The Calders

Built in the late 1960s and early 1970s The Calders is a residential neighbourhood in Edinburgh. It’s a unique part of the city. Its history is fascinating. The Calders wasn’t always as it is today. Before the construction of the high-rise buildings and angular concrete structures. There were pre-war prefabs. These were temporary homes. They were replaced by the council-owned housing we see today. Cobbinshaw Dunsyre and Medwin Houses are thirteen-storey high rises. They are some of the remaining high-rises in Edinburgh. The majority of the buildings are four storeys high. Some are tenement style. Others are cube-shaped. The Calders has a distinct angular design. It’s mostly grey concrete with dark brown features. The area’s character is somewhat isolated. This is due to the A720 city bypass. The A71 Calder Road and the Union Canal surround it. Pedestrian underpasses connect The Calders to Bankhead and Sighthill. These underpasses go under major roads. The Calders also houses the Wester Hailes Education Centre. The area experienced construction flaws. These flaws included inadequate insulation and severe condensation. This led to dampness and rot in many homes. Residents formed action groups to fight for better housing conditions. They campaigned for change. They organised community activities. There was even a giant beach party for a gala. The Calders Neighbourhood Councils worked to improve the canal area. This was part of the Water’s Edge Project. Today The Calders is undergoing further development. Landings in the high rises are being upgraded. The police are focusing on crime reduction. There’s also a community garden with a Green Gym. The Calders has a rich history. It demonstrates the challenges and resilience of a community. It also shows ongoing efforts to improve its future. The Calders is more than just a neighbourhood. It’s a testament to community spirit.