Ever wonder where the name Oxgangs comes from? It’s not just a quirky Edinburgh suburb name. Oxgangs has roots in old land measurements. An oxgang was a unit of land. It represents how much land an ox could plough in a season. Let’s explore Oxgangs.
Oxgangs began its modern development in the 1950s. Before that, it was mostly farmland. Imagine open fields instead of houses. Only a few prefab homes dotted the landscape then.
The area transformed into public housing schemes. These aimed to house low to middle income families. Oxgangs saw a mix of bungalows and high-rise flats. These flats, once iconic, have since been demolished.
Today, many former council homes are privately owned in Oxgangs. Tenants bought them through the right-to-buy scheme. This has made it harder to find council housing here.
Locals fondly remember Dr Motley. He was a Black American doctor. Dr Motley established his practice in Oxgangs in the mid-1940s. He served the community until 1978. Peter Hoffmann has written about growing up in Oxgangs. His memoirs capture the social and cultural history of the time.
For shopping, Oxgangs offers two main areas. Locals call them the “top” and “bottom” shops. The top shops on Oxgangs Broadway are larger. “Premier Broadway Convenience Store” is an award-winning store there. Dennis’ family has run it for 40 years. Linda, his wife, runs the Premier Deli. Other shops include salons, barbers, a bookies, and takeaways. A post office and pharmacy serve the community too.
The bottom shops were at Oxgangs Crescent. These shops were demolished with the high flats. New housing and a Day-Today Express store replaced them.
Community is central to Oxgangs. AC Oxgangs is a local football team. Founded in 2001, it involves around 200 young players. They range from 7 to 18 years old. They play at Colinton Mains Park.
Significant changes have reshaped Oxgangs. The council demolished the high-rise flats in the 2000s. Capelaw Court was the first to go in 2005. The National Geographic Channel filmed its demolition. Caerketton Court and Allermuir Court followed in 2006.
Two primary schools, Comiston and Hunters Tryst, merged. They became Pentland Primary. The pupils moved to the renovated Comiston building.
Getting around Oxgangs is easy. Lothian Buses provide frequent public transport. Several routes serve the area. These include the airport bus service, Skylink.
Oxgangs has a rich history captured in books. “Oxgangs A Capital Tale” has two volumes. Other books explore childhood in Oxgangs. They also tell Dr Motley’s remarkable story.
Oxgangs is more than just a suburb. It is a community with a unique past. From its origins as farmland to its modern form. Oxgangs continues to evolve while retaining its close-knit spirit. It is a testament to the people who call it home.