The historic steps, which link the Cowgate and High School Yards, were closed in 2003 after reports of anti-social behaviour. Their restoration is the result of an 18 month partnership project to revive the route between the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh World Heritage and the University of Edinburgh. As well as significant conservation work, including the renewal of railings and the addition of gates to close the stairs off at night, the refurbished steps feature a bespoke installation by Callum Innes. Aiming to reclaim the area as a public space, the artwork features an infrared camera which captures the movement of people as they climb the steps, projecting their silhouettes onto a large LED mesh screen above them, revealing a hidden section of the stairs. Short clips of silhouetted movement, created by Innes in collaboration with young adults from the nearby Panmure St Ann’s Centre

Read More: New work by Callum Innes helps to regenerate Edinburgh Old Town Steps