Key Takeaways
• Marc Edwards used AI to animate historical photographs as a heartfelt gift to his grandparents in Jedburgh, Scotland.
• The project evolved into a community-wide success, now used in classrooms and senior centers across the Scottish Borders.
• The AI-generated montages have evoked emotional responses from elderly viewers who recall personal stories tied to the scenes.
• Marc continues receiving requests from towns and organizations, turning a personal gesture into a regionally valued cultural tool.
Marc Edwards, a marketing officer from Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders, began using artificial intelligence not for business but for his grandparents.
By animating historic photographs through AI software, Edwards created short video montages that bring to life street scenes from as early as the late 1800s.
“I was picturing my grandparents’ reaction if I could make this work – and when I put the old photographs through the software, the results were mind-blowing.”— Marc Edwards
What started as a personal project quickly gained traction online. The first video, posted on social media, received tens of thousands of views, shares, and comments within days.
Encouraged by the response, Marc expanded the concept to nearby towns, including Kelso and Galashiels, continuing to animate historical photos and build local narratives through visual storytelling.
From Viral Video to Classroom and Community Tool
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. The videos have since found practical use in educational and social environments.
• Local teachers are integrating the montages into history lessons for deeper student engagement.
• Senior centers are using the videos to spark conversations and reminiscence among older residents.
• Residents across the Borders continue to request personalized videos for their towns or community events.
“The reaction has been amazing – teachers are telling me that the videos have helped with children’s understanding of local history.”— Marc Edwards
By combining technology with tradition, Marc’s project has introduced a modern educational asset with deep emotional impact.
Emotional Reconnection for the Elderly
Perhaps the most touching reactions have come from older audiences. At the Older People Active Lives (OPAL) project in Galashiels, more than 20 senior residents gathered to watch Edwards’ videos. F
or many, the visuals revived long-forgotten memories.
“It was amazing to see the old railway station – I can still remember being sent down, as a girl, to meet my dad off the train when he came back from Dunkirk.”— Monica, Galashiels resident
“So much has changed – it was lovely to see all the old buildings. I’ve never seen anything like this before.”— Ann, Galashiels resident
The emotional resonance of the project lies in its authenticity—these are not fictional reconstructions, but real places once experienced by the viewers, now digitally reanimated for today’s generation.
Grandparents’ Pride: The Project’s Heart
Marc’s grandparents, Isobel and George Somerville, were the original audience for his AI-enhanced montages. Their reactions have remained a highlight for the creator.
“We were both so impressed when Marc first showed us what he had done. I still don’t understand how he gets everything to move, but I enjoy watching them. The videos are a great reminder of what our towns used to look like.”— George Somerville
Their appreciation reflects the deeply personal roots of a project that has now grown beyond the family circle into a regional cultural contribution.
Technology Meets Heritage: The Future of AI in Local History
Edwards’ work exemplifies how AI can serve non-commercial, human-centric goals—bridging generations through visual storytelling and preserving community heritage. As requests continue to flow in, Marc acknowledges the possibilities ahead.
“AI is amazing, and who knows what we’ll be able to do in a year or two? I’m just happy that what I’ve done so far has touched and pleased so many people.”— Marc Edwards
His AI-enhanced montages represent more than digital art—they are living documents of cultural memory, accessible and engaging for people of all ages.
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