Tag: time capsule

Time capsule interred at North Bridge

‘I hope they’ll appreciate the labour of love that went into preserving this iconic landmark’

A time capsule has been interred at North Bridge to mark the project’s work for future generations.

Some of the items for the capsule included:

  • A letter from the Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and Council Leader Jane Meagher to the future citizens of Edinburgh.
  • A paint brush used by the Transport and Environment Convener Stephen Jenkinson to hand finish the cast iron façade.
  • A Balfour Beatty high visibility vest.
  • A Glengarry Cap from the Kings Own Scottish Borderers regiment.
  • The school prayer of St Augustine’s High School etched in glass.
  • A photograph of the Historic Environment Scotland grants team on a site visit.
  • Three books created as part of the North Bridge Refurbishment Project Legacy Arts Programme.

Objects were contributed by a number of partner organisations and invited guests.  

The Category A listed structure is a key transport link between the north and south of the city. The original North Bridge began construction in 1763 and was then replaced between 1894 and 1897 by the structure which we see today.

According to historical records, at some point between 1894 and 1897 a time capsule was interned inside the structure.

Whilst this capsule is inaccessible, local school pupils alongside the Super Power Agency, were inspired to write two books of fiction about the bridge and ultimately the idea for a new time capsule.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “North Bridge has been a familiar feature of Edinburgh’s cityscape for well over two centuries. This corridor continues to form a vital part of our city’s modern transport network, whilst also serving as a visual reminder of our city’s rich history and building tradition. 

“As we gather today to inter our own pieces of history, it’s comforting to think that many years from now future generations will look back at the vital work we’ve been undertaking, just as we have appreciated the work of those before us.

“The complexity and skill of this work cannot be understated, with some areas being repaired and renovated which hadn’t seen the light of day in over one hundred years. I’m incredibly grateful for the efforts of everyone involved with the project.

“We owe it to Edinburgh’s future residents and visitors to make sure that we complete this project to the highest standards. With the bridge on the cusp of being fully refurbished to its former glory, this is a moment that we can all look forward to together with pride and optimism.”

Project Director for Balfour Beatty, Rory McFadden said: “As we welcome guests to mark the placing of this time capsule and celebrate the restoration of Edinburgh’s North Bridge, I’d like to reflect on the incredible journey undertaken by those involved. It hasn’t been easy.

“When discussions began in 2017, none of us could have anticipated the challenges ahead—especially the bridge’s condition, which was far worse than expected.

“Yet, through determination, innovation, and teamwork, we’ve delivered something truly special.

“We can take immense pride in restoring this historic structure, ensuring its preservation for generations. The past Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) President’s comparison to dentistry on a massive scale couldn’t be more fitting, describing the meticulous care and precision required to return the bridge to its former glory.

“Throughout this journey, we engaged with thousands of individuals, many of whom left in awe and became allies of the project. Over 3,000 people contributed on-site, learning new techniques as we delivered the works while respecting our neighbours and keeping this vital north-south link open. Their dedication was instrumental in our success.

“As the scaffolding comes down and the bridge slowly reveals itself, it will stand tall – a testament to our collective efforts. The people of Edinburgh and its visitors will witness the bridge in all its grandeur.

“I think about the future, about those who will open this time capsule years from now. Will they be as impressed by our restoration as we are by its original construction? I believe they will – and I hope they’ll appreciate the labour of love that went into preserving this iconic landmark.”

Major works are expected to be completed in Spring 2026 with all remaining works to be completed in Summer 2026.

The time capsule interment ceremony was attended by representatives from the City of Edinburgh Council, Balfour Beatty, Atkins Realis, NBR Legacy Projects: Moving Image Commission (Rachel Mclean & Jonathan Webb), the Super Power Agency, Volker Laser, SCAPE Scotland, Currie & Brown, Invisible Cities, Historic Environment Scotland, Capital City Partnership, The King’s Own Scottish Borderers Association, and pupils from St Augustine’s High School, St Thomas of Aquin’s High School, Jeda Pearl Lewis (Artist/Author), Estelle Meyer (Cobble Tales).

A full list of the items contributed to the time capsule is below with the contributor in brackets at the end:

  • A signed copy of Our Storied Town by Donald Smith (Author), Cat Outram (Illustrator) and the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge. (Lord Provost)
  • A letter to the future generations of Edinburgh from the Lord Provost and Council Leader Jane Meagher. (Lord Provost and Council Leader)
  • An Edinburgh 900 programme. (Lord Provost)
  • An invitation to the Edinburgh 900 Book Launch which took place earlier this year for Edinburgh: A New History by Alastair Moffat & Edinburgh: The Autobiography by Alan Taylor. (Lord Provost)
  • Paint brush used to hand finish the cast iron façade (Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson)
  • Copy of a Green Pencil Award and brochure of poems (Central Library)
  • A signed Hibernian FC strip (Central Library/Hibernian FC)
  • Leaflets from the Edinburgh Playhouse and Cockburn Association (Central Library, Edinburgh Playhouse and Cockburn Association)
  • Glass etching of the St Augustine’s High School prayer and school pennant. (St Augustine’s High School)
  • A package including a Glengarry Cap, a concise version of the regiment’s history and their tartan. (The King’s Own Scottish Borderer’s Association)
  • A high visibility vest, water bottle, bolts and rivets from the bridge and construction drawings (Balfour Beatty)
  • A Lego man and a fifty pence piece (St Thomas of Aquin’s High School)
  • A letter from a pupil named Archie to the future of Edinburgh (St Thomas of Aquin’s High School)
  • A photograph of the grants team on a site visit to the bridge with a note. (Historic Environment Scotland)
  • A copy of North Bridge Where We Travelled – North Bridge Refurbishment Project Legacy Arts Programme (Jeda Pearl Lewis)
  • A copy of Stories From The Stones and What’s That About North Bridge – North Bridge Refurbishment Project Legacy Arts Programme (Super Power Agency)
  • A commemorative coin (Anonymous)

Further information on the North Bridge refurbishment project is available on the Council’s website.

