James centre redevelopment is tilted menacingly towards the spires of St Mary's Catholic Cathedral (1814).
Rightly or wrongly perceived, this photo aims to capture the feeling that old buildings (and identity) can be under attack or threatened by new developments or innovation.
This picture aims to demonstrate the threat that new developments can pose to Edinburgh's identity in a metaphorical way.
In this picture, the angle of the crane from the St James centre redevelopment is tilted menacingly towards the spires of St Mary's Catholic Cathedral (1814).
Rightly or wrongly perceived, this photo aims to capture the feeling that old buildings (and identity) can be under attack or threatened by new developments or innovation.
I'm watching you (2)
Location: Holyrood Park Road, Newington.
In this picture we can see a telecommunications tower in the foreground and St Leonard's Hall in the background.
This is a clear example of the contrasts where heritage and modern living comes together in urban centres.
Also, sneakily hidden in the picture is a CCTV camera towards the bottom right. A reminder that new technological developments also have an impact on our privacy
In this picture we can see a telecommunications tower in the foreground and St Leonard's Hall in the background.
This is a clear example of the contrasts where heritage and modern living comes together in urban centres.
Also, sneakily hidden in the picture is a CCTV camera towards the bottom right. A reminder that new technological developments also have an impact on our privacy
Go fish (1)
Location: Newhaven Harbour
I find it easy sometimes to forget that Edinburgh is by the sea. Edinburgh is many things - it has plains to the West, Hills to the South and the Sea to the North. This of course means that it has a rich maritime heritage
I find it easy sometimes to forget that Edinburgh is by the sea. Edinburgh is many things - it has plains to the West, Hills to the South and the Sea to the North. This of course means that it has a rich maritime heritage
Go fish (2)
Location: Duddingston Loch, Duddingston
Enjoyment of urban centres, including their green spaces should not be a privilege reserved to those who can or are able to access them.
I came upon this sign at the natural reserve at Duddingston Loch which I found to be very important - decision-makers have a key responsibility to protect not only our environment but also the most vulnerable and those requiring more support in society.
Enjoyment of urban centres, including their green spaces should not be a privilege reserved to those who can or are able to access them.
I came upon this sign at the natural reserve at Duddingston Loch which I found to be very important - decision-makers have a key responsibility to protect not only our environment but also the most vulnerable and those requiring more support in society.
Transition (1)
Location: Pentland Hills, Swanton
A lot of energy is needed to power our cities, which includes Edinburgh.
In this picture taken on the Pentland Hills, I tried to capture the relationship we have with the development of renewable projects.
Wind turbines can have impacts on the landscape and wildlife or ecosystem where they are installed. However, they also provided much needed renewable energy to end dependence on the consumption of fossil fuels.
A lot of energy is needed to power our cities, which includes Edinburgh.
In this picture taken on the Pentland Hills, I tried to capture the relationship we have with the development of renewable projects.
Wind turbines can have impacts on the landscape and wildlife or ecosystem where they are installed. However, they also provided much needed renewable energy to end dependence on the consumption of fossil fuels.
