Our campaign to bring the 'Foot of The Walk Home' continues to gather pace. We're pleased to see that we're only just shy of 200 supporters on the Facebook group set up to act as a petition. We've received 'Off the Record' support from a number of council officials, Port of Leith Housing Assocation Staff and politicians too.

It's very good to know that although there are plenty of other proposals for where the sculptures should be relocated to out there, there are lots of people can see that this proposal is the only one that will bring real economic and cultural benefits to an area that could really do with some help, given the ongoing upheaval caused by the tram project.

But don't take our word for it - here's some of the comments from others on the idea:

Jan Morrison, The Leith Gallery: "We have a very vibrant arts area in Leith which is probably overlooked by most of Edinburgh's population. Perhaps having the sculpture here would help address that. I would hope that we could also get those [lamppost] banners..for Paolozzi and Fergusson also added to the walk and perhaps even continue the banners down to The Shore."

Gordon Burgess, Chair Leith Business Associaton: "I see no reason why Paolozzi's foot can't be put in what would be its rightful place, certainly in terms of its name. We could do a 'swap' and give them the horn for location on Picardy Place!.... It would be a huge shot in the arm for that end of the street."

Robin Harper, Lothian MSP: "It's art made by a Leither, It should return to Leith. This proposal has my unqualified support."

Helen said: "Very approriate to put them at the foot of the Walk considering Eduardo Paolozzi was a Leither, sure he would have been pleased with this idea. The statues will have to moved any way to make room for the tramworks.

The idea of a Leith sculpture trail is great - remember we are soon to get the Gormley sculptures along the Water of leith so this would tie in nicely."

George said: "It just seems a no brainer to me. Put the sculpture near where the artist was born and raised. And surely a giant foot at the Foot of the Walk is too good a pun to miss?

And if you pardon another pun, surely the footfall at the junction of Duke Street and Great Junction Street will expose this wonderful art to a large number of people. Leithers should know that this great man came from here. His story and his work could be a real inspiration to local people."

Iain said: "Two parts of this really appeal to me - getting rid of the 'unciorn horn' is reason enough to do it - and had me onside instantly, but I really like the idea of a world class sculpture trail starting in Leith!"

Ellie said: "The bottom end of the Kirkgate (next to Links View House) is just undergoing some footpath improvements to improve the pedestrian and cycle links between the Shore and the bottom of Leith Walk. This is much needed as for non Leithers it can be quite confusing to to find a clear route through to the Shore, and placing the sculptures on the route would also act as a good marker.

This route is also of historic importance; it was originally called the "route to the alter stane" where sailors from the docks would come up to the church and to Leith Walk (if not waylaid by the "distractions" of the Shore on their way; apparently the church used to keep a light burning at all times to tempt them away from the ladies of the shore!). So highlighting this route with the sculptures would be really appropriate too."

Susan said: "I remember when the kids used to play on the big ships anchor that used to be there. And then they replaced them with that horrible...what is it?...Whale Tusk? It would be nice to have sculptures that kids could play on again".

We should be clear, that we are calling for all three pieces of the 'Manuscript of Monte Casino' to be sited at the Foot of the Walk. Not just the Foot. And our vision is that they would help to anchor a Sculpture trail that would lead people from the Foot of the Walk, down to the Shore, where people could link up with the proposed Antony Gormley work "6-Times," that will see six sculptures by the artist placed along the river between the sea and the Modern Art Gallery at Dean Village.

You can read more about the Antony Gormley proposal on the Water of Leith Conservation Trust Blog. The "6-Times" proposal has recently been submitted to the council planning committee for consideration, so if you want to write in with your thoughts now is your chance. You can see the details of the application by clicking here.

If you haven't done so already, please do consider joining the Facebook group as your support would really be appreciated. If you're not on Facebook, then perhaps you could write direct to one of your local councillors. Preferably, one of the ones on the planning committee, as we understand that they'll make the final decision.