Remember Niddrie Mains for its transformation. This residential suburb in Edinburgh has seen significant changes over the years. Let’s delve into the story of Niddrie Mains.
Niddrie Mains is located in the south-east of Edinburgh. It sits south-west of Portobello and west of Musselburgh. The western part is also known as Craigmillar. The name Niddrie comes from Brythonic origin meaning new settlement. It was historically called Niddry Marischal. This distinguished it from other places like Longniddry and Niddry Bents.
The Wauchope family once owned most of Niddrie Mains until the 1930s. Archibald Wauchope supported the Earl of Bothwell in the 1590s. Their family home Niddrie Marischal House was near the Jack Kane Centre. The Wauchopes later donated their land to the city.
In 1839, John Henderson designed the lodge and gates to the Mansion. Although the house was demolished a vaulted tomb-house remains. From the mid-19th century, coal mining developed here. Many miners’ cottages were built.
Edinburgh Corporation constructed social housing in Niddrie Mains from 1927 to the mid-1930s. City Architect Ebenezer James MacRae designed it. This housing linked to a slum clearance in St Leonard’s Ward. Families from those areas moved here along with local mining families.
Today, almost all of the Niddrie Mains council housing estate is gone. The land has been mostly redesignated for private housing. PARC, owned by the City of Edinburgh Council, is developing the site. A new primary school is being built for the area. Niddrie Mill Primary School and St Francis Primary School will share a campus. The Hays area was the first phase of redevelopment, built around 2001.
Niddrie once had its own railway station. It was part of the Edinburgh and Dalkeith Railway. Now, the nearest stations are Brunstane and Newcraighall. Lothian Buses provide eight bus routes to Niddrie.
Niddrie is next to Craigmillar. It was home to the Craigmillar Festival Society. Helen Crummy, a local mother, founded this community arts organization.
Sadly, Niddrie suffered from high crime rates between the 1980s and 2000s. In 2023, police faced attacks during bonfire night.
One tenement block remains from the 1920s at 65 Niddrie Mains Terrace. This building was renovated to provide housing for adults with learning disabilities. LAR Housing Trust and the City of Edinburgh Council worked together on this project.
Niddrie Mains Road is a busy route connecting Niddrie and Craigmillar. It passes local shops, schools and community facilities. The Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and Fort Kinnaird shopping centre are nearby. Niddrie Mains Road provides excellent visibility for advertising.
The story of Niddrie Mains is one of constant change. From its Brythonic roots to its modern redevelopment, Niddrie Mains continues to evolve. Remember this community for its resilience and ongoing transformation.