BENCHES that used to sit in Haymarket Station have been “upcycled” and moved to the Water of Leith at Edinburgh’s Coalie Park.
The once-drab silver benches received a breath of fresh air when they were taken from the station and brightly painted by volunteers from the Water of Leith Conservation Trust.
Donated and installed by Network Rail, the seats sit beside the path at the Water of Leith, allowing walkers the chance to take a breath and admire the swans that frequent the area.
The benches are part of phase two of the Coalie Park Project as supported partly by the City of Edinburgh Council Place Based Initiative Fund.
The Water of Leith Conservation Trust posted pictures of the new benches yesterday, saying: “Fantastic to see these colourful benches go in at Coalie Park, look familiar they used to be at Haymarket Station.
“Donated and installed by Network Rail and upcycled by our volunteers, they make a great addition to the walkway.”
Pictures show three rows with three seats each, painted yellow and blue by a team of volunteers.
The trust has placed a sign on one of the benches, saying: “These benches used to be at Haymarket station, and have been donated and installed by Network Rail.
“We have upcycled them, but they do perhaps need another coat or two or paint, when the weather is a bit warmer.
“Enjoy but please take your litter to a nearby bin (up the steps or by the car park)”.
The post received over 260 likes and 13 comments, as locals were delighted to see a splash of colour in the park, and the clever use of resources.
One user said: “They look great. Reused too. Hooray for more seating.”
Another commented: “Brilliant use of unwanted things, bright and cheery as well. Well done folks.”
A third replied: “That looks fabulous.”
Tracy Gilbert MP for Edinburgh North and Leith also praised the project, saying: “They look great.”
The Coalie Park Project aims to rejuvenate the area by building a skate area, installing planters and mosaic seating, and by painting a community mural by the west end of the site.
A Water of Leith Conservation Trust spokesperson said today: “The benches are just a small part of the Coalie Park project that is being spearheaded by Trust manager, Helen Brown.
“It’s seen a really positive redevelopment of the area with a community mural, seating and we are currently fundraising for the final element of skate park in partnership with Edinburgh Wheels.”
“The final two benches are getting installed today by Network Rail.”
They also state that though there was initially there was supposed to be six benches, one was stolen last year.
