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 completely.
Many of Colinton’s villa houses were built in the late 19th Century for city commuters and the multi-arched Gillespie Bridge was built to link new developments on both sides of the Water of Leith. Colinton now had a school, a post office, and a library. Access to space was not only appreciated by the wealthy but also the army. In the run-up to the First World War, Redford Barracks were built to alleviate cramped military quarters at Edinburgh Castle, providing new accommodation for cavalry and infantry, offices, and training facilities.