Thirty-three houses vanished. Gone. Swallowed by the earth. That’s the story of Ferniehill. Right here where we stand.
Ferniehill a quiet residential area in Edinburgh. It’s known for its bungalows and terraced houses. Built on what seemed like solid ground. Until it wasn’t. You see this park? This lovely green space with its play area and flowerbeds? It wasn’t always here.
In 2000 cracks appeared in houses. Small at first. Then bigger. Residents watched in horror as their homes began to sink. The cause? Limestone mining. Hundreds of years of mining left behind unstable caverns. The ground gave way.
The subsidence was dramatic. Houses tilted. Walls cracked. It was the first incident of its kind in Scotland. People had to be evacuated. Thirty-three homes were demolished. It was a shocking event for the community. A terrifying experience for those who lived there.
But from the devastation came something new. The area unsuitable for housing. The decision was made to create a community park. Ferniehill Community Park was born in 2002. A testament to resilience and rebirth.
Today the park is a beautiful green space. It boasts views of the Pentland Hills and Arthur’s Seat. Children play on the swings and slides. Families enjoy picnics under the trees. It’s a place of peace and tranquility. A far cry from the chaos of 2000.
But the memory of the subsided houses remains. A reminder of the fragile nature of the ground beneath our feet. And a testament to the spirit of Ferniehill. Its residents. Their ability to rebuild. To create something beautiful from the ruins. A poignant story. And a reminder that sometimes from disaster comes something wonderful. A place of joy and community. A park where the past whispers in the wind amongst the flowers. Ferniehill.