Edinburgh to create UK's longest legal graffiti wall

Graffiti artists from across the UK and Europe will descend on the Capital this weekend to work their magic on a stretch of wall close to Edinburgh's Ocean Terminal.

The Rock the Dock Graffiti Jam on Saturday 1 September aims to create the UK’s longest legal graffiti wall at Marine Parade.

Supported by the Council, which has helped bring together representatives from various local organisations, as well as clearing and preparing the land around the wall, Rock the Dock will see 60 graffiti artists from Scotland, England, Ireland, Poland, Spain and Germany decorate a section each of the wall.

The Council-owned site forms part of the proposed tram to Newhaven but this initiative is seen as an ideal opportunity to breathe new life into the area prior to work getting underway (should the project get the go-ahead).

With 330m in total being decorated (165m on each side), the temporary graffiti wall will become the UK’s longest, surpassing the current longest one in Dundee by 190m.

Rock the Dock is being jointly led by Leith-based hip hop education organisation The State, roller rink and indoor skatepark The Boardwalk, Mainline and Spectrum Arts, Scotland’s graffiti, street art and mural specialists.

The event is open to all and will run throughout the day between 9am and 9pm, with three free workshops at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Anyone interested in attending a workshop can book a place by emailing [email protected].

Councillor Lesley Macinnes, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “This is a tremendously exciting project and I’m really looking forward to seeing the wall being transformed by the graffiti jam.

“Rock the Dock is a great example of how the Council can bring people and groups together to create something special for the local community – bringing some much-needed life to the area and supporting the work of graffiti artists in Edinburgh and further afield.

Lotte Walters, director of The State and spokesperson for the group added: “We are all very excited to see this project take shape, after many months of development and discussion we can’t wait to see the wall being transformed by Graffiti and Street Artists from all over the world.

“This partnership is committed to providing opportunities for everyone to get involved in arts activities, and Marine Parade Graffiti Wall and Rock the Dock are open to all and free to access. We hope to see you there!”

Keep up-to-date with Rock the Dock details on the Facebook event.