A specially designed Lothian bus has hit the streets of the capital yesterday (27 August), showcasing a powerful collection of artwork created by young people from across the city and sharing their vision for a safer, kinder and more inclusive Edinburgh.
The Safer Edinburgh bus is a result of a partnership between Lothian Buses, Places for People, Police Scotland, The City of Edinburgh Council, local schools and young people across the city, working together to encourage positive choices, promote respect and help create safer communities.
As part of the initiative, young people from P7 to S3 were invited to take part in a creative artwork challenge inspired by the question: ‘How can young people lead the way in creating a safer Edinburgh?’
Their artwork explored themes including safety, kindness, respect, inclusion, making positive choices and looking out for one another. A selection of the artwork has now been brought to life as a vibrant mosaic wrap covering a Lothian double-decker bus.
Transforming an everyday part of city life into a moving showcase of young people’s idea’s, the bus will travel across Edinburgh, sharing their positive messages with communities and customers throughout the city.
The Safer Edinburgh initiative forms part of Lothian Buses’ Youth Engagement Strategy, which aims to engage with young people across the communities Lothian serves and build positive relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.
The young artists and their teachers, along with representatives from each of the partner organisations, were invited to a special launch event at Lothian’s Central depot today. They had the opportunity to see the finished bus up close and celebrate their contribution before the vehicle officially enters service.
The project demonstrates a platform for young people to have their voices heard and demonstrates the positive contribution they can make in helping shape the communities they live in.
Gaynor Marshall, Communications Director for Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, said: “The Safer Edinburgh bus is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when young people are placed at the heart of a project and given a genuine opportunity to shape the conversation about safety in their city.
“By taking young people’s ideas beyond the classroom and onto the streets of Edinburgh this initiative celebrates their creativity and voice and promotes an important message about building safer, kinder and more supportive communities for everyone.
“It demonstrates the positive impact that can be achieved when organisations work together with young people to address real issues and inspire meaningful change.”
Kelly Brown, Director of Places for People Scotland, said: “Young people have an important role to play in shaping the communities they live in, and this initiative gives them a platform to share their ideas about what a safer, more inclusive Edinburgh looks like.
“We’re proud to be part of a partnership that puts young people at the heart of the conversation and brings their creativity and positive messages to communities across the city. Creating safer neighbourhoods is something we all have a role in, and listening to and empowering young people is an important part of that.”
Police Scotland Chief Inspector Kieran Dougal said: “Police Scotland Edinburgh Division is proud to support the Safer Edinburgh project, which enables our young people to lead the discussion on how to keep our city safe.
“Our school engagement officers provide safety advice daily in their work to engage with and listen to young people across Edinburgh.
“This work forms a key part of Police Scotland’s national prevention first approach to safeguarding communities from violent crime and ensuring the voices of children and young people are considered in the development of our policy, practice and decision making.”
Convenor for Education, Children and Families James Dalgleish said: “The Safer Edinburgh project is a really important one and all young people should feel safe, supported and heard.
“Young people have an essential role to play in ensuring our communities are safe for everyone, and their ideas have been thought provoking.
“I am really impressed with the creativity shown by the pupils involved and can’t wait to see their art travelling around Edinburgh’s streets.”
