Mechanical problems hit water statues

Mechanical problems have led to the removal of three of the six cast-iron figures created by Antony Gormley for the Water of Leith.

Four of the statues, which are fixed under water at Dean Village, Powderhall and Bonnington, are fitted with a pin mechanism which topples them over to stop them becoming damaged of blocking the river.

But now that water levels have dropped to a level safe enough for workers to access them, three of the sculptures have been removed to fix problems with the tilting mechanisms, which are meant to pop them up again when the water pressure eases.

A city council spokesman said alternative locations were being considered for the sculptures, which cost £400,000, but attempts to repair or replace the mechanisms would be tried first.

London-born Gormley is best known for the Angel of North sculpture in Gateshead.