Cherry Picker Supports Lighting Installation at Playhouse Theatre
Our cherry picker positioned outside the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, with a trained operator installing lighting on the flagpoles above the entrance. The historic 1929 venue is visible, and surrounding pedestrian traffic and tramlines highlight the busy central Edinburgh location.
Edinburgh Cherry Picker Hire for Flagpole Lighting at Playhouse Theatre
On 29 April 2025, 101 Height for Hire provided our cherry picker truck and trained operator to support the installation of new flagpole lighting at the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre, located at 18–22 Greenside Place, just off Leith Walk. The project involved illuminating the flagpoles above the entrance, enhancing the theatre’s historic façade, and creating a striking visual feature that makes the venue stand out beautifully at night.
The Edinburgh Playhouse, one of Scotland’s most iconic entertainment venues since 1929, has hosted musicals, concerts, comedy, and live theatre, cementing its place as a cultural landmark. Its central location on a busy street, with tramlines outside, high pedestrian footfall, and a shop directly beneath the work area, required a safe, efficient, and minimally disruptive solution — proving once again that the show must go on.
Why Scaffolding Was Not a Practical Option for Edinburgh Playhouse
Erecting scaffolding at this busy location would have caused significant disruption. Heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic, tramlines, and a shop directly beneath the work area would have restricted access, increased safety risks, and interfered with local business operations.
Additionally, scaffolding would have been costly, required extra manpower, and necessitated extensive traffic and pedestrian management measures. Ladders were also impractical given the height and precision required for installing the lighting fixtures. These factors made scaffolding an inefficient and disruptive solution for this project.
Why a Cherry Picker Was the Best Choice for Flagpole Lighting
Our mobile cherry picker avoided all these challenges. The platform allowed the team to work safely at height while maintaining full access for pedestrians, traffic, tram operations, and the shop below.
Quick repositioning enabled efficient access to all flagpoles, while our trained operator ensured each lighting fixture was installed accurately and securely. This approach reduced manpower, lowered costs, and allowed theatre performances to continue uninterrupted — truly embodying the phrase: the show must go on.
The cherry picker also preserved the streetscape’s visual clarity and maintained a safe, unobstructed environment. Its combination of mobility, stability, and compliance with UK Working at Height regulations made it the ideal solution for this high-level installation.
Advantages of Using a Cherry Picker for Edinburgh Playhouse
Hiring a cherry picker for this project offered multiple benefits over traditional methods:
Safe and Controlled Access: A stable platform and trained operator reduced risks compared to ladders or scaffolding.
Efficiency and Flexibility: Quick repositioning allowed the team to access each flagpole without delay.
Minimal Disruption: Pedestrians, tramlines, and nearby shops remained unaffected throughout the work.
Cost-Effective: Avoiding scaffolding saved on materials, labour, and traffic management.
Preservation of Surroundings: Work was completed without obstructing the theatre’s façade or streetscape.
The cherry picker delivered a safe, efficient, and minimally disruptive solution — perfect for high-level work in a busy urban environment like Edinburgh Playhouse.
Cherry Picker Success: Efficient Lighting Installation
The hire of our cherry picker and experienced operator ensured the flagpole lighting installation was completed safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. By avoiding scaffolding, setup time was reduced, labour requirements were minimised, and the need for traffic or pedestrian management measures was eliminated.
The mobile access solution allowed the team to reach all flagpoles quickly and carry out the work without affecting nearby shops, tramlines, or pedestrian traffic. The result is a striking visual enhancement to the theatre’s façade, completed with professional oversight and minimal disruption.
Need to Hire a Cherry Picker from 101 Height for Hire?
For elevated work across Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, and Dundee, 101 Height for Hire offers fully equipped cherry picker truck hire with a trained and experienced operator. Whether installing lighting, carrying out maintenance, or completing surveys, our cherry picker provides safe, flexible, and efficient access, helping your work be completed quickly while minimizing disruption to people and property.
All vehicles are professionally maintained, regularly inspected, and delivered on schedule, providing you with peace of mind and enabling your team to focus entirely on the work at hand.
See examples of our cherry picker hire projects in our project gallery or read more about our work in the blog.
Get in touch with 101 Height for Hire today via our contact page to discuss your project and arrange your cherry picker hire. Our team will ensure you can access even the most challenging heights safely, efficiently, and on time, keeping your project on track and minimizing disruption.