Carrick Knowe

Did Carrick Knowe always have this name? Well, the name itself is a bit of a double entendre. “Carrick” comes from a Celtic word meaning “rock” or “eminence”. And “knowe” in Broad Scots means “knoll”. So, Carrick Knowe essentially translates to “rock knoll” or “eminence knoll.” We’re standing in Carrick Knowe, a charming suburb west of Edinburgh’s city centre. It’s about three miles away from all the hustle and bustle. Carrick Knowe is bordered by Tyler’s Acre, a railway line, a golf course, and Saughton Road North. Though often considered part of Corstorphine, Carrick Knowe possesses its own distinct identity. It boasts its own shopping areas, a primary school, a parish church, and a public park. Much of this land, like nearby Corstorphine, used to be bog. It was likely part of Corstorphine Loch. Carrick Knowe sprung up around 1934–35. It was originally a private housing estate built by Mactaggart & Mickel. The architect responsible for these charming four-in-the-block villas was Stewart Kaye. Today, most of these villas are privately owned. Interestingly, properties sold here are often listed as being in Corstorphine. This is likely due to the higher average house prices in Corstorphine. The Carrick Knowe Parish Church, located on Saughton Road North, has a unique story. Its hall opened in 1937. However, the church’s construction was delayed by World War II. Building finally commenced in 1950 and finished in 1953. Remarkably, this church was the first post-war stone-built church in Scotland. Carrick Knowe also offers a municipal golf course. Two golf clubs, Carrick Knowe Golf Club and Carrickvale Golf Club, call this course home. For your daily needs, Carrick Knowe has two shopping areas on Saughton Road North. You’ll find various businesses, from pubs and fish and chip shops to hairdressers, betting shops, and a Scotmid. Nearby, you’ll find more shops including a bakery, a piano shop, and a footcare specialist. Additional amenities include a post office, a pharmacy, grocery stores, barbers, and another hair salon. Even a dog wash! A bit further afield, you can access Corstorphine Library and the Saughton tram stop. For sports enthusiasts, Corstorphine RFC plays their home games at Union Park, right here in Carrick Knowe.