Leith Mural

Driving away from an interesting browse round the flea market in Dalmeny Street we passed this large mural on Halmyre Street. It lies on the route of one of the many railway lines in the area, hence the parapet.

The text reads "Wha'll buy my caller herrin'", based on a traditional Scottish song written by Lady Nairne, which tells of the fishwives of Newhaven as they sold their fish in the town of Edinburgh and the risks attendant on the fishing industry. The full lyrics may be read here.

But I see the artist here drawing attention to the present problems, illustrating the pollution of the seas by dumping waste (?causing mutations), rubbish and items remaining from warfare, raising a different question - "who would buy the herring now?" It is signed: Blameless 2013.

Certainly made me think.