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Rapid growth – Colinton in the mid to late 20th Century
Heightened taxation following the First World War meant that many professionals could no longer afford to buy larger houses and villas. Consequently, speculative builders rapidly purchased land and constructed more modest houses, causing rapid expansion of the built-up area of Colinton. Edinburgh argued that since it already provided services including water, sewage, gas, and electricity,…
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New arrivals – Colinton in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries
In opening a spur line between Slateford and Balerno, the Caledonian Railway Company created Colinton tunnel and station in 1874. With its fresh air and scenery, Colinton was a summer holiday resort for Edinburgh families and became increasingly popular as a day trip destination for city residents. The railway altered the character of the area…
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Industry – Colinton in the 18th and early 19th Centuries
Whilst still dominantly agricultural, Colinton saw increasing industrial activity during this period, becoming one of the most economically productive parts of the country. Manufacturing growth primarily stemmed from mills on the Water of Leith. A survey in the late 18th century recorded 71 mills along the river near Colinton, producing flour, corn, barley, snuff, and…
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Royal Soldiers Home
In 1899 a lady from Banchory, Miss W S Davidson, was in Glasgow seeing off The Royal Scots Greys who were heading to Africa. In response to a request from their Commanding Officer she vowed that “ wherever and whenever Barracks were erected for the Scottish Cavalry I would endeavour to build a Soldiers Home…
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Historic Buildings and Monuments
With roots dating back centuries, Colinton contains a wealth of historic buildings and monuments that provide glimpses into the past: Colinton Parish Church Colinton Castle Colinton Village Colinton War Memorial Spylaw Street From structures of historic significance to more modest everyday buildings, Colinton’s architecture offers traces of the past for locals and visitors to uncover.
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