WAVERLEY BRIDGE at 12 NOON
TODAY! Please note Edinburgh will meet at the earlier time of 12pm at Waverley Bridge. Please double check your nearest demonstrations time AND location.
Ceasefire now. Stop the genocide!
As with previous weeks, there haven’t been applications to march – though people may want to on the day.
National Galleries of Scotland (NGS) has acquired a vibrant painting by renowned Italian artist, Telemaco Signorini (1835–1901), with support from Art Fund.
Entitled, ‘Waverley Bridge’ (1881), the striking work depicts the recently constructed Waverley Bridge from a vantage point near its northern end. Looking south towards the junction with Market Street and Cockburn Street, the spire of St Giles’ Cathedral is silhouetted against an overcast sky at the top.
The changing faces of the city are evident, with gas lamps on the bridge and businesses – including Cumming’s Bazaar, the offices of the Edinburgh Evening News, and the Cockburn Hotel – identified by the signage on their façades.
Smoke and vapour billow up from the steam engines in the station below. The scene is enlivened by a picturesque cast of local characters going about their business, most prominently a policeman and a mother and daughter with flower-pot hats.
Signorini painted this work during a month-long visit to Edinburgh in the early summer of 1881. In his journal for this trip the artist recorded painting on Waverley Bridge on six occasions and, given its modest size, we can be fairly confident that it was painted on the spot.
Born in Florence and based there for most of his career, Signorini is perhaps the best-known and most talented of the group of mid-19th century painters known as the Macchiaioli. Other prominent members included Giuseppe Abbati, Giovanni Fattori, and Silvestro Lega.
They were united by a commitment to a realist approach to painting, often in the open air, with bold brushwork and strong contrasts of light and shade, and by their rejection of the academic tradition of artistic training.
The term ‘Macchiaioli’ derives from the word macchia, meaning spot or blot, and was coined by a critic in 1862 in mockery of the unfinished appearance of their work, but was then adopted by them.
They are in some respects the Italian equivalents of the Barbizon and Impressionist painters in France. Signorini was the most cosmopolitan of the Macchiaioli, travelling often to Paris, and was aware of artistic developments there.
Aidan Weston-Lewis, Chief Curator of European Art at National Galleries of Scotland, says: “‘We are delighted to have secured this striking and rare little painting for the collection.
“We knew that Signorini had worked in Edinburgh, but only a handful of paintings resulted from his visit and none of these has appeared on the market for decades. So, when we were offered the opportunity to acquire Waverley Bridge, we jumped at the chance. It instantly becomes the most significant painting by any of the Macchiaioli artists in a British public collection.
“We are confident that this will be a popular new addition to the collection, a perfect complement to our fine group of Impressionist paintings. It is a bustling image of modern urban life which recalls, in particular, the work of Gustave Caillebotte. The only surprise is that we are in Edinburgh rather than Paris!”
The acquisition was made possible through a generous grant from Art Fund, and the National Galleries of Scotland is once again extremely grateful for its support.
Sarah Philp, Director of Programme and Policy, Art Fund, said: “At Art Fund, we believe that artworks of cultural significance should be in public collections, available to everyone.
“And so, with the invaluable help of our members and supporters, we’re so pleased to award £70,000 to the National Galleries of Scotland for the acquisition of this wonderful painting, Signorini’s Waverley Bridge, painted during the Italian artist’s trip to Edinburgh.”
Telemaco Signorini’s ‘Waverley Bridge’ is now on permanent display and is free to view at The Scottish National Gallery, in Edinburgh,10am -5pm, Monday-Sunday.
Edinburgh is set to join over 2,000 cities across the globe to celebrate World Car Free Day tomorrow with a free, community-focused event supported by The City of Edinburgh Council and organised by Crexcell.
As a mark of respect following the death of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Edinburgh’s Car Free Day was postponed from the official date of 22 September and will now be staged on Waverley Bridge tomorrow (Sunday, 2 October) between 11am and 7pm.
Waverley Bridge will be transformed into an inclusive community hub of information, inspiration and activity encouraging people to consider alternatives to car travel in Edinburgh. The city’s public transport operators, cycling and environmental campaigners, active travel and public safety organisations are all taking part.
The Council has set an ambitious target to reduce distances travelled by car in Edinburgh by 30% over the next decade, as well as achieving Net Zero status by 2030. With transport being one of the biggest carbon emission contributors, Edinburgh’s World Car Free Day event will encourage people to consider more sustainable modes of transport for their everyday journeys.
It will raise awareness of the the options available across the city, promote the health and wellbeing benefits of active travel and offer the essential information and support people need to commit to long-term change.
Amongst those already signed up to attend are Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, who play a significant role in reducing reliance on more carbon intensive forms of transport by providing a quick, convenient and reliable alternative to driving. Members of the team will be at Waverley Bridge to chat about their services, including Park and Ride options, and the vast opportunities for – and the benefits of using – public transport.
