Doesn’t its name conjure images of fortified coastal towers? Actually, Martello Court is a residential building, not a military structure. Standing before you, this 23-story tower has a history as complex as its architecture.
Martello Court is one of Edinburgh’s tallest buildings. It rises 64 meters above Pennywell Gardens in Muirhouse. Completed in 1967, it houses 88 dwellings.
But its past isn’t all sunshine. Back in the 1970s and 80s, Martello Court earned a less flattering nickname. People called it “Terror Tower” because of the high crime rates in the area. Imagine the shadow this building cast. It dominated not only the skyline but also the local consciousness.
Muirhouse, where Martello Court stands, underwent significant changes. In the 1950s, Edinburgh reconfigured its center. This led to slum clearing and the relocation of communities to the city’s edges. Muirhouse became one of these housing schemes.
For many who grew up then, places like Muirhouse were synonymous with violence and deprivation. Martello Court became the epicenter of these problems. Its Soviet-style architecture loomed large.
Photographers have documented the community’s struggles. John Sturrock captured the challenges facing the people of Muirhouse. Crime, poverty, drugs, and disease were rampant. Yet, his work also showed the community’s resilience.
Paul S. Smith began a five-year project in 2020 to document life in Muirhouse. He wanted to offer an objective view of the people who lived and worked there. Smith’s inspiration came from his childhood memories. He grew up near Muirhouse, hearing negative stereotypes about the area.
As a boy, Smith was fascinated by Martello Court. He would visit Edinburgh Castle just to see the tower block. Smith’s project started during his studies at the Royal College of Art. He was asked to respond to a page from a book that had significance to him and he opted for Trainspotting.
Smith’s first contact was Gabriella, the concierge at Martello Court. She connected him with Etta McInnes. Etta is the head of the Martello Court Residence Association. She gave Smith access to the building’s gardens, offices, and stairwell. Etta has lived on the estate for 30 years. Smith joked about calling the block “Mar-Etta Court” after spending time with her.
Despite its past reputation, Smith found a warm and welcoming environment. He discovered that the residents were involved with his project. They were happy to share their views on isolation and their hopes for the future. So next time you look at Martello Court, remember it’s more than just a tall building. It is a symbol of a community’s struggles and resilience.