Where there is scrap, there is art

An old Edinburgh bus has been transformed into a community art studio as part of a project that reuses scrap for the public good.

The single decker was stripped out, repainted and fitted with outdoor lights by Lothian Buses ahead of its new journey as a creative space.

The project has also won the support of Historic Environment Scotland, which has already handed over tiles, metal and textiles for the new venture.

The Edinburgh Scrapstore and The Forge community project will continue to transform the bus into the studio.

Antonia Dickson from The Edinburgh Scrapstore, said: “We are truly grateful to everyone who has helped to bring this project to life. The bus will create such a creative space to work in and fits within our values to promote environmental awareness.

“The bus will expand our services to deliver more workshops for members of the community and encourage others to find infinite ways to re-use old materials.”

The bus will sit on the former Fountainbridge brewery site due to be developed into a £135m mixed-use canalside development by property group EDI, which donated the bus.

The studio will remain on the site until building work gets underway.

Denise Havard, Community Development Manager at EDI, said: “It’s great to see another community project launch as part of our meanwhile-use initiative at India Quay.

“The enthusiasm, creativity and community spirit generated by these groups is fantastic and I look forward to the programme of workshops.”

The bus was previously used by the Museum of Inventions group who were part of the Edinburgh Science Festival last year.

Emma Roy, Environmental Officer at Lothian Buses, added: “We’re always happy to lend a hand to community projects across the city.

“As one of the major transport partners in Edinburgh, we are always keen to improve our environmental awareness, so we felt that The Edinburgh Scrapstore was more than a worthy cause to support.”

Supported by the EDI Group, Fountainbridge Canalside Initiative, Vegware Community Fund and Edinburgh Council-Waste Action Grant,

The project is one of a number of temporary short-term uses of the brewery site.

A “spring fling” event at the site on April 17 will showcase the work of the site residents with wild flower printing, window box making, mosaic workshops and an introduction to welding all on offer.

The site was left vacant after Scottish and Newcastle closed down its operation in 2004.

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