{"id":475186,"date":"2025-10-05T05:41:25","date_gmt":"2025-10-05T05:41:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/475186\/"},"modified":"2025-10-05T05:41:25","modified_gmt":"2025-10-05T05:41:25","slug":"balgreen-tunnel-transformed-by-art-project","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/475186\/","title":{"rendered":"Balgreen Tunnel transformed by art project"},"content":{"rendered":"

A commemorative plaque was unveiled at the entrance to the Balgreen Tunnel on Friday. <\/p>\n

The art project is intended to build community spirit and develop a sense of ownership among people in the area.<\/p>\n

A spokesperson for the Balgreen Tunnel Project said: \u201cThis project has been four years in the making and the finished mural is above and beyond our wildest dreams.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s given the community something to talk about \u2014 little children walk through it counting the animals and marvelling at the birds and butterflies.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s inspiring. People are happy to walk through it now, they don\u2019t feel intimidated by the graffiti that once surrounded them and it\u2019s a joyous place.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe community has donated a lot of money to make this happen \u2014 ever fiver and tenner counted. It\u2019s something everyone can take ownership of and be proud of.\u201d<\/p>\n

Artist Calum Carr, who started painting in July said: \u201cThe Balgreen Tunnel has always been covered in graffiti and tags, and it was scary to walk through for some people.<\/p>\n

\u201cChildren in the local primary school came up with ideas for what the mural should show and we came up with wildlife from Saughton Park.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere has been overwhelming positivity to the project, which is designed to be fun but also educational for the kids.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo many people have stopped to say how much they love the mural and it\u2019s been lovely to see children walking through with their parents, calling out the names of the animals and flowers.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been a very humbling experience. We want this to be a landmark that generations of people can enjoy and be proud of.\u201d<\/p>\n

Calum, 44, spent over 12 weeks completing the work alongside fellow artist Dallas Henderson Smith.<\/p>\n

He added: \u201cI 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want people to step into a fantasy world for the short time they are walking through the tunnel.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

More than 200 people have contributed over \u00a35000 towards the project, which has involved professional street artists and ideas and inspiration from children at nearby Balgreen Primary School.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

All of the plants and creatures can be found in Saughton Park and the Water of Leith, which runs through it.<\/p>\n

\"\"The Balgreen Tunnel Project Picture Alan Simpson <\/p>\n

\"\"Calum Carr and Dull artist with the Balgreen Tunnel Community Mural project committee Picture Alan Simpson <\/p>\n

\"\"Calum Carr and Dull artist at the unveiling of the plaque for the Balgreen Tunnel Community Mural project. PHOTO Alan Simpson <\/p>\n

\"\"Calum Carr and Dull artist with the Balgreen Tunnel Community Mural project committee PHOTO Alan Simpson <\/p>\n

\"\"Lesley Hinds former Lord Provost at the unveiling of the plaque for the Balgreen Tunnel Community Mural project. PHOTO Alan Simpson<\/p>\n

\"\"PHOTO Alan Simpson<\/p>\n

\"\"Unveiling the commemorative plaque at the Balgreen Tunnel Community Mural 3 October PHOTO Alan Simpson <\/p>\n

\"\"The commemorative plaque at the Balgreen Tunnel Community Mural 3 October PHOTO Alan Simpson <\/p>\n

\"\"Calum Carr and Dull artist at the Balgreen Tunnel Community Mural project unveiling PHOTO Alan Simpson<\/p>\n

\"\"Christine Jardine MP at the unveiling of the plaque in Balgreen Tunnel PHOTO Alan Simpson <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"3\/10\/2025<\/p>\n

PHOTO Alan Simpson <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Like this:<\/p>\n

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