Clermiston

Is it just me, or does the air feel different up here? Perhaps it’s the elevation or maybe the ghosts of Edinburgh’s past. We are standing in Clermiston, a fascinating suburb with a history as rich as the views from its highest point. Don’t let the modern houses fool you, Clermiston has a story to tell, one that stretches back centuries. Long before these streets echoed with the laughter of children, this area was known as Glabertoun, a name lost to time in 1730 when it was rechristened Clermiston. In those days, a humble track connected the village of Corstorphine to a tiny hamlet called Mutton Hole, now known as Davidson’s Mains. Back then, this whole area was the stomping ground of the wealthy, a place for hunts and leisurely pursuits. Imagine their horses and hounds charging across these very hills! As the years passed, Clermiston’s identity began to shift. The Buttercup Dairy Company staked its claim, transforming the landscape into a hub of dairy production. But this rural existence wouldn’t last forever. In the 1950s, a new chapter began. Edinburgh Corporation purchased the land, ushering in an era of social change. They envisioned a solution to the overcrowding plaguing areas like Leith and Gorgie. And so, Clermiston Estate was born, a testament to the ambitious post-war housing projects that reshaped Edinburgh. If you stroll through those streets, you’ll witness the legacy of that era. But Clermiston isn’t just about bricks and mortar. It’s about the people, the communities, and the memories woven into its fabric. We’ve talked about the past, but what about the present? Today, Clermiston is a thriving suburb, home to over 20,000 people. The sounds of daily life, children playing, neighbours chatting, these are the sounds of a community thriving. As we leave Clermiston behind, take a moment to appreciate the blend of old and new, the whispers of history mingling with the vibrancy of modern life. It’s a reminder that every corner of Edinburgh, even the seemingly ordinary, has a story to tell if you know where to look.