There you are, just walking down past the canal, minding your own business, when you see a man stood in the water. You panic! Is he OK? What is he doing? And, then you realise, it’s not a man, it’s a statue!
Back in 2010, Turner Prize-winning artist Antony Gormley installed 6 human-like statues across Edinburgh. Much to the sadness of many a local, they were removed in 2012 due to several structural issues. However, now they’re back!
Four of the (somewhat haunting) figures stand along Edinburgh’s popular Water of Leith river. Perhaps unintentionally, they act as a marker for the water’s height as the weather changes, an interesting sight for those taking the popular walk route through the heart of the city.
The first can be found within the grounds of the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art. Despite it being a full-length cast, you’ll only find a head – the statue is buried in the earth up to its neck! You’ll find the last one near the end of an abandoned pier in Leith Docks. He stands alone, looking out to the waters – perhaps contemplating his return to Edinburgh? All of these figures can be rather alarming if you’re not expecting them, but I love to introduce visitors to them – there’s something quite playful about their positioning.
