Griffin sculptures restored and returned to Granton after 50 years in storage
The restored Griffin sculptures have been installed in the grounds of Silverlea, the city of Edinburgh council’s new affordable housing development
Two historic Griffin sculptures which once stood at the entrance to Muirhouse Mansion in Granton, have been restored and returned to the area after spending more than 50 years in storage.
The 19th-century sculptures have been installed in the grounds of Silverlea, the City of Edinburgh Council’s new affordable housing development, close to their original home.
The legendary creatures have been conserved to celebrate the area's rich archaeological heritage and provide a link to the generations of people who lived in the area before the new homes were built.
The restoration work was carried out by James Innes & Sons in 2025 and involved removing concrete repairs added during the 20th century, as well as recreating missing feet, wings and beaks which had been broken over the years.
The project marks the final phase of archaeological work at the site, which included an excavation by AOC Archaeology in 2024 of part of the grounds associated with the earlier 17th-century Murihouse Castle.
Muirhouse Mansion was built in 1830 to replace Muirhouse Castle, which dated back to 1670 and stood partially on the same site.
The castle was demolished in 1954 to make way for Marine Drive, after which the Griffin sculptures were placed in storage while plans for their restoration were considered.
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.
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.”
She added that the Griffins were among several conservation projects taking place across the area, including the restoration of Granton Station Building, Madelvic House, Granton Lighthouse and Granton Castle Walled Garden.
The former Granton Station Building, which retains its original platforms, is now home to local artists, while the nearby iconic gasworks has been transformed into a new city park.
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.
The development forms part of the council’s £1.3 billion regeneration of the area, which aims to create a new environmentally friendly coastal town.
Work to upgrade green space between the new homes and the football pavilion is also expected to be completed in January.
The council replaced the football pavilion last summer, providing a new clubhouse for the local team, which is now reaching out to more children and creating additional teams.