Police Scotland will offer support to cyclists and walkers with cycle security and personal safety advice, bike marking and general crime prevention information.
The Bike Station, which inspires new cyclists by selling reliable and affordable upcycled bikes, will be on hand to offer bike safety checks and bikes to try out. The team will have information on safe cycle routes throughout the city, and bike to work and cycle-friendly employer schemes.
There will also be a hosted reception and information point, additional bike parking, a wellbeing area with health and fitness demonstrations and classes and a chill-out zone. Local singers and bands including Sara Forshaw, Folk Drama, and The Wispz will provide the musical entertainment throughout the day.
World Car Free Day is a worldwide initiative to encourage motorists to reset how they think about travel and use more sustainable transport. It promotes the improvement of public transport, cycling and walking, and the development of healthier, greener neighbourhoods where jobs are closer to home and where shopping is within a short walk, wheel or cycle from home.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Choosing more sustainable modes of transport like bus, tram, bike or walking over the car not only benefits the world around us, but can have a really positive impact on our health and quality of life. Car Free Day gives us the chance to focus on these benefits, and to help people consider how they might try alternative ways to travel.
The Council has set some ambitious goals to reduce car kms travelled by 30% in the next decade, as well as delivering on our 20-minute neighbourhood vision to enable a net zero Edinburgh where everyone can live well locally. We need to rethink the way we move around the city to meet these targets. I would encourage people to come along on 2 October to find out more about the different ways we can travel around the capital.
Neil Booth, Edinburgh Trams’ Safety Manager (Environment), added: “Car-free days provide a massive opportunity for cities to raise awareness of how pollution affects our lives, and highlight how congested roads can be used in different ways.
At Edinburgh Trams we are fully committed to helping to make Edinburgh healthier, safer and more attractive for both residents and visitors by providing a quick, convenient and reliable alternative to driving into the city centre.
Edinburgh’s ten-year City Mobility Plan aims to transform the way we move around the city, reducing emissions and air pollution, positively impacting public health and tackling congestion amongst other benefits.
Actions include projects like City Centre Transformation, Trams to Newhaven, George Street and First New Town, 20-Minute Neighbourhoods, Low Emission Zone and the extension of 20mph speed limits, as well as behaviour change initiatives and seamless public transport ticketing.
CAPITAL RESCHEDULES CAR FREE DAY EVENT TO SUNDAY 2nd OCTOBER
Edinburgh is set to join over 2,000 cities across the globe in celebrating World Car Free Day, a free, community focused event being organised by Crexcell, and supported by The City of Edinburgh Council.
As a mark of respect following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, Edinburgh’s Car Free Day has been postponed (from the official date of Thursday 22nd September), and will now be staged on Waverley Bridge, on Sunday 2nd October 2022, between 11:00 to 19:00.
Waverley Bridge, in the city centre, will be transformed into an inclusive community hub of information, inspiration and activity encouraging people to consider alternatives to car travel in Edinburgh. The city’s public transport operators, bike and environmental campaigners, active travel and public safety organisations are all set to take part.
The City of Edinburgh Council has set a target to reduce distances that Edinburgh residents travel by car by 30% over the next decade, as well as achieving Net Zero status by 2030.
With transport being one of the biggest carbon emission contributors, Edinburgh’s World Car Free Day event will encourage people to consider more sustainable alternative transport for their everyday journeys.
It will raise awareness of the more sustainable modes of transport available across the city, promote the health and wellbeing benefits of active travel, and offer the essential information and support people need to commit to long term change.
Among those already signed up to attend are Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, who play a significant role in reducing reliance on more carbon intense forms of transport by providing a quick, convenient and reliable alternative to driving.
Members of the team will be at Waverley Bridge to chat about their services within the city, including Park and Ride options, and the vast opportunities for – and the benefits of using – public transport.
Police Scotland will offer support to cyclists and walkers with cycle security advice, personal safety, bike marking and general crime prevention when moving around the city.
The Bike Station, which inspires new cyclists by selling reliable and affordable upcycled bikes, will be on hand to offer bike safety checks and bikes to try out. The team will also have information on safe cycle routes throughout the city, and bike to work and cycle friendly employer schemes.
There will also be a hosted reception and information point, additional bike parking, a wellbeing area with health and fitness demonstrations and classes, and a chill out zone. Local singers and bands including Sara Forshaw, Folk Drama, and The Wispz will provide the musical entertainment throughout the day.
World Car Free Day is a worldwide initiative to encourage motorists to reset how they think about travel and use more sustainable transport.
It also promotes improvement of public transport, cycling and walking, and the development of healthier, greener neighbourhoods where jobs are closer to home and where shopping is within a short walk, wheel or cycle from home.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener for The City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Choosing more sustainable modes of transport, like bus, tram, bike or walking over the car not only benefits the world around us, but can have a really positive impact on our health and quality of life.
“Car Free Day gives us the chance to really focus on these benefits, and to help people consider how they might try alternative ways to travel.
