Historic Edinburgh ‘landmark’ to get new lease of life as artist launches project

An Edinburgh artist is embarking on a project to revitalize a historic landmark in Leith, bringing new life to a beloved helter-skelter slide that was once a popular attraction for children. The slide, located in Montgomery Street Park, dates back to the 1970s but had fallen into disrepair, leading to safety concerns and its eventual closure. Despite being dismantled in early 2023, the artist, Paul Meikle, has taken on the challenge of transforming the slide into pieces of art to preserve its legacy.

Paul Meikle, 31, who works part-time in a car garage, expressed his desire to honour the memories attached to the slide by repurposing it into artworks. He highlighted the emotional significance of the slide to the local community, noting how many people have fond memories of playing on it as children. With the support of the Friends of Montgomery Street Park, who made efforts to save the landmark, Paul aims to capture the nostalgia and significance of the slide through his artistic vision.

In an interview, Paul shared his excitement and determination for the project, acknowledging the daunting task of working with such a significant structure. He recounted engaging with locals to hear their stories and recollections of the slide, further solidifying the deep-rooted connection the community has with this iconic feature. The artist plans to showcase the completed artworks in an exhibition next year to pay homage to the helter-skelter’s history.

As Paul proceeds with disassembling the slide and embarking on the creative process, he anticipates completing the project by springtime 2025. The transformation of this landmark symbolizes a blend of artistry and community spirit, encapsulating the essence of preserving cherished memories for future generations to appreciate.

Through this initiative, Paul Meikle’s dedication to revitalizing the helter-skelter slide in Leith not only breathes new life into a historic landmark but also reinforces the power of art in celebrating communal heritage and nostalgia. The project serves as a testament to the enduring cultural significance of local landmarks and the creative possibilities that can emerge from reimagining the past.

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In this re-written article, the focus is on highlighting the artist’s initiative to revitalise a historic landmark in Edinburgh. By emphasising the artist’s motivations, community involvement, and the transformative process, the article showcases the significance of preserving local heritage through artistic endeavours. It aims to inspire readers with a tale of creativity, community spirit, and the preservation of cherished memories.