A school pupil plays with the newly-installed equipment outside Easter Carmuirs Primary School. Credit: Sustrans
A headteacher has welcomed the completion of a community-led project designed to make the routes into their primary school safer and more accessible.
Pupils, staff and the wider community at Easter Carmuirs Primary School in Camelon worked in partnership with Sustrans Scotland, Falkirk Council and the Safer Community Youth Action Project to deliver Easter Carmuirs Pocket Places.
A wider pedestrian walkway, as well as planters and additional areas for sitting or playing are among the installations. Credit: Sustrans
Among the improvements are a wider pedestrian walkway and installation of ramps to allow step-free access to school entrances.
The installations follow a collaborative process in which staff, pupils and parents/carers were asked to shape the project, ensuring that the final design meets the needs of those who use it the most.
Pupils have welcomed the installations. Credit: Sustrans
Shelagh Todd, Headteacher of Easter Carmuirs said:
“We’re thrilled with the redesign of the school grounds which has made the routes into school safer, more accessible and attractive.
“Following our award from Sustrans in 2021 we carried out consultation with children, families, community partners and staff around what would work best for our young people to enable safe travel into school. Work began in June 2023 and was completed in March 2024 including a redesign of the car park and safe paths in to school, ensuring accessibility for all.
“Everyone involved is extremely happy with the end result especially our pupils and their families.”
Headteacher Shelagh Todd
The pedestrian walkway has been extended, now continuing to the entrance of the nursery. Credit: Sustrans
What’s new at Easter Carmuirs Primary?
The protected central pedestrian walkway outside the school has been widened, with planters and additional areas for sitting or playing installed.
The path from the lower car park to the main school door has been widened to increase accessibility.
A ramp has been installed, allowing step-free access to other school entrances.
A further ramp has been put in place between the upper and lower car parks.
The pedestrian walkway has been extended, now continuing to the entrance of the nursery.
The school’s two existing bike shelters have been repaired, with the addition of lockable doors to improve security.
Staff, pupils and the wider community worked together to deliver Easter Carmuirs Pocket Places. Credit: Sustrans
How was the project delivered?
The completion of Easter Carmuirs Pocket Places follows a successful application by the school and Our Place Camelon and Tamfourhill to Sustrans Scotland in 2021 for support through the Pocket Places Programme. The Safer Community Youth Action Project is a legacy of the Our Place project.
Sustrans’ collaborative design process puts the people who use the space at the heart of designing solutions to local issues and the Pocket Places programme is an opportunity for local communities to shape their neighbourhood and take a lead in making their local area a better place to live.
Throughout the process, the project partners invited pupils, staff, parents/carers and the local community to share their views and aspirations for the lanes at a series of engagement activities.
Representatives of the project partners, from left, Serge Neumand, Project Manager, Co-Design, Sustrans Scotland, Sheila Muir, Parent Council Chair, Marion Eele, Project Lead, Co-Design, Sustrans Scotland, Shelagh Todd, Headteacher, Easter Carmuirs Primary School, Bryan Jardine, Transport Planning Officer, Falkirk Council and John Hosie, Youth & Community Development Worker, Safer Community Youth Action Project. Credit: Sustrans
John Hosie, Youth & Community Development Worker, Safer Community Youth Action Project, said:
“The installation of the new traffic management measures, the safe seating and social spaces and the now-enhanced and inclusive active travel access around Easter Carmuirs Primary School have all contributed to the positive legacy of the Our Place Camelon & Tamfourhill Projects Community Safety Strategy.
“I look forward to building on the partnership established with the school as the Safer Communities Youth Action Project supports and facilitates further community development projects and opportunities.”
Youth & Community Development Worker John Hosie
Creative ground markings by Bigg Design and Fun Makes Good are part of the improvements. Credit: Sustrans
Marion Eele, Project Lead, Co-Design, Sustrans Scotland, said:
“We are delighted to see the completion of this exciting project, delivered in partnership with the Easter Carmuirs Primary School community, Falkirk Council and the Safer Community Youth Action Project
“It has been especially pleasing to see the pupils enjoying the new spaces.
“Working closely with people from across the school community has ensured that the installations meet the needs of those who use them most.
“We hope these installations encourage more pupils to walk, wheel or cycle to and from school.”
Project Lead Marion Eele
Sustrans’ collaborative design process puts the people who use the space at the heart of designing solutions to local issues. Credit: Sustrans
Easter Carmuirs Pocket Places is supported by funding from the Scottish Government through Sustrans Scotland’s Pocket Places programme and delivered in partnership with the Safer Community Youth Action Project, Easter Carmuirs Primary School, and Falkirk Council.
