Bat-friendly red lights turned on at Edinburgh's Pilrig Park to boost safety and protect wildlife
Residents have welcomed the park’s new red lights but confess they have never heard the clicking and chirping of bats in the park
Red street lights have been installed in an Edinburgh park to improve safety for pedestrians while protecting light-sensitive bats.
The glowing red LED lights are designed to encourage Pilrig Park’s bats find food and flitter around as the nights draw in.
According to researchers, the nocturnal creatures feel more vulnerable to predators under bright artificial lights, which hurt their sensitive eyes and reduce their level of activity. The science is far from settled but it appears red lights do not have the same impact.
These new lights are part of £134,000 worth of upgrades to the park, which were first announced in 2024 as part of a city-wide project to create safer routes through Edinburgh’s green spaces.
The park has also been the site of recent safety concerns, including a stabbing and an alleged assault.
John Wilkinson, treasurer of Leith Central Community Council, said large unlit areas had previously left residents "a bit worried" about walking dogs late at night.
He said: “It’s a bit more user-friendly at night and the red light’s quite nice; it’s different. Not that I've ever seen any bats.”
The lighting upgrades were paused last year but were given the go-ahead after funding was secured through a Liberal Democrat amendment to the City of Edinburgh Council’s annual budget earlier this year.
Local Lib Dem councillor Jack Caldwell said he was “absolutely delighted” to see the plans come to fruition.
“Lighting was sorely needed here to improve safety after serious concerns and incidents over the last few years and I’m very grateful to the engagement of Friends of Pilrig Park volunteers, particularly for their input,” the councillor said.
A man was left in a serious condition back in 2024 after being stabbed in broad daylight right by the park entrance, while another man was rushed to hospital following an alleged assault months later.
The councillor added: “Both public safety and biodiversity are important for Pilrig Park. The department has tried hard here to not allow one to compromise the other, even if it looks a bit unusual.
“I think it’s important things are kept under review, but the feedback from residents has been very positive so far, and I hope we’ll all hear some happy bats clicking and chirping going forward in the park too.”
Pilrig Park is one of four green spaces to undergo upgrades with improvements to other parks, including lighting work at Calton Hill, in the pipeline for later this year.
Councillor Margaret Graham, Culture and Communities Convener, said: “Edinburgh’s parks and open spaces are a huge asset to the city, giving people places to exercise, relax and spend time with others.
“That’s why we want our parks to be welcoming and usable for everyone, at all times of the year. Improved lighting will help make these routes feel safer, while supporting more people to walk, cycle and enjoy our green spaces after dark.”