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Artworks sought to celebrate history and future of Caerlee Mill site

Artists, designers, fabricators and creative teams are being invited to help shape the new Caerlee Mill Bike Campus in Innerleithen.

We are seeking bids to design and create two new artworks which will be installed at the Campus, which will be operated by Bike Innovation Scotland.

The Caerlee Mill Bike Campus and Trail Lab is supported by the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, through a UK Government investment of £15.5million.

First artwork - external metal fretwork

The first artwork will be a permanent external metal fretwork heritage display on the retained engine shed from the original Caerlee Mill.  

The artwork will celebrate the former mill’s textile, manufacturing and working heritage, as well as the people and stories associated with the site. 

The successful bid may also acknowledge the running theme of innovation on the site, from historic industrial innovation to future bike innovation, enterprise and community benefit. 

Second artwork - internal event space mural

The second artwork will be a bold internal mural on one wall of the new events space in the Campus building.  

It will focus on the area’s landscape, forests, mountain biking culture and community identity, creating a vivid and iconic artwork that reflects what makes biking in the area distinctive.  

Caerlee Mill Heritage Group will provide input for the external artwork, while both opportunities will involve the Campus' project partners.

Details

• A small amount of funding will also be available to help shortlisted applicants to develop their proposals further.
• Expressions of interest are now welcome, with a closing date of Thursday 17 September.
• Successful applicants are expected to be appointed later this year, and installation of the artworks are due to take place in spring 2027.
• For further information and to make an expression of interest, please click here. 

Caerlee Mill Bike Campus

• Due to open in summer 2027, we are delivering the Caerlee Mill Bike Campus with Edinburgh Napier University, with support from Scottish Borders Council
• Over the next decade, the Campus is expected to generate £86 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) and support more than 225 jobs across the South of Scotland, delivering long-term economic benefits while creating new opportunities for businesses and communities
• A new website – www.bikeinnovationscotland.com – has been launched, providing information to businesses interested in becoming part of the growing cycling innovation ecosystem
• Businesses and individuals can register their interest via the website in renting space at the Campus, explore partnership opportunities and learning more about the services and support available.

Russel Griggs, Chair of SOSE said:

“Caerlee Mill has played a significant role in the story of Innerleithen, and these artworks will ensure that story remains visible as the site enters an exciting new chapter.

“We are looking for artists and creative teams who can respond to the heritage of the mill, the landscape of the Tweed Valley, and the energy of the mountain biking community.

"These artworks are the first of several planned which will bring local inspiration into the heart of the project."