Interpretation and Public Artwork

Aims for the public artwork

In addition to restoring the Triangle garden with its New Drovers Path, an important aim is also to interpret and display aspects of Colinton’s rich history and any connections with local natural heritage. The development of this aim has acknowledged that Robert Louis Stevenson is one of Colinton’s famous figures and the brief was expanded to do justice to him. That has been separated into a project of its own.

All aims are designed to contribute to sustaining the viability of the shopping centre by improving its accessibility, interest and attractiveness.

Planning permission for the public artwork project was attained in July 2011. Onward into fundraising to make it all happen.

Interpretation in ornamental railings

A timeline of aspects of Colinton’s history has been selected by the Colinton Local History Society. This timeline will be illustrated and integrated into new ornamental railings along the Woodhall Road boundary of the Triangle garden. The designer is Jack Sloan, senior lecturer in art and design at the Central College Glasgow.

click on image to see full-size

Poetry on the belvedere paving

The Triangle was also a crossing point of many ancient routes where people over the centuries would have met and conversed. Ian Boyter has composed a poem, to be engraved on the paving stones of the viewing platform, to celebrate the Triangle as a trysting place.

Stand here for a moment, let's linger right here,
This point where the centuries meet,
Let's consider this place over nine hundred years,
And imagine who walks down the street.

A preacher, a baron, a banker, a prince,
A teacher, a mother of three,
Some are still here, some departed long since,
From this dell between Pentlands and sea

A painter, a poet - a teller of tales,
Do you recognise that famous face?
A drover from Falkirk, a miller from Hailes,
Meet them all at this trysting place.

Other poetry may also be etched into the paving, possibly from a poetry competition.