Colinton
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Colinton is a suburb of Edinburgh, Scotland situated 6 kilometres south west of the city centre.
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[edit] History
Sited in a steep-sided valley on a convenient fording point on the Water of Leith, Colinton's history dates back to the 11th century.
Close to the Water of Leith is Colinton Parish Church, originally founded as the Church of Halis (Hailes) around 1095 by Elthelred, third son of Malcolm III and Queen Margaret. The nearby 15th century Colinton Castle, in the grounds of what is now Merchiston Castle School, was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell during his invasion of Scotland. Following repair, the castle was subsequently partially demolished by the artist Alexander Nasmyth in order to create a picturesque ruin.
Other notable figures with connections to Colinton include Robert Louis Stevenson who is known to have been a regular visitor to the village, plus the philanthropist James Gillespie and architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson, who both lived in the village. A number of innovative Arts and Crafts style cottages were also constructed in the village in the early 1900s by the architect Sir Robert Lorimer. Between 1909 and 1915, the War Office constructed Redford Barracks to the east of the village. The barracks represent the largest military installation built in Scotland since Fort George in the Highlands and they provide military accommodation, together with offices and training facilities.
The village was the location for numerous mills producing textiles, snuff and paper. It is thought that the first banknotes produced by the Bank of Scotland were printed on paper manufactured in Colinton. The Caledonian Railway Company constructed a new spur line connecting Slateford and Balerno in 1874, which included the creation of a new station at Colinton. This line continued to carry passenger traffic until 1943, and finally closed when the carriage of freight was discontinued in the 1960s.
[edit] Colinton today
Today, Colinton is one of the most desirable residential suburbs in Edinburgh, with many wealthy "old money" residents.[citation needed] The original heart of Colinton is still referred to as "Colinton Village", retaining much of its original village charm with numerous small speciality shops and original buildings remaining intact. The tranquility of the Water of Leith and nearby Colinton Dell, just to the north of the "village", contribute to this perception.
The Dell extends along the Water of Leith Walkway from Colinton Parish Church towards Slateford, and contains a mixture of mature and ancient woodland. It is a natural habitat for wildlife, including numerous bird species, amphibians, voles, weasels, stoats and occasionally roe deer. The walkway and cycle path also pass by some of the original mill buildings.
Colinton is a designated conservation area and is bordered by the Edinburgh City Bypass and Juniper Green to the south west, Wester Hailes to the north west and Oxgangs to the east. It is served by Bonaly Primary School, Merchiston Castle School (formerly in Merchiston) and Firrhill High School.
[edit] Areas within Colinton
[edit] External links
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