“The Council has set some ambitious goals to reduce car kms travelled by 30% in the next decade, as well as delivering on our 20-minute neighbourhood vision to enable a net zero Edinburgh where everyone can live well locally.
“We need to rethink the way we move around the city to meet these targets. I would encourage people to come along on 2nd October to find out more about the different ways we can travel around the capital.”
Edinburgh’s ten-year City Mobility Plan aims to transform the way we move around the city, reducing emissions, positively impacting public health and tackling congestion amongst other benefits.
Actions include projects like City Centre Transformation, Trams to Newhaven, George Street and First New Town, 20-Minute Neighbourhoods and the extension of 20mph speed limits, as well as behaviour change initiatives and seamless public transport ticketing.
Find out more on the Council’s Future Edinburgh web pages.
Neil Booth, Edinburgh Trams’ Safety Manager (Environment), commented: “Car-free days provide a massive opportunity for cities to raise awareness of how pollution affects our lives, and highlight how congested roads can be used in different ways.
“At Edinburgh Trams we are fully committed to helping to make Edinburgh healthier, safer and more attractive for both residents and visitors by providing a quick, convenient and reliable alternative to driving into the city centre.”
Environmental campaigners say that all councils in Scotland should be working to reduce the numbers of cars on the road, as people across the country celebrate Car Free Day.
Today (22 September) is Car Free Day – an annual event to highlight how neighbourhoods and communities could be improved with fewer vehicles on the road. Today and over the weekend, there’ll be events across Scotland as grassroots groups and councils try to raise awareness of the alternatives to car use.
Fewer cars can create stronger economies and communities by boosting small businesses and local high streets, and improving public health. Air pollution primarily from traffic is responsible for 2,500 premature deaths in Scotland every year.
To coincide with Car Free Day:
+ Glasgow City Council has introduced ‘Street Play’, where residents can close streets from 22-25 September to host parties, workshops and cycling classes
+ City of Edinburgh Council will close Waverley Bridge to hold events on it (above)
+ Dundee has its first Kidical Mass ride, protecting children cycling in areas with no segregated cycle lanes. This is one of over 200 Kidical Mass rides across Europe this weekend
New research launched by the Clean Cities Campaign found that 62% of people support the idea of one car-free day a week, to open the streets to walking and cycling and improve air quality. If this was implemented in major European cities, it could save between 541,000- 945,000 barrels of oil per year.
The Scottish Government has pledged to reduce total car km travelled by 20% by 2030. A final plan will be published on how to achieve this before the end of the year.
Gavin Thomson, transport campaigner at Friends of the Earth Scotland, said: “Transport is Scotland’s biggest source of climate emissions, it’s creating dangerous levels of air pollution and it’s costing people far too much money. It needs to change.
“This Car Free Day, there’ll be street parties and bike rides and community-building activities that aren’t possible if our towns and cities are filled with cars. When we remove cars, like on streets that become pedestrianised, we open up public space for communities and businesses.
“The Scottish Government has committed to reducing car travel by 20%, but we’ve yet to see any detail on how they will deliver this. It’s clear that our cities should be limiting cars, opening up space for communities. A regular car free day in cities would be a great idea.”
Council public safety officers have approved a series of temporary changes on Waverley Bridge to ensure safety and accessibility at peak times during weekends over the festive period.
Waverley Bridge will be vehicle-free from 11am until 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays from 16/17 November to 4/5 January. The Waverley Bridge five-bay taxi rank will be relocated to Market Street (East bound opposite Motel One) during this time and the Tour and Airlink buses normally stationed on Waverley Bridge will now operate from George Street and St Andrew Square respectively.
These measures have been planned following recommendations from the Council’s Event Planning and Operations Group as well as an independent crowd safety consultant working with the Council and Underbelly to manage the entry and exit points and the busy junction on Waverley Bridge.
Transport Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes (above) said: “The festive season is extremely busy in the city centre with Edinburgh’s Christmas in full swing in East Princes Street Gardens as well as a significant increase in shoppers and other seasonal activities.
“In a thriving and busy festival city such as ours we must make sure we put in place appropriate plans to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the many residents and visitors who pass through our streets every day.
“These six-hour-long daytime Saturday and Sunday closures on Waverley Bridge will ease congestion on the busy pavements and crossings, making it much easier for everyone to move around in a relaxed, welcoming and festive atmosphere.
“This ties in with our broader aims to make Edinburgh a more attractive, people-friendly place, prioritising walking, cycling and public transport.
“It’s crucial that we also maintain transport links for the people who live and work here and we have been working closely with residents and businesses to make sure these measures allow them to continue with their usual daily routines.”
A spokesperson for Underbelly said, “We welcome the decision to close Waverley Bridge during the busiest periods in the city centre.
“During these busy times, on Saturday and Sunday between 11am and 5pm it will allow us to make the primary East End entrance to East Princes Street Gardens on the corner of Market Street and Waverley Bridge, where crowd management controls including queuing systems will be in place to manage entry.”
