Two 19th century Griffin sculptures which stood either side of the entrance gate for Muirhouse Mansion in Granton Waterfront have been beautifully restored after spending over 50 years in storage.
The legendary creatures have been placed near to their original home by the City of Edinburgh Council in their new affordable housing development, Silverlea, to celebrate and provide a link back to the site’s rich archaeological heritage.
Careful conservation and restoration of the Griffins by James Innes & Sons involved the removal of 20th century concrete repairs and the crafting of missing feet, wings and beaks which had been broken off in the past. The project marks the last phase of archaeological work on the site which included the excavation in 2024 by AOC Archaeology of part of the grounds associated with the earlier 17th century Muirhouse Castle.
The Council is in the process of handing the keys for over 100 homes to new residents at Silverlea with another 43 homes expected to be ready for tenants in early 2027.
In January work will be completed upgrading green space between the new homes and the football pavilion.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “There is a huge amount of work going on to celebrate Granton Waterfront’s rich cultural heritage. Placing the sculptures as art in open space near these much-needed new affordable homes, gives residents an opportunity to enjoy their connection to generations of people who lived in the area before them.
“This is one of many important conservation projects we’re carrying out to celebrate the area’s long-standing history. The former Granton Station Building with original platforms is now home to local artists, and the nearby iconic gasworks has become a new city park. The headquarters for the UK’s first car factory - Madelvic House - as well as Granton Lighthouse and Granton Castle Walled Garden are all also at different stages of being restored and I’m looking forward to seeing them all brought back to life.”
Key facts
- Muirhouse Mansion is located to the north of Silverlea on Marine Drive.
- Silverlea is part of the Council’s £1.3bn regeneration of the local area to build a new environmentally friendly coastal town.
- The Mansion was built in 1830 as a replacement for Muirhouse Castle (built in 1670) which stood partially on this site.
- Muirhouse Castle was demolished in 1954 and Marine Drive was constructed.
- The Griffins were then placed in storage for restoration work to be carried out.
- The work was carried out on the Council’s behalf by James Innes & Sons in 2025.
- When the Council’s affordable Housing Development - Silverlea - was approved one of the archaeological conditions was that the sculptures were conserved and put back on site as part on the public space.
- As part of the work building new homes at Silverlea, the Football pavilion in the area was replaced by the Council last summer and the team have been enjoying their new club house and are reaching out to more children and creating new teams.