New Niddrie mural brings the area’s heritage to life

A brand-new mural has recently been completed in Edinburgh’s Niddrie area by artist Calum Carr, offering a stunning glimpse into the community’s rich history and evolution through the ages.

The vibrant artwork features key moments from Niddrie’s past, from its origins as the Niddrie Estate, centred around the long-gone Niddrie House, through to the thriving community that exists today.

Designed as a graphic timeline, the mural highlights important aspects of the area’s heritage, including its role in coal mining and brickworks, as well as notable local figures and scenes depicting everyday life for residents throughout the years.

The mural also makes clever use of colour, with muted grey and blue tones creating a nostalgic reflection on the past, while vibrant oranges, greens and yellows bring energy to the more modern sections and draw the eye across the artwork.

The piece, which has already become a source of pride and admiration within the local community, was created through extensive tenant engagement. Calum worked closely with Hillcrest’s Engagement Team to gather ideas and feedback through a series of consultation sessions. One session even saw the artist set up at the mural site with refreshments, inviting passers-by to stop, share memories and contribute suggestions that helped shape the final design.

Artist Calum Carr, said: “I created this piece to celebrate Niddrie’s rich history, tracing the area’s journey from the former Wauchope Estate and Niddrie House through to the vibrant community that exists today.

“The artwork was heavily shaped by tenant feedback and suggestions, and features people from different generations who have called Niddrie home, offering snapshots of everyday life across the decades.

“I wanted to use bold colours to reflect both the mural’s street-art influences and the patchwork of colour that can be found throughout the area. I hope it provides a striking focal point for the community and something that residents can enjoy and take pride in for many years to come.”

Rachel Berry, Edinburgh Area Manager at Hillcrest Homes, added: “This is a fantastic example of a community coming together to contribute to and shape something that they can be proud of, and which will form a centre point of the area for many years to come.

Tenant consultation was a big factor in the artist delivering not only a breathtaking artwork, but one that perfectly embodies the heritage of the area and the people who call it home.”

You can find Calum on Instagram, @calumcarr.