Whispers of industry echo from St Leonard’s. We stand where the Edinburgh and Dalkeith Railway once thrived. This wasn’t just any railway. It was the ‘Innocent Railway’ a horse-drawn line. A testament to a slower more scenic time. A time before the rush of steam engines.
St Leonard’s in Edinburgh boasts a rich history. Its name comes from a medieval hospital. This hospital stood on St Leonard’s Hill. It was a significant center of care. Sadly it fell into disrepair by the mid-17th century.
Imagine the bustling activity of 19th-century St Leonard’s. Thomas Nelson & Sons publishers were here. J & G Stewart distillers also established themselves. The area became a hub of industry. The railway station a vital link. This brought coal and people to this part of Edinburgh. It created jobs and opportunity. A stark contrast to its later quiet residential state.
But the 20th century brought change. The railway station closed in 1968. Nelson’s Parkside Works met a similar fate. Plans to build a ring road almost destroyed St Leonard’s. Thankfully these plans failed. The area was spared widespread demolition. A narrow escape from a fate that befell many other places.
St Leonard’s however has been reborn. It is now a residential area. Pollock Halls of Residence stand as a testament to this transformation. The Royal Commonwealth Pool. It has hosted many Commonwealth Games. This stands as a symbol of sporting excellence. Scottish Widows’ headquarters were here until 2020. The building now sits empty. A silent giant waiting for its next chapter.
Today St Leonard’s is a blend of old and new. The past whispers through the stones of remaining buildings. The present thrives in its modern residential areas. The area remains a vibrant part of Edinburgh. Its history continues to shape its future. A quiet yet significant corner of this captivating city.