Gogarloch was once a marsh. This might surprise you. We are standing in a residential area now. It lies within South Gyle in Edinburgh.
Gogarloch is about 4+1⁄2 miles or 7.2 km west of the city centre. Corstorphine and Wester Broom are also nearby. Most of the houses here were built in the 1990s. It’s a relatively new part of Edinburgh.
Let’s take a step back in time. Historically, this area was marshland. That is why it has “loch” in its name. Loch is a Scottish word for lake. The land was drained in the 19th century. This created space for the new railway. The South Gyle railway station is not far from here.
The former Gogar Loch was a shallow post-glacial water body. Over time, it silted up. It became a marsh by the late Mediaeval period. People eventually drained it. This provided agricultural land in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Now, imagine prehistoric people living here. The loch was a focal point for them. Archaeological evidence shows occupation from Neolithic times until Mediaeval times. This area has a long history. It goes back thousands of years.
Other lost lochs of Edinburgh include the Nor Loch. Another one is Burgh Loch. The Burgh Loch was on the site of the present-day Meadows area. These lochs have disappeared over time.
Today, Gogarloch is a residential area. It has a mix of housing types. No single type of dwelling makes up more than half of the houses. You’ll find detached, semi-detached, and terraced houses. There are also purpose-built flats.
The area has a mix of housing tenures. Some people own their homes outright. Others have a mortgage. A few rent from a private landlord. Most households are single-family households. This is common in suburban areas like Gogarloch.
In terms of people, the gender split is roughly equal. The age groups vary. However, there are many residents aged 55-59 and 60-64. The number of separated residents is higher than the national average.
Most residents consider themselves to be in very good or good health. Many people in Gogarloch have a degree or similar professional qualification. The majority of residents have no ability in Scots.
The ethnic group is predominantly white. Most residents were born in the United Kingdom. Many have lived here for more than 10 years. Most residents hold a United Kingdom passport. A large percentage of residents say that they have no religion.
Many residents are full-time employees. A significant number are retired. The nearest railway station is South Gyle. Gylemuir Primary School is the closest primary school. Craigmount High School is the nearest secondary school. Ladywell Medical Centre (West) is the closest GP.
Gogarloch has changed a lot over the centuries. It went from marshland to farmland. Now, it is a residential area. It is a quiet corner of Edinburgh. Yet it is full of hidden history.