Two 19th-century griffin sculptures restored and returned after 50 years in storage

A pair of griffin sculptures, which once guarded the entrance gate to a historic Edinburgh mansion, have been restored after spending more than five decades in storage.

The statues loomed over visitors to the Muirhouse estate near Granton Waterfront throughout much of the early 20th century.

However, now they will sit at the entrance to the new affordable housing development, Silverlea, close to where the Muirhouse Mansion still stands.

A castle also once stood on the estate, but was demolished in the 1950s, after which the griffins were placed in storage for more than half a century.

In 2024, Edinburgh City Council began work on the £1.6bn regeneration project for the area, including Silverlea, with homeowners set to receive their keys in the coming months.

One of the archaeological conditions was that the griffins be restored and placed within one of the public spaces, as a nod to the area’s heritage.

James Innes & Sons carried out the conservation and restoration of the sculptures in 2025, including removing the 20th-century concrete repairs and crafting the missing feet, wings, and beaks that had been broken off in the past. 

Council leader Jane Meagher said: “There is a huge amount of work going on to celebrate Granton Waterfront’s rich cultural heritage.

“Placing the sculptures as art in open space near these much-needed new affordable homes gives residents an opportunity to enjoy their connection to generations of people who lived in the area before them.

“This is one of many important conservation projects we’re carrying out to celebrate the area’s long-standing history.

“The former Granton Station Building, with original platforms, is now home to local artists, and the nearby iconic gasworks has become a new city park.

“The headquarters for the UK’s first car factory – Madelvic House – as well as Granton Lighthouse and Granton Castle Walled Garden are all also at different stages of being restored, and I’m looking forward to seeing them all brought back to life.”