Planting the Past, Growing the Future: Glenogle Swim Centre invites community to celebrate 125 Years

As Glenogle Swim Centre in Stockbridge prepares to mark its 125th anniversary, Edinburgh Leisure is inviting the local community to help shape a unique legacy – a time capsule to be planted in the centre’s lovingly restored garden during a celebration event on Friday, 5th September 2025.

One of Edinburgh Leisure’s five cherished Victorian pools, Glenogle – affectionately known as Glennies – has been a cornerstone of the community since it opened on 7 September 1900.

Now, as it celebrates over a century of service, the centre is calling on locals to suggest or donate items for inclusion in the time capsule, which will be buried in the private garden at the Saxe-Coburg entrance.

Sam Machin, former leisure attendant and now owner of the popular Glenogle Café on the mezzanine level, said: “Glenogle is a unique venue at the heart of its community. We’d love for our customers and neighbours to contribute ideas or items that reflect life in 2025 or even their memories of Glennies.

“The time capsule will be a gift to the future – capturing the spirit of today for generations to come.”

The garden where the capsule will be planted is itself a symbol of community care and creativity. Over the past decade, Glenogle customers Marjorie Mantle and Andrew Dixon have transformed the once-neglected plot into a vibrant green space. Nestled through the arch at the Saxe-Coburg entrance, the garden sits on the site of an unfinished Georgian terrace, with a stairway leading down to the pool level.

Marjorie met Andrew and his wife through a regular morning gym class and started to share a nearby allotment plot. The two of them approached the then-manager Wendy Avinou in 2015 with a proposal to revitalise the Glenogle space.  Together they improved the soil and planted a variety of flowers and foliage.

“It’s been a labour of love,” said Marjorie. “Seeing the garden flourish and hearing kind words from customers makes it all worthwhile.”

Glenogle’s story is also one of resilience. In the late 2000s, the centre faced the threat of closure. A passionate community campaign – Save Glenogle – led by Marjorie and supported by nearly 10,000 signatures, helped secure a £5.7 million refurbishment. The baths reopened in 2010, blending their original Victorian charm with modern facilities.

Designed by Edinburgh architect Robert Morham under the Public Baths and Wash-houses Act of 1846, Glenogle was originally built to improve public health. As indoor plumbing became more common, the baths evolved into a hub for swimming and fitness, serving generations of local residents and clubs.

Now, as Glenogle looks to the future, the time capsule and garden stand as living tributes to the community’s enduring connection to this historic venue.

Anyone with ideas or contributions for the time capsule is encouraged to contact Glenogle Café owner, Sam Machin at: sammachin@edinburghleisure.co.uk or drop into the café by 26th August.

Rabbie’s back on Bernard Street!

Leith’s iconic Burns statue returned to its home on Bernard Street as Scotland prepared to celebrate the national bard.

The 19th century bronze sculpture was put into storage in December 2019 to make way for Trams to Newhaven construction. It has since undergone specialist conservation work before its reinstatement at Bernard Street’s junction with Constitution Street.

Yesterday, on the morning of Burns Night (Tuesday, 25 January), Council leaders, tram project officers and contractors were joined by conservationists and former Edinburgh Makar Alan Spence to unveil the monument.

They also marked the placement of a new time capsule underneath the statue, alongside an original capsule discovered in 2019, which contained relics from both the late 19th century and the 1960s.

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “I’m delighted to see this much-loved Robert Burns statue returned to its home in Leith – and spruced up thanks to specialist conservation work – just in time for Burns night.

It’s fantastic that so many members of the community have been able to contribute to the new time capsule placed underneath the statue. Thanks to their input we’ll be able to share an insight into Leith today with future generations, just like our 19th century forebears did when they buried the original time capsule.

Councillor Karen Doran, Transport and Environment Vice Convener, said: “What better way to celebrate Scotland’s national bard than the unveiling of this newly-restored statue?

Its return also marks progress being made on the Trams to Newhaven project, as the area begins to take shape. I’m excited to see what the coming months will bring as ongoing improvements are delivered.”

In November last year the Trams to Newhaven project reached its two-year point and, despite challenges posed by the Covid pandemic, including a 13-week site shutdown, remains on track for opening for revenue service in Spring 2023.

The next main phase of construction between Coatfield Lane and Queen Charlotte Street began this week, while it is hoped the current stage of work on Picardy Place, which has resulted in some changes to traffic management, will be complete by spring. The entire section from York Place to London Road is expected to be completed in Autumn 2022.

On Tuesday, Alan Spence read out a specially written poem, which has been added to the 2021 time capsule created for the statue’s reinstatement. The capsule also contains poems and stories by Victoria Primary School pupils, a letter from the Edinburgh Burns Club, coins from 2021 and a face mask, amongst other artefacts.

This has been placed in a purpose-carved socket in the plinth underneath the monument along with the original time capsule, which originates from when the statue was first erected in 1898.

This was opened when the statue was moved in December 2019 and its contents include newspapers, coins and a letter from the Leith Burns Club. From 1961, there were newspapers and a letter from the people who had opened the original time capsule.

Meanwhile, Lord Hardie’s Edinburgh Tram Inquiry trundles on … EIGHT YEARS AND COUNTING … I wonder what Rabbie would have said about that!

Find out more about the Trams to Newhaven project online.