Mixed reaction to graffiti spotted on 'newly repainted' lighthouse in Leith

Some have described the painting as “awful” while others believe it is a “creative masterpiece.”

Graffiti has appeared on the side of a lighthouse in Edinburgh sparking a mixed reaction among residents.

The Western Harbour lighthouse, or often referred to as the Point of Leith lighthouse, was given a fresh coat of white paint just two weeks ago after being left derelict for several years.

But during the weekend, colourful graffiti has emerged across the newly-painted walls of the coastal building.

The Western Harbour lighthouse, or often referred to as the Point of Leith lighthouse. Picture: Willie Grant/Facebook

Some people have described the “artwork” as creative and attractive while others have branded it as “pure vandalism.”

Callum Cochrane criticised the graffiti after seeing an image of it circulated on social media.

He said: “I don't care if there are people out there willing to defend this vandalism as being some kind of 'urban art', or cutting edge, or 'its an empty building anyway.'

“It is just unattractive, pointless vandalism, carried out by morons who, if they were really that artistic, would express their talents in less destructive ways.”

Others have described the spray painted images as “awful” and that “graffiti cannot be excused as a form of art.”

Yet some critics of the recent “masterpiece”, as a few described it, have taken to the new design in a more positive way.

Edinburgh resident Scott Happer said: “I Love it.

“It’s such a nice design and adds character to such a boring white wall.

“It's basically just a canvas for artists really.”

Brian Hutchison, who also spotted a picture of the newly spray-painted building on Facebook said: “I kind of like it.

“Personally it’s tags I really despise, but at least this takes some effort and creativity.”

Others have suggested the entire building should be covered and have argued it is “art, not vandalism” and a “creative masterpiece.”

A nearby resident said he saw the building being touched up earlier this month with a fresh coat of white paint to cover previous graffiti marks but spotted the new addition over the weekend.

The lighthouse is owned by Forth Ports, a port operator, and was built in 1950s.

It has been out of use for several decades as modern navigation technology made it redundant.

The building has fallen into disrepair and has become a haven for antisocial behaviour and a popular site for graffiti.

A spokeswoman from Forth Ports said the company was disappointed by the recent act of vandalism.

She said: “The Western Harbour Lighthouse was repainted just over two weeks ago to cover a large amount of graffiti on the buildings and we are disappointed that it has been vandalised.

“The Police are aware of this matter.”

In Scotland, graffiti is treated as an act of vandalism, and prosecuted under the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995.