Looking along Inverleith Row looking towards Ferry Road, Goldenacre, Edinburgh

Two Photos

The Site

I originally had just the top photo on this page, showing the land for sale after the developer had gone into liquidation.

I've now added the second photo, taken ten months later when Ferry Road was not quite so busy, and before most of the leaves were on the trees. This shows that the site has been acquired by Cala.

Goldenacre

The Site

Both photos above were taken from the top deck of a No 8 bus as it travelled along Inverleith Row and reached Goldenacre. The road ahead is Ferry Road.

The land with the trees, straight ahead, was once the grounds of Trinity Cottage. The cottage was demolished and offices were built (around the 1960s?) and occupied by the Inland Revenue.

These offices were then demolished and planning permission granted to build housing on the site. The site was cleared by the developers and earth removed (for an underground car park?)

But there was then little evidence of any construction. The area that had been excavated flooded and was under water for much of the 2008-09 winter. Then work stopped on the site as a result of the recession.

The builders went into liquidation (around May/June 2010) and the large sign seen on the photo above shows that the land is now 'For Sale'.

The Tree

I've noticed that the tree behind the large sign in this photo is one of the first in the district to take on Autumn colours each year. I'll try to remember to photograph it. (It's not obvious from the photo above, taken in the Spring and reproduced in black & white!)

Comment

David Malcolm

North Island, New Zealand

Thank you to David Malcolm, now living in North Island, New Zealand, who wrote:

Currie Line Ltd

"The photograph above brings back memories of the Currie Line shipping company whose head office was in or close to this location. Maybe not the exact address but certainly the same area."

David Malcolm, North Island, New Zealand: June 22, 2010

Trinity Cottage

Yes, you are right, David. In fact it was the same location. My trade directories show that Trinity Line Ltd, shipowners, were based at Trinity Cottage, Goldenacre, between 1950 and 1961 (and no doubt for longer. I would need to consult more trade directories to discover just how long.)

Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: June 22, 2010

Comment

Danny Callaghan

Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland

Thank you to Danny Callaghan who added:

Currie Line Ltd

"I can confirm that Currie Line had their offices in Trinity Cottage, prior to moving to Bernard Street Leith. After they moved the old house was knocked down and a modern government building took its place.

I was told by the people who worked for Currie Line that the house was originally called Trinity House, but as this was a shipping company and to avoid confusion with Trinity House the lighthouse authority for England, the name was changed to Trinity Cottage. Cottage seemed strange for such an large house."

Danny Callaghan, Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland: June 22, 2010

Comment

Elaine Higgins

Goldenacre, Edinburgh

Thank you to Elaine Higgins who wrote:

Trinity Cottage

"In the late-1930s / early-1940s, this house was called Trinity Cottage. I understand that 'The Curries' gave it to Edinburgh Public Health Dept.

My mother was Matron there. She trained the nurses and they cared for 60 babies from Edinburgh, waiting for adoption.

Do you have any more information on this?"

Elaine Higgins, Goldenacre, Edinburgh: February 28, 2011