A commemorative plaque was unveiled at the entrance to the Balgreen Tunnel on Friday.
The art project is intended to build community spirit and develop a sense of ownership among people in the area.
A spokesperson for the Balgreen Tunnel Project said: “This project has been four years in the making and the finished mural is above and beyond our wildest dreams.
“It’s given the community something to talk about — little children walk through it counting the animals and marvelling at the birds and butterflies.
“It’s inspiring. People are happy to walk through it now, they don’t feel intimidated by the graffiti that once surrounded them and it’s a joyous place.
“The community has donated a lot of money to make this happen — ever fiver and tenner counted. It’s something everyone can take ownership of and be proud of.”
Artist Calum Carr, who started painting in July said: “The Balgreen Tunnel has always been covered in graffiti and tags, and it was scary to walk through for some people.
“Children in the local primary school came up with ideas for what the mural should show and we came up with wildlife from Saughton Park.
“There has been overwhelming positivity to the project, which is designed to be fun but also educational for the kids.
“So many people have stopped to say how much they love the mural and it’s been lovely to see children walking through with their parents, calling out the names of the animals and flowers.
“It’s been a very humbling experience. We want this to be a landmark that generations of people can enjoy and be proud of.”
Calum, 44, spent over 12 weeks completing the work alongside fellow artist Dallas Henderson Smith.
He added: “I really wanted to take advantage of the fact the tunnel is completely curved and arched so there are animals and flowers wrapped around the entire ceiling and over the other side.
“I want people to step into a fantasy world for the short time they are walking through the tunnel.
“It’s so important, especially in the times we are living in, to boost positivity in our communities and for people to feel together and not alone.”
More than 200 people have contributed over £5000 towards the project, which has involved professional street artists and ideas and inspiration from children at nearby Balgreen Primary School.
The arched surface is now covered with dozens of giant colourful spray painted flora and fauna including otters, ducks, foxes, herons, hedgehogs, frogs, rabbits, badgers, birds, bees, beetles and butterflies.
All of the plants and creatures can be found in Saughton Park and the Water of Leith, which runs through it.
The Balgreen Tunnel Project Picture Alan Simpson
Calum Carr and Dull artist with the Balgreen Tunnel Community Mural project committee Picture Alan Simpson
Calum Carr and Dull artist at the unveiling of the plaque for the Balgreen Tunnel Community Mural project. PHOTO Alan Simpson
Calum Carr and Dull artist with the Balgreen Tunnel Community Mural project committee PHOTO Alan Simpson
Lesley Hinds former Lord Provost at the unveiling of the plaque for the Balgreen Tunnel Community Mural project. PHOTO Alan Simpson
PHOTO Alan Simpson
Unveiling the commemorative plaque at the Balgreen Tunnel Community Mural 3 October PHOTO Alan Simpson
The commemorative plaque at the Balgreen Tunnel Community Mural 3 October PHOTO Alan Simpson
Calum Carr and Dull artist at the Balgreen Tunnel Community Mural project unveiling PHOTO Alan Simpson
Christine Jardine MP at the unveiling of the plaque in Balgreen Tunnel PHOTO Alan Simpson
3/10/2025
PHOTO Alan Simpson
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