Nelson Monument view towards Leith

Image: © kim traynor Taken: 26 Sep 2009

Housing statistics reveal the area between Easter Road and Leith Walk to be the most densely populated part of Edinburgh, but it wasn't always so... "There scarcely can be a finer view than that from the Calton Hill, which rises from the town of Edinburgh. I have never seen the view of Naples, to its Bay, but I am told, those who have seen both, are in doubt to which of the two to give the preference. On gaining the summit of Calton Hill, a grand view presents itself to the North, over the flat ground of a mile and a half, between Edinburgh and Leith, enriched by villas, gardens, woods, and fine land; over which is seen the town of Leith; its road, crowded with ships, and the Forth, like an arm of the sea, seven miles broad, flowing from Stirling to the German Ocean; with the mountains of Fife closing the scene. (...) But as that hill is common, daily, and nightly lounge of all the common vagabonds and loose tribe of the town, the walk over it must be taken with a gentleman in company, else women of decency will be insulted.*" -- Sarah Murray, A Companion And Useful Guide To The Beauties Of Scotland, 1799 *Plus ça change... "Now all the ground eastward of the Walk to Easter Road is rapidly being covered by new streets, and the last of the green fields there has well-nigh disappeared. Between the North British Goods Station and Lorne Street the ground fronting the Walk belongs to the Governors of Heriot's Hospital, while the ground between the latter and the Easter Road is the property of the Trinity Hospital. The ground in these districts has been feued at from £105 to £120 per acre, for tenements four storeys in height, at an average value each of from £1,800 to £2,000. Many of these streets are devoid of architectural features*, and meant for the residence of artisans." -- James Grant, Old And New Edinburgh, Vol.III, 1883 *Plus ça change...

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