“New settlement.” That’s what Niddrie means. The name comes from Brythonic origins. Niddrie has transformed over centuries. It holds stories of families, coal mines, and community spirit. We are standing in Niddrie, a residential suburb in Edinburgh.
Once, this area was known as Niddry Marischal. This distinguished it from other places like Longniddry. The Wauchope family held significant influence here. They owned much of the land until the 1930s.
Let’s go back to the 1500s. Robert Wauchope was born in Niddrie Marischal. He became Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland. In the 1590s, Archibald Wauchope supported the rebel Earl of Bothwell. Niddrie Marischal House was the family home. It stood west of the Jack Kane Centre. The Wauchopes later donated their lands to the city.
In 1839, John Henderson designed the lodge and gates to the Mansion. Sadly, the House was demolished. But the vaulted tomb-house remains. It adjoined the western extension. It is now a listed building.
From the mid-19th century, Niddrie changed again. The Wauchope family developed the area for coal mining. Several pits were built. Many miners’ cottages were erected.
In 1927, Edinburgh Corporation began building social housing in Niddrie Mains. Ebenezer James MacRae, the City Architect, designed it. This new housing aimed to clear slums in St. Leonard’s Ward. Families from those areas were relocated here, along with local coal mining families.
Today, much of the Niddrie Mains council housing estate is gone. Most buildings have been demolished. The land has been re-designated for private housing. PARC, owned by the City of Edinburgh Council, is developing the site. The development includes a new primary school. Niddrie Mill Primary School and St Francis Primary School will be on a joint campus. The Hays area was the first phase. It was built around 2001. It features two-story blocks with gardens and pedestrianized streets.
Niddrie has faced challenges. Between the 1980s and 2000s, crime rates were high. Antisocial behavior was common. Drug use was a problem. Joyriding and car thefts occurred. In 2006, Greendykes and Niddrie Mains ranked as highly deprived areas in Scotland.
Even now, Niddrie faces episodes of public disorder. During Bonfire Night in 2023, a police vehicle was attacked. Gangs raced through the area on motorcycles. Fireworks were thrown. Young people filmed themselves using fireworks against the police.
Niddrie once had its own railway station. It was on the Edinburgh and Dalkeith Railway. The nearest stations today are Brunstane and Newcraighall. They are on the Edinburgh Crossrail and Borders Railway.
Niddrie is adjacent to Craigmillar. It was home to the Craigmillar Festival Society. Helen Crummy, a local mother, founded this community arts organization.
Despite its challenges, Niddrie has a strong sense of identity. It is a community with ever-changing opportunities. It has a population of about 4400 people. Niddrie continues to evolve. It is a place with a rich history and a resilient spirit. The people are mostly friendly and ready to cooperate for the public good.