Leuchie Lighthouse Art Trail set to light up North Berwick

The charity, based near North Berwick, has partnered with Wild in Art to launch the Leuchie Lighthouse Trail in celebration of the organisation's 15-year anniversary as an independent charity.

A sculpture trail of 15 lighthouses are dotted across the town’s streets, open spaces and parks for locals and visitors to enjoy, making up a “free, fun, family-friendly trail of discovery” over 10 weeks during the summer.

The Lighthouse Art Trail follows the success of The Big Hare Trail in 2021, when giant statues of the animals raised a total of £115,000.

'Life at Sea' by Pip Claffery, number eight on the trail, based outside the Scottish Seabird Centre (Image: NQ Staff)

Each six-feet tall lighthouse has been transformed into a work of art by talented artists, with every sculpture sponsored by a county business or organisation.

The trail highlights and pays thanks to not only the creativity of East Lothian's artistic community but the "incredible generosity and support of businesses from across East Lothian and beyond".

'Sea-Light' by Lucy Hebden, number four based at the Quadrant and 'SEALight Keeper', number seven, by Nicola Mills on Quality Street (Image: Pat Christie)

A map is available online to help guide your way through the town and tell you about the inspired designs.

As visitors follow the trail, they will also have the opportunity to learn more about Leuchie and the support it provides to people living with neurological conditions and their families.

'Where Town Meets Tide' by Claudia Wellwood, number five based at Elcho Green and 'Mackerel & Sprats Helter Skelter' by Donald Provan, number 13 at Fidra Road (Image: Pat Christie)

Earlier this year, the Care Inspectorate recognised Leuchie as "leading the way in innovative, combined health, care and technology which delivers a lasting impact".

The trail will conclude with a grand auction, where each lighthouse will be sold to the highest bidder in a bid to raise funds to support Leuchie's work.

'The Silver Darlings' by Kate Bogie, number nine on High Street, alongside 'Shine a Light on Albion' by Anne-Marie Byrne, number six based at the Lodge Grounds entrance (Image: Pat Christie)

The trail is supported by two headline sponsors: McInroy & Wood, Haddington-based investment firm, and The 1901 Group, a London-based financial firm specialising in Scotch whisky.

Wendy Ferguson, chief executive of McInroy & Wood, said: "Leuchie is a wonderful charity and we're proud of our long-standing involvement with them.

Lighthouse 12 'Night and Day' by Megan Hicklin and 14 entitled 'Little Artists' by Mel Chamber both at the West Links (Image: Pat Christie)

"The Lighthouse Art Trail provides us with a unique opportunity to support their important work and helps to connect our shared communities."

Aaron Damiano Sparkes, founder and CEO of The 1901, applauded Leuchie's commitment to community engagement.

'Coffee Break' by Teréz Silvia Huszar, number 15 at North Berwick Train Station and 'The Lunar Lighthouse' by John Fairley by St Andrew Blackadder Church, number 10 (Image: Pat Christie)

He said: "Leuchie is a cause particularly close to my heart - not only a proudly Scottish charity, but one that embodies the community spirit we value.

"Their remarkable initiatives provide essential support to individuals and families facing challenging circumstances, and we are proud to champion their efforts."

Leuchie became an independent respite charity in 2011 after the success of the 'Save Leuchie' campaign launched after the MS Society announced plans to close Scotland’s only dedicated MS respite centre in 2010.