Why is this area called Silvermills? You might think it’s a whimsical name, but it has roots in a very real and lucrative industry. Silvermills, nestled on the edge of Edinburgh’s New Town, wasn’t always an attractive residential area. It was once a hive of industrial activity, its name echoing a time when the Water of Leith powered mills involved in a surprising endeavor: silver processing. Imagine the year 1607. The discovery of silver ore at Hilderstone, Linlithgowshire, created a stir. Edinburgh, eager to capitalize on this newfound wealth, saw the establishment of mills in Silvermills, designed to smelt and refine the ore. This period marked the birth of Silvermills as an industrial hub. However, the silver boom was not to last. Over time, the silver veins dwindled, and the mills adapted, turning their gears to other industries like tanning. This shift left its mark on the area, with the large tannery becoming a prominent feature in the 19th century. The legacy of John Lauder of Silvermills, the tannery owner and father to famed artists Robert Scott Lauder and James Eckford Lauder, is still whispered in the laneways. The Silvermills of today is a far cry from its industrial past. Gone are the sights and smells of the tannery, replaced by attractive housing, a testament to Edinburgh’s constant evolution. As you stroll through the quiet streets, remember the echoes of clanging mills and the scent of leather, remnants of a time when Silvermills played a crucial role in Edinburgh’s industrial history.
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.