An image from the concept design, showing how Eliza Street could look. Credit: Sustrans
Over a period of seven months, Stobswell Forum worked in partnership with Sustrans Scotland and Dundee City Council to understand what improvements residents, business owners, school pupils and community groups would like to make to Eliza Street.
The result is a concept design which can now be taken forward to detailed design and construction stages by Dundee City Council.
The concept design, which was revealed at an event in March 2024, is the latest stage of the ongoing regeneration of Stobswell, and builds on the project partners’ work in nearby streets, including the Craigie Street Pocket Park.
How was the concept design developed?
Using a collaborative design process, the local community were involved in each stage of the project; telling the project partners what they would like to see, developing ideas and giving feedback and suggestions on the draft concept design.
Throughout a series of in-person engagement events and workshops and via online surveys, residents emphasised the importance of bringing colour and art to the area.
Local artists Cara Rooney and Lauren Morsley were commissioned to create art panels for Eliza Street. Credit: Graeme McKenzie
The project partners commissioned local artists Cara Rooney and Lauren Morsley to deliver workshops and create art panels for Eliza Street. Cara and Lauren facilitated workshops with Clepington Primary, Morgan Academy and Dundee International Woman’s Centre to get ideas and inspiration.
The purpose of the panels was to explore and celebrate the sense of place, the history and the people of Stobswell. The brilliant set of art panels have been manufactured and installed by Barry from Robertsign, and were revealed at an event in March.
What else is included in the concept design?
In response to the community’s call for more greenery, the design includes planting more trees as well as installing rain gardens, in keeping with other streets in Stobswell.
Access to the street will be restricted by bollards to ensure only authorised vehicles can access the central public realm.
It has been recommended that seating that has back and arm rests, as well as wheelchair and pushchair friendly picnic tables and hedges and shrubs by the seating area to provide a wind barrier, should be provided.
Inspired by Langlands Street, a colourful and creative bin enclosure is proposed around the communal bins. This is in addition to the provision of more bins to reduce littering.
Elsewhere, the design proposes that cobbles are reused to complement the heritage of the area, and that two shuffle pole lighting columns be installed to improve the lighting on the street.
What happens next?
Now that the concept design has been revealed, the next stage of the Eliza Street project will be undertaken by Dundee City Council. The detailed design stage builds on the concept design by developing the designs to a technical level, ensuring the project can be built safely and effectively.
The delivery of future stages is dependent on funding.
Colleagues from Sustrans and Dundee City Council joined artists Cara Rooney and Lauren Morsley at the launch event. Credit: Graeme McKenzie
Chair of Stobswell Forum Colin Clement welcomed the concept design and said:
“Everyone at the Forum is really excited to reach the end of the first part of the project which has seen so many positive conversations around the future of Eliza Street.
“It’s clear that the local people as well as visitors and shoppers want to see a bright and welcoming public space in the heart of the Albert Street shopping area.”
Stobswell Forum Chair Colin Clement
Mollie McCulloch, Community Engagement and Behaviour Change Officer, Co-Design, Sustrans Scotland, added:
“We are pleased to complete the concept design stage of this project, working in partnership with the local community, Stobswell Forum and Dundee City Council to develop the community’s ideas and make Eliza Street a more attractive and exciting place to spend time in.
“The need to bring more colour to the area came up continually in our conversations with residents, and we’re thrilled that local artists Cara Rooney and Lauren Morsley were able to create art panels that celebrate Stobswell as a place, as well as the people who call it home.
“We look forward to seeing the community’s vision for Eliza Street become a reality.”
Mollie McCulloch, Sustrans Scotland
Councillor Steven Rome is Fair Work, Economic Growth and Infrastructure convener at Dundee City Council. Cllr Rome said:
“I am delighted that people living locally have played an important role in the development of this pocket park.
“Their views have helped to shape the final designs and local artists are creating artwork which will brighten the area up.
“The Eliza Street project is just the latest example of how communities can get involved in transforming their area.”
Cllr Steven Rome, Dundee City Council
Eliza Street Pocket Places is supported by funding from the Scottish Government through Sustrans Scotland’s Pocket Places programme, Dundee City Council’s Maryfield Community Regeneration Fund and District Centre Fund.
Two children look at a decorative metal barrier featuring phrases in the Caithness dialect. The barrier has replaced two existing barriers in order to improve accessibility for people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and with buggies. Credit: Sustrans
A community has celebrated the installation of a series of durable, long-lasting interventions in their local area.
Among these are five brand-new artworks inspired by Wick’s rich heritage as well as the installation of benches and planters and removal of barriers to increase accessibility and enable more people to stop and enjoy the area.
Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council and The Highland Council successfully applied for Sustrans Scotland’s Pocket Places Programme funding to redesign some of the lanes leading to Wick High Street to make them feel safer, easier to navigate, and a better celebration of Wick’s unique heritage.
A Sustrans colleague discusses the Wick Lanes Pocket Places designs with residents at an event to mark completion of the project. Credit: Sustrans
Artworks bring area to life
Sustrans’ collaborative design process puts the people who use the space at the heart of designing solutions to local issues. Throughout the process, the project partners invited local residents, schools, groups and business owners to share their views and aspirations for the lanes at a series of engagement activities to ensure that the design meets the needs of those who use it the most.
In response to suggestions during early community engagement for heritage-inspired public artworks in the lanes, the project partners collaborated with Wick Society and commissioned local artists Hannah Cambridge and Aimee Lockwood to create five new artworks inspired by the town’s history and heritage. The artists conducted workshops to gather input from the community and local schools on specific elements from the Johnston Collection, held in trust by The Wick Society, and Wick’s built heritage.
Artworks in focus
Informed by this community collaboration, the artists translated these elements into exciting designs which are now on display. The artworks have been plasma-cut from weathering steel, a robust and long-lasting material that will stand as lasting testament to Wick’s rich heritage and long history.
Also known as COR-TEN steel, this architectural steel alloy is engineered to provide its own protection from the elements with an innovative formulation that weathers on the outside while the overall structure is protected. This layer of oxidation will age over the years for a distinctive look.
Aimee Lockwood’s artwork celebrates the fountain by the riverside and has been installed on Wares Lane where it joins Bridge Street. Credit: Sustrans
Installed on Wares Lane, this artwork by Aimee Lockwood celebrates the fountain by the riverside. Aimee said: “The fountain by the riverside was commissioned by the Wares family, who were tailors based on Wares Lane, so I liked the connection there!
“The riverside felt like a good place to showcase young people playing as it’s where the playpark is today, and I’ve included some natural elements because the wildlife is the star of the show in Caithness.”
This work by Hannah Cambridge has been installed on Wares Lane where it joins with Bridge Street.
Also installed on Wares Lane is a work by Hannah Cambridge and inspired by the traditional Herring Queen celebration. Hannah explained: “The celebration attracted up to 8,000 spectators in its heyday, was initiated in 1937 by a committee in Wick, aiming to lift spirits during a period of poor fishing.
“The Queen, chosen from those with herring industry ties, was crowned at Braehead and embarked upon a procession through the town and out to sea. The copper crown, symbolising Wick’s maritime history, featured the Ensign Armorial of Wick. After a hiatus from 1939 to 1949, the tradition continued until 1953, coinciding with the decline of herring fishing. The event evolved into the Gala Queen, a July procession that continues to this day.”
Elsewere on Wares Lane, decorative panels inspired by local knitting traditions will be installed to help improve refuse storage for local businesses.
Market Lane is now home to two works by local artist Aimee Lockwood. Credit: Sustrans
Two brand-new works by Aimee Lockwood have been installed on Market Lane where it joins with Market Square. The first makes a visual connection to the Alexander Bain pub.
Aimee explained: “The Alexander Bain pub was a post and telegram office so I’ve focused on that, with the bicycle messengers and including visual nods to the postal service and telegraph wires. I’ve also included some clocks and watchmaking imagery to reference Alexander Bain’s work as an inventor, as well as the watchmakers who used to work in the area.”
On the other artwork installed on Market Lane, Aimee said: “I wanted this one to be all about fun, so I’ve centred the playful leaping man and included some of the other entertaining characters from the Johnston Collection (there are so many photos of people dressed as clowns!)
“I also wanted to nod to the barrel and rope making industries (next to the pub feels fitting for the barrels) and included some seaweed for a bit of natural texture.”
Inspired by the ocean and its impact on the culture and people of Wick, this original artwork is by Hannah Cambridge. Credit: Hannah Cambridge
This original artwork by Hannah Cambridge has been installed at the bottom of Market Lane on Market Street.
Hannah said: “Inspired by the ocean and its impact on the culture and people of Wick, this work weaves together coastal landmarks, natural elements (the Northern Lights, the night sky, local wildlife, sea foam, and sunlight filtering through clouds), nods to traditional trades such as barrel and rope making, and the enduring legacy of the herring trade.”
Two people walk by the decorative metal barrier featuring phrases in the Caithness dialect, which has been installed on John Street. Credit: Sustrans
Also on John Street, the existing metal barriers have been removed and replaced with a decorative metal barrier featuring phrases in the Caithness dialect to improve accessibility for people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters and with buggies.
