City leaders hope to create a brand new public space outside the museum where events and even festival shows can be held. The statue of Playfair – by renowned sculptor Sandy Stoddart – will stand on a widened plaza alongside a refurbished statue of the publisher and former Lord Provost, William Chambers. Playfair is considered one of the greatest architects of the 19th century, and is the brains behind many of Edinburgh’s neo-classical landmarks.