By Alastair HamiltonJanuary 7th 2014
Alastair Hamilton

A campaign is hoping to restore the historic whalebone arch in Edinburgh's Meadows, originally gifted to the city by Shetland knitters.

The arch is one of the last relics of the International Exhibition of Science and Art, which took place on the Meadows in 1886. The jaw bones of a whale formed part of the stand of the Shetland and Fair Isle Knitters and whilst there are many whalebone arches around the country, particularly in places associated with the whaling industry, the knitting connection makes Edinburgh's unique.

The whalebones have formed a gateway to the Meadows ever since, and the pathway leading under them is known as Jawbone Walk. However they now require some repairs to secure their future. This will involve detailed examination before specialist conservation work can take place.

The appeal organisers are looking for donations to complete the project, with the support of Edinburgh World Heritage and the City of Edinburgh Council. If you'd like to make a donation, full details are available on the Edinburgh World Heritage website and on the appeal's Facebook page.