Once upon a time, a standing stone marked this place. That stone was the original Clovenstone. This is now a neighborhood in southwestern Edinburgh. It sits in Wester Hailes.
Clovenstone was first named in land rentals in 1631. Locals knew it as the Clovenstone. It stood in a park of the same name. Sadly, quarrying destroyed it in the 1870s. Historian Stuart Harris thought it was an authentic site.
The term “cloven” might mean the stone had a split. Or maybe it was a pair of uprights. We may never know for sure. Today, Clovenstone is more than just a lost stone. It is a community.
The Clovenstone Community Centre is the hub. It was built in 1975. People join activities there that meet their needs. The center has Community Learning and Development Workers. There is also a Parent and Carer Worker. A Service Support Officer is on staff.
The community is diverse. Scottish and British people live here. There is a small population of Eastern Europeans. African nationals also call Clovenstone home.
Clovenstone Primary School is at the heart of the community. It welcomes everyone. The school values are kind, safe, and proud. These values guide the school community.
The neighborhood is close to the A720 road. Wester Hailes Baptist Church is in Clovenstone. A local nursing home is here too.
Clovenstone is a place of history and community. The standing stone may be gone. The spirit of Clovenstone lives on. It lives on in its people and its community.
So, remember the original Clovenstone. Remember the stone that stood here long ago. And remember the community that carries its name today. It is a story of change. It is also a story of resilience.