The Stirling Old Bridge in Scotland, which crosses the River Forth, is a site of significant historic importance. While the current stone structure was built around the 1500s, it replaced a series of timber bridges, including one which stood nearby when Sir William Wallace and Sir Andrew Moray defeated Edward I’s forces at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 – a key event in the battle for Scottish Independence.
To enhance the architecture of the bridge, a recent project was initiated by Historic Environments Scotland to illuminate the structure. Solutions provider LITE Architectural was instructed by Forth Electrical Services to create a lighting scheme and supply fixtures and controls for the site. Local architects were consulted to ensure fixture placement was sympathetic, with additional challenges because of seasonal flooding. Color Kinetics and Studio Due luminaires were selected with wireless DMX to their ground- and column-mounted positions. As the brief was to introduce dynamic-colour changing lighting LITE Architectural specified and installed the award-winning Designer LPC 1 (Lighting Playback Controller 1) from lighting controls specialist Pharos Architectural Controls.
The Designer LPC 1 is a rugged, compact, all-in-one control solution designed for reliable 24/7 operation. Its minimal power requirements allow it to be installed virtually anywhere – including sealed, IP65 rated outdoor enclosures. Featuring individually controllable and independently running timelines and scenes, the LPC also offers the freedom of remote access for real-time manual overrides.
In addition to providing general illumination for everyday visits to the Stirling Old Bridge, the use of colour and light transitions has made the bridge a standout feature across the river during the hours of darkness. The introduction of colour-changing lighting has also enabled the historic site to be used to mark national celebrations and important calendar events. With the ability to create dynamic light shows and colour displays, the Stirling Old Bridge can play its part in recognising significant occasions across the city.
Ryan Sainsbury, Regional Sales Manager for the UK at Pharos Architectural Controls said: “We have built up an enviable reputation for our work at heritage sites. The Stirling Old Bridge is steeped in history, and illuminating the structure needed to enhance its status, not overshadow it.
“The Designer LPC 1 is the ideal controller to provide a variety of different lighting effects, including sensitive and traditional whites, as well as the creation of dynamic colour scenes when required.”
David Robertson, Architectural Lighting (Scotland) from LITE Architectural added: “We have worked on a number of historic projects in Scotland, so it was a great opportunity to add this to our ever-growing portfolio. When understanding that part of the requirement was dynamic lighting and control, we immediately knew a solution from Pharos would deliver exactly what was needed. “It was a hugely collaborative project and the success was based on all of the partners working together in a constructive and effective way.”
Project Credits:
Electrical Contractors and Installer: Forth Electrical Services (FES)
Solutions Provider: LITE Architectural
Government Agency: Historic Environment Scotland
Lighting Manufacturers: Color Kinetics and Studiodue
