Was it a giant birdcage or some strange, metallic spiderweb? That’s what people must have wondered when they first saw Gas Holder 1. Today, we stand before its impressive frame, a monument to Edinburgh’s industrial past. Gas Holder 1 was completed in 1903, a part of the new Granton Gasworks. This site was meant to be a behemoth of gas production, capable of supplying a rapidly growing Edinburgh. The plans called for eight gas holders, all following the elegant design of Gas Holder 1. However, it was the only one ever built to the original specifications. Imagine 7,000,000 cubic feet of gas contained within this structure, silently fueling the city’s lights and hearths. Though the gas production ceased in 1987, Gas Holder 1 still stands. It’s a Category B listed building, a testament to its unique architectural and historical significance. The future promises a new life for this industrial giant. Plans are in motion to transform it into a vibrant public space. Soon, laughter and music will replace the hiss of gas, as Edinburgh writes a new chapter in the story of Gas Holder 1.
Duke Street United Reformed Church
Hidden within the bustling streets of Leith, Duke Street United Reformed Church has witnessed over 150 years of Edinburgh’s history.