Three new public artworks to be approved in principle

The council may approve three new pieces of public art for the city later this week following the establishment of a new Public Art Policy last spring.

The policy will outline commissioning guidelines to support the management of existing and future monuments and street art. A Public Art Panel has been established setting up its own remit and code of conduct and outlining ways of progressing proposals to introduce new memorials in the city. Edinburgh based artist Cath Keay has been appointed to the panel which will meet quarterly to discuss up to three proposals each time.

The newest piece of public art was the Whale sculpture unveiled in March this year at the Gasholder Park.

Planning officers are seeking an in principle approval for these three memorials which will be fully funded from external sources this week’s Culture and Communities Committee.

Muriel Spark – East Princes Street Gardens (Southside)
The project will be fully funded by established Edinburgh-based philanthropists, and has the support of Dame Muriel’s companion of 30 years, sculptor, Penelope Jardine. It has gathered a significant groundswell of support a wide range of people. A robust governance structure has been established to oversee the development and administration of an open and fully transparent international competition for artists to submit outline plans and concepts for the Memorial. Commitment has already been given by the philanthropists to cover all costs of creation and installation as well as ongoing maintenance. A design competition will begin in September 2025 after an announcement at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

The Royal Regiment of Scotland – West Princes Street Gardens, North thoroughfare between the amphitheatre and the Ross Fountain.
The statue is not a war memorial but a statue that resonates with the Royal Regiment of Scotland, those who are currently serving and those who have served, whether deceased or living. It is to be a place where serving and veterans, and their families and friends, can gather at a time of their choosing and reflect. The Rt Hon Lord Provost, as Armed Forces and Veteran Champion for the city, has offered his support in principle for this project. The commissioned sculpture, Kenny Hunter, is highly renowned and has a rich history of high-quality work across Scotland and further afield. Subject to approval by the City of Edinburgh Council The Royal Regiment of Scotland statue would be unveiled as part of the Regiment’s 20th anniversary celebrations on Saturday 28 March 2026.

Contaminated Blood Memorial – location to be confirmed dependent on final design
The UK contaminated blood scandal is one of the worst treatment disasters in NHS history and a Contaminated Blood Memorial Fund was established in 2016 to raise funds for a lasting tribute to the hundreds of people in Scotland who lost their lives due to the contaminated blood tragedy.

A working group was formed, to bring the community together and raise the funds needed for the creation of a permanent memorial. After the group’s initial funding goal was reached in 2022, work began to identify a suitable location for the installation that would satisfy the key priorities expressed by the community.