Leith’s New Mosaic Hub Needs You

Beneath the Great Junction Street Bridge, something special is about to happen.

A 34-square-metre mosaic bench hub. Part rest spot. Part artistic landmark. Fully yours.

This isn’t just another public bench. We’re building a space that blends creativity, skating, and green living. Think skate culture meets conservation. And we need your ideas to make it happen.

You’ve walked by the Water of Leith before. Maybe you’ve watched swans glide past or caught a moment of quiet before the city pulls you back. Now, imagine sitting on a bench that reflects that experience—designed by people who know the area best: you.

So, here’s the deal. We’re looking for local designs. Ideas that capture what Leith means to you. Wildlife. Waterways. Skaters. Commuters. The history that’s layered in the stones of this city. The stories told along its bridges.

Why your input? Because this bench isn’t ours to design, it belongs to the community.

What We’re After

We don’t need you to be an artist. If you’ve got a vision, we want it. Sketch it out, scribble a rough idea, or write down your concept. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to reflect something real.

You can go bold or stay simple. There are no wrong submissions. Inspiration could come from the mosaics of Antoni Gaudí or the natural shapes found along the Water of Leith. Look at how the trees curve. Notice the patterns the water makes after rain. Think about how wildlife and humans move through the same space, side by side.

Your design could celebrate skateboarding culture or highlight local wildlife. It could be a nod to Leith’s shipyard past or something that encourages people to sit, think, and breathe.

Who Can Submit?

Anyone. Whether you live in Leith or have simply passed through. You might be a skater, a nature lover, or someone with a notebook full of sketches no one’s ever seen. This is your moment.

Schools, local clubs, and families, get your ideas in. We’re here to collaborate.

What Happens Next?

The project starts on 31st March 2025, but we’re kicking things off with an open meeting before the end of February. You’ll get to meet the team, see where the bench will sit, and share your thoughts. If you want your design to be part of something lasting, this is where it starts.

Submit your ideas by email or drop them off at our local hub.

• We’ll review every submission.
• No ideas will be overlooked.
• The ones that resonate most with the community will shape the final mosaic.

Why This Matters

Because it’s not just a bench. It’s a space where skaters can rest between sessions. Where walkers can pause and take in the view. Where people who’ve never met can sit side by side and share a moment.

And it’s a reminder that even in the middle of a bustling city, we can slow down and create something meaningful together.

Ready to Get Involved?

You don’t have to wait for the meeting. Start brainstorming now. Think about what you’d like future generations to see when they sit on that bench. What story will your design tell?

Grab a pencil, paper, or whatever’s lying around. This is your chance to shape the heart of Leith, one tile at a time.