Andy McGregor, artistic director
I HAVE always been intrigued by Edinburgh Castle. I grew up in the Meadows, in fact my parents still live there. Although at times I was fascinated by this enormous rock that stands in the middle of the city, like many others I also took it for granted – especially as a child playing in its shadow with my pals on an afternoon expedition.
When I was nine years old, I visited the castle for an entirely different reason, when I was invited to a reception for heroes in the Great Hall.
The events that led to that evening began on a day like any other, with the usual classes at school followed by a short walk home. When I arrived back at my house, I spotted something strange – legs disappearing over our back wall.
Although I had no idea what they were up to, I knew something suspicious was going on – why had someone been in our garden? I had always enjoyed detective stories, so I decided to follow them. I wasn't trying to be brave, but I remember thinking that it was intriguing – I was going on an adventure. I followed the two youths further up the road to a pawn shop, but it was closed for a half-day, so they dumped their bags in a nearby stair and disappeared. There didn't seem to be anything else for me to do so I made my way home. When I got to the house, my mum had discovered that our house had been burgled.
It was then that it all fell in to place. I had not only seen the crooks in action, I knew where they had stashed our things, and I was able to tell the police. When our stolen goods were recovered, I was hailed as a hero. I was invited to a reception for heroes at the Great Hall of Edinburgh Castle where I was praised by Lord Hughes, the then Minister of State at the Scotland Office.
Despite my love of sleuthing, after school I went on to study for the now legendary Environmental Art degree at Glasgow School of Art. Through this course I discovered the importance of using the environment to give context to my artwork – something which I still try to do today. Whether I'm working at Sydney Opera House, Venice Theatre Biennale or Edinburgh Castle, I always consider the location first.
Over the past 25 years as a multimedia artist, designer and creative director, I've illuminated venues and locations across the world. However, having grown up in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, there really is no thrill like the one I get from my current project, Castle of Light. Walking around Scotland's most iconic building at night is a treat and you see the city in an entirely new way. The views alone can take your breath away and that's before we've done a thing.
We are drawing on stories from the history of Edinburgh Castle and bringing parts of that story to life, creating something unique and quite magical in this incredible location. It's not everyone who gets the chance to light up Edinburgh Castle.
Castle of Light runs from November 14 until December 22. Visit castleoflight.scot
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