‘BEACHCOMBER’

At the very western end of a small cobbled stone lane in the capital’s New Town, a series of decorative metal panels enhance the side of a nondescript building. This is the work of local artist, Astrid Jakel and was commissioned by the group Essential Edinburgh to beautify an otherwise drab locale.

Together, they collaborated on a piece that would enhance the area and pay homage to the group known as the “Rose Street Poets,” who frequented the pubs in the area. The poem, Beachcomber was written by George Mackay Brown. The poetic verse with its maritime-themed artwork reads as follows: