Wednesday October 21st 2026
Hamish and Adam Innes from James Innes and Son who restored the Griffins
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Two historic Griffin sculptures that once guarded the entrance to Muirhouse Mansion in Granton Waterfront have been conserved and restored after spending more than 50 years in storage.
The 19th-century sculptures have been returned to the area near their original home, where the City of Edinburgh Council has installed them within its new affordable housing development at Silverlea.
The move celebrates Granton’s rich archaeological heritage and creates a link between the area’s history and its regeneration.
Conservation work carried out by James Innes & Sons involved removing concrete repairs added during the 20th century and recreating missing feet, wings and beaks that had broken off over the years.
The project marks the final phase of archaeological work at the site, following an excavation by AOC Archaeology in 2024 of part of the grounds associated with the earlier 17th-century Muirhouse Castle.
The council is currently handing over the keys to more than 100 homes at Silverlea, with a further 43 properties expected to be ready for tenants in early 2027.
Work to upgrade the green space between the new homes and the football pavilion is also due to be completed in January.
Council leader Jane Meagher said:
“There is a huge amount of work going on to celebrate Granton Waterfront’s rich cultural heritage. Placing the sculptures as art in open space near these much-needed new affordable homes, gives residents an opportunity to enjoy their connection to generations of people who lived in the area before them.
“This is one of many important conservation projects we’re carrying out to celebrate the area’s long-standing history. The former Granton Station Building, with original platforms, is now home to local artists, and the nearby iconic gasworks has become a new city park. The headquarters for the UK’s first car factory – Madelvic House – as well as Granton Lighthouse and Granton Castle Walled Garden are all also at different stages of being restored and I’m looking forward to seeing them all brought back to life.”
Key facts
– Muirhouse Mansion is located to the north of Silverlea on Marine Drive.
– Silverlea is part of the council’s £1.3 billion regeneration of the local area to build a new environmentally friendly coastal town.
– The mansion was built in 1830 to replace Muirhouse Castle, which was built in 1670 and stood partially on the same site.
– Muirhouse Castle was demolished in 1954, when Marine Drive was constructed.
– The Griffin sculptures were then placed in storage ahead of restoration work.
– The conservation work was carried out on behalf of the council by James Innes & Sons in 2025.
– When the council’s Silverlea affordable housing development was approved, one of the archaeological conditions required the sculptures to be conserved and returned to the site as part of the public space.
– As part of the Silverlea housing project, the council replaced the local football pavilion last summer. The team has been enjoying its new clubhouse, reaching out to more children and creating new teams.
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