On Tolbooth Lane, a bench has been installed to provide a place for people to stop and and rest on the way up the hill.
How was the project delivered?
Wick Lanes Pocket Places began with a Co-Discover event in August 2023. The project partners worked with schools, groups and the wider community in Wick to identify barriers and opportunities to feed into design ideas for the lanes. People could share their ideas by completing a survey and/or joining an event.
Then, in November 2023, during the Co-Design phase and after analysing all the feedback we collected in the Co-Discover phase, the project partners brought this all together in a series of design ideas for the lanes. In November, these designs were brought back to the community and local access groups to see what worked and what needed to be changed. At this point, the community was invited to take part in workshops with the Wick Society and artists Hannah Cambridge and Aimee Lockwood to collaboratively create the heritage-themed artworks.
The brand-new artworks, as well as the final designs for the lanes were shown to the community in January 2024. And in March 2024, during the Co-Deliver phase, the project was installed and the community invited to an event to celebrate its conclusion.
Pictured with Hannah Cambridge’s artwork are, l-r, Royal Burgh of Wick Community Councillors Joanna Coghill and Allan Farquhar, Marion Eele, Project Lead, Co-Design, Sustrans Scotland, artist Hannah Cambridge and Thomas Parkin, Senior Urban Designer, Sustrans. Credit: Sustrans
Marion Eele, Project Lead, Co-Design, Sustrans Scotland:
“We are thrilled to see work complete on this exciting project delivered in partnership with the local community, Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council and The Highland Council.
“From the beginning of this project, the community told us they wanted to make the lanes feel safer, more inviting and accessible, as well as to see their heritage and historic character strengthened.
“The changes brought about by the local community will enable residents and visitors to the area to enjoy calm and vibrant spaces while celebrating the town’s rich heritage.
“Seeing the interventions come to life highlights the value of putting people at the heart of decisions on their local spaces.”
Project Lead Marion Eele
Cllr Richard Bremner, Highland Council Leader and Wick Ward Councillor
“This initiative is a small project that will help brighten the lane areas of the town. The funding for this is ring-fenced and, as such, will go to areas that bid to secure it. If we don’t bid, it will go somewhere else. It’s nice to see this project completed. Local folks were engaged from the start, engaging people who live and run businesses in Wick at the heart of the design-process.
“I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has been involved, from coming to the first concept meetings, to taking part in the series of interactive workshops and consultation events. Their input has been key in the whole design process.
“The historic centre of our town will be made a more inviting and appealing place in a small way. It will improve the historic and heritage character of the lanes.”
Highland Council Leader and Wick Ward Councillor Richard Bremner
Allan Farquhar, Chair, Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council:
“Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council are delighted to partner with Highland Council and Sustrans in this initiative which will provide a starting point for the regeneration of our town centre.
“A phased transformation of the Lanes with anticipated spin off to other areas utilising street furniture, artworks and lighting designs sympathetic to our rich heritage and culture complement other development initiatives currently in planning stages by both Highland Council and local community groups.”
Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council Chair Allan Farquhar
Wick Lanes Pocket Places is supported by funding from the Scottish Government through Sustrans Scotland’s Pocket Places programme and delivered in partnership with The Highland Council and Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council.
A community-led design project to transform a busy area of Dundee into a more valuable and attractive space to travel through and spend time in is now complete.
The permanent pocket park on Craigie Street. Image: Sustrans Scotland
The Stobswell Forum community group has worked in partnership with Sustrans Scotland, Dundee City Council and Scottish Water to design and install permanent enhancements on five routes off Albert Street.
The team effort means there is now better signage and wayfinding links to benefit those living, working and travelling through the district.
Area brought to life
Residents and visitors can now enjoy an incredible mural of artist and suffragette Ethel Moorhead by Alloa artist Michael Corr on Langlands Street.
Painted paving, a new bench made from climate-friendly materials and cycle parking have also been installed on the busy route.
Craigie Street has been transformed through the installation of a permanent pocket park which features rain gardens and new street furniture including a tree planter and a mural by the Wellcome Centre for Anti-Infectives Research at the University of Dundee.
Rain gardens have also been installed on both Balmore Street and Arthurstone Terrace.
A mural of artist and suffragette Ethel Moorhead by Alloa artist Michael Corr has been installed on Langlands Street.
Increased accessibility
Accessibility for those using the informal crossings on these streets as well as Park Avenue has been improved by the installation of tactile surfaces.
Craigie Street has been resurfaced, with dropped kerbs installed to increase accessibility.
Accessibility for those using Balmore Street is improved by the installation of tactile surfaces.
