A new sculpture created by and for the Bingham community is transforming National Cycle Network Route 1 into a welcoming place to stop, explore and connect.
Image of Beacon on the Bingham Medway. Credit Michael Kelly/Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
Public art has a way of changing how we experience a place. It can encourage us to slow down, look a little closer and see familiar spaces from a different perspective.
That's exactly what's happened in Bingham, where a striking new sculpture called Beacon now stands beside National Cycle Network Route 1.
Created by artist duo Littlewhitehead in collaboration with Art Buds Collective, Beacon has grown from months of creative workshops and shared ideas. More than 260 local people helped shape the artwork, making it a true reflection of the neighbourhood and the people who know it best.
The project builds on the success of a community mural completed in 2024, which, following a period of community engagement saw the new mural painted in the Niddrie/Bingham Tunnel.
Beacon is the second major creative project delivered in the area, continuing the transformation of the route into a place where people want to stop, spend time and connect with their surroundings.
Designed with the community
The creation of Beacon began with a simple question: what would local people like to see in this space?
Children, young people, families and community groups came together through a series of creative workshops to share ideas and talk about the places that matter most to them.
Rather than arriving with a finished design, Littlewhitehead used those conversations as the starting point. The sculpture evolved as ideas were shared, resulting in a piece of public art shaped by the people who will live alongside it every day.
Sara Gough, Director of Art Buds Collective, said:
"Everything started with listening. We invited children, young people and adults to share their ideas about this space through creative workshops, and every conversation, drawing and creative contribution helped shape what Beacon would become.
"Working with Littlewhitehead, local interns and the wider community meant the sculpture was created with people rather than for them. Every stage of the process was informed by local voices, and that's what makes the finished artwork so meaningful."
Workshop on Bingham Medway. Credit Ollie Benton
Creating opportunities as well as artwork
While Beacon leaves a lasting mark on the National Cycle Network, the project has also created opportunities for local people.
Two community interns were employed to work alongside the artists throughout the project, supporting workshops, exhibitions and the development of the final sculpture.
The experience gave them the chance to build new skills, gain hands-on experience and contribute to something that will benefit the community for years to come.
For Brogan, one of the project interns, being involved was an opportunity to give something back while growing in confidence:
"Growing up in nearby Niddrie, I wanted to be involved in something that gave something back to my local community, so being part of this project has meant a great deal to me.
"Working as an intern gave me the opportunity to support workshops, help develop ideas from the community and work alongside professional artists throughout the project. I've learned so much, built my confidence and gained experience that I'll carry with me into the future."
Interns at the Bingham Art Path library opening. Credit Ollie Benton.
More than a route
Beacon forms part of Walk Wheel Cycle Trust's Targeted Projects programme, funded by Transport Scotland and delivered through Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.
The programme supports communities across Scotland to make traffic-free sections of the National Cycle Network more welcoming and enjoyable places to walk, wheel and cycle.
The National Cycle Network is about more than connecting people with where they need to go. It can also create spaces where people feel represented and proud of their neighbourhood.
Carole Patrick, National Cycle Network Director at Walk Wheel Cycle Trust, said:
"Beacon is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when local communities are at the heart of shaping the places around them. Working alongside Art Buds Collective, Littlewhitehead and local residents has resulted in an artwork that celebrates Bingham's identity while making this section of the National Cycle Network a more welcoming and engaging place for everyone.
"The National Cycle Network is about much more than helping people get from A to B. It's also about creating places where people want to spend time, connect with their surroundings and feel part of their community."
Whether you're walking, wheeling or cycling along National Cycle Network Route 1, Beacon offers another reason to pause and explore. Together with the murals created in 2024, it's helping turn this stretch of the route into a destination in its own right.
