Tucked away in southern Edinburgh Fairmilehead boasts a rich history. This affluent district sits about three miles south of the city centre bordering Midlothian. Fairmilehead isn’t just about expensive houses. It’s a place with a fascinating past. The area includes the neighbourhoods of Buckstone Caiyside Caiystane Swanston Frogston and Winton. The heart of Fairmilehead is the crossroads where Buckstone Terrace Biggar Road Frogston Road and Oxgangs Road meet. This was once home to a Royal Bank of Scotland branch. Now you’ll find an accountant’s office a local shop and the prominent Fairmilehead Parish Church a Church of Scotland parish church.
Fairmilehead wasn’t always so upscale. From 1932 until 2002 the eastern part housed the Princess Margaret Rose Orthopaedic Hospital. Now luxury homes stand where the hospital once stood. Nearby Scottish Water’s Fairmilehead water treatment works has also undergone a transformation. It’s now been converted into more high-end housing. Scottish Water still maintains offices there next to the Charwood Grill restaurant. Before it was the Charwood Grill it was the Tusitala an Italian restaurant named after Robert Louis Stevenson’s connection to the area. Stevenson himself lived just a few miles away in Swanston.
Fairmilehead residents enjoy a high satisfaction rate. In 2017 the Edinburgh Evening News ranked it among the top four happiest places to live in Edinburgh. This isn’t surprising given its proximity to the city bypass. It offers quick access to the M8 M9 Edinburgh Airport the Forth Road Bridge and Fife. Local shops and regular bus services connect Fairmilehead to Edinburgh’s city centre. Morningside’s shopping area is just a short drive away. The Braid Hills offer wonderful recreational opportunities. Two public golf courses open parkland and stunning city views await. Other nearby golf courses include Mortonhall Lothianburn and Swanston. Hillend Ski Slope the longest artificial ski slope in Europe is also within easy reach.
But the real stories of Fairmilehead aren’t only about modern amenities. They lie buried in the legends. One story speaks of a Roman settlement called Morton situated in Fairmilehead. Another tells of Oliver Cromwell and his army camping at Mortonhall in 1650 before their battle at Dunbar. These are just whispers of the past. They hint at a richer history waiting to be uncovered. Fairmilehead blends the charm of a quiet residential area with the convenience of modern city living. It’s a place where history and present-day life coexist in perfect harmony. A place I invite you to explore further.