Think back to a time of horse-drawn carriages and cobblestone streets. We are standing at the Coltbridge Horse-Tram Terminus Plaque. It commemorates a significant piece of Edinburgh’s transport history.
The Coltbridge Horse-Tram Terminus Plaque marks the spot where horse-drawn trams once began their journeys. These trams started running in 1873. Imagine the clip-clop of hooves and the rumble of the tramcars.
Edinburgh Street Tramways operated a horse-drawn tramway service. This service ran in Edinburgh between 1871 and 1896. Leith also had this service between 1871 and 1904. The first section of the Edinburgh Street Tramways opened on November 6, 1871. It ran from Haymarket in Edinburgh to Bernard Street in Leith.
The Edinburgh Street Tramways Company obtained powers to build these lines. This was granted on June 29, 1871. It was under the Edinburgh Street Tramways Act 1871. At first, the company used ten horsecars. The horses were initially provided by a contractor.
The network gradually expanded. Lines were added from the Foot of Leith Walk to Junction Bridge and from the Post Office to Duncan Street. Other lines included Salisbury Place to Marchmont and the West End to Grange Road.
In 1873, another Act of Parliament extended the time allowed to complete the lines. Further lines opened between Haymarket and Coatbridge. Also a line was constructed along Ferry Road in Leith to Newhaven.
The Coltbridge Horse-Tram Terminus Plaque reminds us that the original arched railway bridge was replaced. This allowed for an extension to Wester Corner. Sadly, the current bridge is now covered in graffiti.
The horse-drawn trams were eventually replaced by cable cars in 1899. Later, the route was converted to electric trams in 1922. If you visit the Scottish Vintage Bus Museum at Lathalmond in Fife, you can see horse-tram number 23.
This tramcar was used by the Edinburgh District Tramways Company until 1900. It was then sold and taken to Newton St Boswells. There, it was used as a summer house. It may have also been used for religious meetings.
In 2005, the owners realized the historical importance of their garden shed. It was transported to Edinburgh. The vehicle was restored and is now in working order.
The Murrayfield Community Council is working on a series of commemorations. These include the Coltbridge Canter and the A8 Mileposts 1 and 2. Also, artists Samuel Peploe and Charles H Mackie will be commemorated. The sculptors of Ravelston Elms will be remembered as well.
Edinburgh Corporation acquired 60 cars and 600 horses in June of 1893. The Corporation sold the operating side to Dick Kerr & Co. They created the Edinburgh & District Tramways Company. This company then ran the service within Edinburgh.
The Edinburgh Street Tramways Company ran its last horse services on October 22, 1904. Leith Corporation took over the following day. The last horse tram service in Leith ran just over one year later on November 2, 1905.
The Coltbridge Horse-Tram Terminus Plaque stands as a testament to a bygone era. An era when horse-drawn trams were a vital part of Edinburgh’s transportation network. It is a reminder of the city’s rich history.