The North Bridge Refurbishment project donated 500 top quality timber railway sleepers to local recycling and sustainability charity ‘Grassmarket Community Project.’ The charity delivers sustainable solutions for the causes and consequences of homelessness in Scotland.

As part of the North Bridge Refurbishment project, timber sleepers that are no longer necessary for the Bridge’s structure have been removed. Rather than going to landfill, the timber sleepers have been donated to local up-cycling charity ‘Grassmarket Community Project (GCP)’. The GCP offers mentoring, social enterprise, training and education in their furniture workshops that transform local wood into bespoke pieces of furniture and home furnishings.

These timber sleepers have been part of the bridge since it was constructed by Sir William Arrol & Co., during the period 1894 – 1897. The charity treats the timbers, removing any potentially harmful substances that are coating the wood, ultimately transforming these into beautiful pieces of furniture. Not only does this give the timber sleepers a second life, but it supports the local economy, social enterprise and celebrates a piece of the North Bridge’s heritage and culture which is a category A listed heritage site.

Tommy Steel, Furniture Workshop Supervisor, from Grassmarket Community Project said:

“The timber you have donated to us is Douglas Fir, and of the very highest quality. What better example could there be of recycling wood for iconic furniture than making the cabinet from timber from the historic North Bridge, so that it would have a new life as beautiful furniture for so many years later.

The members of our furniture team have come to us in need of a range of support. The work they do helps to transform their lives and to contribute positively to society by making high quality items that are treasured. I know full well that the team will have a great experience when making timber furniture from this iconic bridge.”