Bird’s-eye views of Britain come to Edinburgh

AN outdoor exhibition in Edinburgh offers a unique view of the UK with some stunning aerial photographs, reports Rhiannon Williams

Edinburgh has become the latest host venue for Britain from the Air, an outdoor exhibition of more than 100 aerial photographs. Snow on Edinburgh’s Old Town from Salisbury Crags, Glastonbury festival and the maze at Longleat Safari Park are among the stunning images on display all over the city, with the exhibits floodlit at night to allow 24-hour viewing.

Locations for the pictures include Princes Street Gardens, Castle Street, Rose Street and the Grassmarket on what makes up a walking trail of the city. Combined with a large-scale, walk-on Ordnance Survey map situated in Festival Square, visitors are invited to stroll the length and breadth of the British Isles from a bird’s eye perspective.

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Eleven specially selected photographs of striking locations around Edinburgh are also part of the exhibition, which is on display until 20 May. These images include St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, the Scottish Parliament and Leith docks.

The exhibition is being brought to Edinburgh by the Royal Geographical Society with the Institute of British Geographers (RBS-IBG) and street gallery pioneers, Wecommunic8. Michael Palin, former president of the Royal Geographical Society, says: “I can think of no better time to celebrate Britain’s built and natural landscapes. And the size and scale of ‘Britain from the Air’ will, I’m sure, appeal to the widest possible audience in the most exciting and powerful way.”

Councillor Frank Ross, economy convener of City of Edinburgh Council, says: “We are extremely proud to be chosen as a location for the exhibition’s national tour. Edinburgh’s World Heritage Site will provide the perfect setting for these breathtaking images.

“I hope that people will take this opportunity to learn more about Great Britain but also to explore more of their home city providing a welcome boost to the local economy in the process.”

The RGS-IBG’s director, Dr Rita Gardner, hopes the free exhibition will encourage the enjoyment and exploration of Britain’s great outdoors: “The society is delighted that Edinburgh will be the first Scottish city to exhibit Britain from the Air.

“A unique value in the exhibition lies in its ability to help everyone to appreciate Britain’s extraordinary scenery and to understand more about how people have used and interacted with our landscapes for millennia.

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“As people take in our wonderfully diverse landscapes, we hope it will inspire them to get out and about around Scotland, England and Wales and see for themselves the wonders of our island.”

Adam Wilkinson, director of Edinburgh World Heritage, says: “These images offer a fascinating perspective on the city and the UK as a whole. The qualities that make Edinburgh such a distinctive and beautiful city will be clearly shown, such as the stunning landscape setting, the striking contrast of the Old and New Towns and imposing architectural landmarks.

“The exhibition is a reminder of just what an extraordinary place Edinburgh is.”