Picture the charming thatched cottages of Swanston. Nestled at the foot of the Pentland Hills this is a village untouched by time. Swanston’s story begins long ago perhaps in the 9th century. It’s a tale woven into the very fabric of this peaceful haven.
Swanston has deep roots in history. The name itself hints at Norse origins. Sveins tun meaning Sveinn’s farm. Documents from 1214 mention Sveinn’s farm within the Barony of Redhall. This shows a rich farming past stretching centuries. Even before the medieval era.
Swanston played a vital role in Edinburgh’s water supply. Starting in the 1760s. The Edinburgh Corporation extracted water from local springs. Landowner Henry Trotter fiercely opposed this. He even took the case to the House of Lords. The Corporation eventually won. Wooden pipes carried fresh water to Edinburgh. A cistern house filter beds and an engineer’s cottage were built. These structures still stand today. These structures are silent witnesses to a bygone era.
But Swanston is more than just water and farming. Robert Louis Stevenson’s family leased Swanston Cottage. This was a summer retreat from 1867 to 1880. The young Stevenson spent much time here. This period likely influenced his later works. His love of nature and wild places. Swanston Cottage is mentioned in his unfinished novel St Ives.
The village grew further in the 18th century. With the construction of a substantial farmhouse. And a group of thatched cottages for farm workers. A schoolhouse was also built. These buildings clustered around a village green. A small burn flows peacefully through this green. Eight more stone cottages were added later. In the late 19th century.
By the mid-20th century the thatched cottages needed repair. They lacked running water and electricity. Edinburgh’s City Architect led a renovation project. The cottages were refurbished and let to tenants. Today they are the only surviving thatched buildings in the Lothians. A testament to the village’s charm.
Swanston Golf Club added another dimension to the village. Founded in 1927 by Margaret Carswell. It started as a ladies-only club. Eventually becoming a thriving 18-hole course. The club even absorbed part of the Lothianburn Golf Club’s course. When Lothianburn closed in 2013.
Swanston remains remote and tranquil. It lacks shops cafes pubs and a church. Yet this isolation adds to its charm. Hikers use it as a gateway to the Pentland Hills. Swanston Farm is the area’s largest business. It now offers self-catering cottages. And small commercial units. The Swanston Brasserie opened in 2007. This offers another attraction for visitors. The Brasserie serves as a delightful spot. For travelers to enjoy the tranquility of Swanston.
Swanston is a place where history nature and a touch of magic meet. A place where the echoes of the past blend with the beauty of the present. It’s more than just a village. It is a story waiting to be discovered.