Cammo

Gazing upon the tranquil expanse of Cammo, can you envision the echoes of its past? Cammo, a northwestern suburb of Edinburgh, whispers tales of a rich history. It’s nestled just south of the A90, a mere six miles from the city’s heart. Cammo isn’t just a name; it’s a word rooted in Celtic lore. It possibly comes from the Gaelic “cambas,” meaning “bay” or “creek,” or from the Brittonic “*cambāco-,” relating to a river bend. This connection to the river makes sense, doesn’t it, given Cammo’s inland location? The heart of Cammo beats within the remnants of Cammo House. Built in 1693 for John Menzies, the estate, with its surrounding parkland, was later shaped by Sir John Clerk of Penicuik. Imagine strolling through the grounds between 1710 and 1726, witnessing the parkland taking shape. In 1741, the estate, then known as New Saughton, passed to the Watsons of Saughton. A dramatic twist of fate awaited Cammo House. Bequeathed to the National Trust for Scotland in 1975, it fell victim to arson just two years later. Reduced to its ground floor walls, the house stands as a poignant reminder of its former glory. The City of Edinburgh Council then took over the estate, transforming it into the Wilderness Park you see today. Cammo’s charm extends beyond the house. A 19th-century water tower, Cammo Tower, stands as a testament to the estate’s past. Explore the ruined stable block, an ornamental canal, a bridge, and the lodge, now a visitor center. Did you know that Robert Louis Stevenson’s “House of Shaws” in Kidnapped was possibly inspired by Cammo? As you walk these grounds, now enjoyed by many, remember the estate’s past. From aristocratic pleasure ground to a peaceful wilderness park, Cammo’s story continues to unfold.