Putting people at the heart of decisions on local spaces
Robin Burns, Project Lead, Co-Design, for Sustrans Scotland, said:
“We are very pleased to see work complete on this exciting project delivered in partnership with the local community, Stobswell Forum, Dundee City Council and Scottish Water.
“The changes brought about by the local community will enable residents and visitors to the area to travel actively while accessing key services and calm, green and vibrant spaces.
“Seeing these changes happen highlights the value of putting people at the heart of decisions on their local spaces.
“We hope Michael Corr’s mural of Ethel Moorhead will encourage more visitors to Stobswell and that the installations make it safer and easier for more people to walk, wheel and cycle through this dynamic part of the city.”
Langlands Street has been upgraded with painted paving, a new bench made from climate-friendly materials and cycle parking.
Mark Flynn, convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee, said:
“We have always been keen to ensure that communities across the city are strong and make their own unique contribution to creating a greener city.
“Projects such as this one demonstrate that people in Stobswell feel empowered, safe and proud to live there.”
Stobswell Forum Chair, Colin Clement, said:
“The Stobswell Forum see positive physical change to the lived environment as one of the keys to delivering increased wellbeing across the neighbourhood and the Albert Street shopping centre is central to that.
“Local residents have proven that they want change and the Stobswell Forum working along with our partners are determined to deliver that change for the community.”
Project partners pictured at Craigie Street pocket park in Stobswell, Dundee.
Residents, school pupils and artists who worked to redevelop Craigie Place in Perth have celebrated following the completion of installations designed to make the area a better place to walk, wheel, cycle and live.
Craigie Place pictured from above. Artwork by Bigg Design and Fun Makes Good
The square where Craigie Place meets Glenearn Road and Windsor Terrace, on National Cycle Network Route 775, has been resurfaced and a designated cycle path installed. Also among the improvements are the installation of benches, cycle parking and raised beds for planting.
Artists Eleanor Young from Fun Makes Good and Hamish Bigg from Bigg Design designed wayfinding artwork and floor murals, highlighting places of local interest as well as those further along NCN775 such as Loch Leven, and, more locally, Perth’s South Inch park and Craigie Burn.
The improvements, developed by Sustrans Scotland and Perth and Kinross Council together with the community, Inch View Primary School and St Mary Magdalene’s Church through online consultations and surveys, were designed to address local concerns about unsafe and illegal parking in the square, as well as difficulty finding NCN775.
Artwork by Bigg Design and Fun Makes Good
Paul Ruffles, Principal Urban Designer, Sustrans, said:
“This is a wonderful small project delivered in partnership with the local community, Perth and Kinross Council and local artists. The work has transformed the space from a redundant space used for car parking into a calm, green and vibrant space for people of all ages and abilities. It’s a real pleasure to see these changes happen and highlights the value of putting people at the heart of decisions on their local spaces.”
Installations at Craigie Place, Perth. Image: Janie Meikle Bland
Christopher Lennox, Technician, Road Safety, Traffic and Network, Perth & Kinross Council, said:
“My involvement in the scheme was to investigate, partially design and organise the hard landscaping works on behalf of Sustrans. This included helping with the construction strategy and traffic management plan. The pocket places programme has revitalised the small space creating a focal point in the community, having improved travel networks benefitting both pedestrians and cyclists.”
Members of the Sustrans team with artists Eleanor Young and Hamish Bigg at the launch. Image: Janie Meikle Bland
Artists Eleanor Young and Hamish Bigg said:
“Bigg Design and Fun Makes Good have been delighted to work with Sustrans and Perth and Kinross Council to transform this once derelict space. We were amazed at the support and responses we received from Inch View Primary School and the local community. It’s been particularly enjoyable getting hands-on installing the artwork and meeting residents as they’ve come to chat to us and see the project evolve – everyone has been so friendly and enthusiastic about the new space!
“Located on the National Cycle Network, the sculpture draws on the aesthetics of road signage and ground markings, reinventing them to create a colourful and engaging public space. A circle of posts support double-sided artworks symbolising local landmarks and places of interest, whilst a hand-painted ground mural acts as a ‘compass’ to point visitors in their direction.
“Combined with Sustrans’ landscape design, we hope the new space creates an oasis of art and planting in the urban environment – a place to meet, rest and play, that invites exploration of the local area.”
Artwork by Bigg Design and Fun Makes GoodCraigie Place before the installations.
Sustrans Scotland’s Pocket Places programme is an opportunity for local communities to shape their neighbourhood and take a lead in making their local area a better place to live. Pocket Places is funded by the Scottish Government through Transport Scotland and delivered by Sustrans Scotland.
