Reading a review of Charlie Ellis’s discussion of urban declinism in Scottish Affairs, I recognised a familiar Edinburgh sentiment: disappointment with the present, measured against the splendour of a supposed golden age. Yet some of that disappointment is justified.
I share the concern about a loss of civic pride. Some of Edinburgh’s finest privately owned buildings appear neglected. Blackened stonework needs attention, including careful cleaning where appropriate, while the scarcity of discreet garden lighting makes otherwise attractive streets feel grim after dark. A building may belong to an individual, but its appearance contributes to a streetscape we all share. Caring for that shared environment cannot be left entirely to the council.
Nevertheless, around the New Town and neighbouring Canonmills, there are reasons for hope. The Tollhouse, completed in 2022, transformed disused public conveniences beside the Water of Leith into an inviting restaurant. Its Edinburgh Architectural Association Small Project Award recognised what could be achieved on a difficult site.
Opposite, attractive apartments have replaced a neglected building. Another nearby development occupies a former industrial site. Their prices may put them beyond the reach of many residents, and enthusiasm for their appearance should not obscure that concern. Nevertheless, they have improved their surroundings.
The transformation that interests me most is smaller: two neglected garages turned into a beautifully conceived house with one bedroom, a small balcony and a garage. Its stone walls and dark timber upper storey sit comfortably beside the cobbled lane. At dusk, restrained lighting reveals the masonry’s texture, while warm windows make the surroundings feel welcoming. The benefit extends beyond the private property to everyone passing by.
These projects do not erase the neglect elsewhere, but they show that decline is not inevitable. Civic pride means caring for the buildings we have and giving thought to those we add. Edinburgh’s character depends on both.
