Silverknowes
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Silverknowes is a suburb of Edinburgh, Scotland. Predominantly middle class, Silverknowes lies to the northwest of the city. The neighbourhood contains over 2000 homes, ranging in size from bungalow to semi-detached housing, much of it built during the mid-Twentieth Century.
It holds the EH4 postcode. Silverknowes is surrounded by Davidson's Mains Village to the south, Barnton and the Lauriston to the west, and Muirhouse to the east.
[edit] History
The area was largely dominated by farmland until the late 19th century, known as "Randalistoun" or "Randerstoune". The Caledonian Railway contstructed a railway line to Barnton in the early 1900s. The route lies to the south of the present Silverknowes estate, and is now used as a cycle path. In 1934, Glasgow tenement constructers "McTaggart & Mickel" began developing land to the west, creating Silverknowes Avenue, Crescent, Drive, Hill, Loan and Terrace. The homes proved popular, and building work resumed after Second World War.
Housebuilding resumed in 1952, and continued into the 1960s. The last farm buildings were cleared during the 1970s, bringing to an end hundreds of years of farming. The Lauriston Farm restaurant, although located nearby, did not form part of Silverknowes Farm, being constructed by a restaurant chain some years later.
[edit] Amenities
To the west of Silverknowes is the historic Lauriston Castle and estate. There is also a small clutch of shops on Silverknowes Road, and large playing fields on Silverknowes Parkway. The Parkway itself is one of the main routes through the area, and it is bordered to the north by the 18-hole Silverknowes Golf Club. The golf course stretches to Silverknowes Beach and Promenade, where there are excellent opportunities for walking, cycling and other activities. It is possible to access the 18th-century Cramond Village via the western promenade, with views across the Firth of Forth to Fife.
Silverknowes is well served by the Lothian and First bus networks, with six routes terminating in the area. There is also a night service available. The neighbourhood lies in the catchment area for Davidson's Mains Primary and the Edinburgh Royal High School in Barnton, one of the city's most renowned state schools.
From the top of Silverknowes Road, there are excellent unobstructed views to Fife.
[edit] Boundary Change
In 2006, there were plans to place Silverknowes in the new "Forth" local authority voting ward. This outraged residents, who felt it would lead to the breakup of Davidson's Mains as a community. Over 600 objections were sent by members of the community and various local establishments, and Silverknowes will now be placed in the "Almond" ward alongside Davidson's Mains, Barnton and Cramond.
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