Slateford

In Slateford, history whispers from the stones and the rushing waters of the Water of Leith. Slateford, whose name itself speaks of the local slate and the old ford, stands as a testament to Edinburgh’s layered past. Here, near Slateford Station, the village once bustled with life. Imagine the clatter of carts crossing the old ford, the rhythmic sounds from the bleachfields of Inglis Green, and the lively chatter outside the Good Templars Hall. Slateford in 1882 had a post office, a police station, a school and a U.P. Church. The very landscape of Slateford tells a story of transportation evolution. The Union Canal’s Slateford Aqueduct, a graceful structure built in 1822, stretches across the valley. A few years later, the Caledonian railway’s imposing 14-arch viaduct joined it. Slateford captures a unique moment in time, showcasing road, canal, and rail transport coexisting in one place. While road widening projects in 1952 and 1967 erased many original cottages, Slateford House, the old school, and the church still remain, echoing the past. The school now serves as the headquarters and visitor centre for the Water of Leith Conservation Trust. The former church building now finds new purpose as a warehouse. Slateford also holds a modern distinction. It is home to Slateford Green, the UK’s first car-free housing development. A quiet revolution in urban living, Slateford Green stands in contrast to the busy transport routes that define the area. This juxtaposition highlights Slateford’s ability to embrace both its history and its future.