Oct
Wed 25 Nov 2020
West Granton
Join Derran on a tour of a neighbourhood he knows well, especially the Javits menu.
Meet at 19:00; in your house. Guests welcome
Report
Derran conducted a well-researched video-based trawl through the west side of Granton. This included virtual trips to Granton Castle and reference to its earliest documents connecting it with the Melville family and an early 1900s quarry which later occupied its site. The Madelvic Motor Carriage Company works were mentioned, built in 1898 for the manufacture of electric cars and also, of course, Granton harbour which the Duke of Buccleuch had a major hand in the initial development of during the 1800s. Derran informed us that in 1850, the world's first ferry-train began operating between Granton and Burntisland: quite a feat but demonstrating the type of engineering skill the Scots gene seemed made for. The ferry carried on operating until completion of the Forth Bridge in 1890. West Granton's strong links with the Northern Lighthouse Board were brought up as was the still standing Caroline Park and its pillars either side of the entrance to the driveway. Derran also included some pictures of the old railway (run by Leith and Newhaven Railway) and mentioned the original trams operated by Leith Corporation and Edinburgh Corporation. Finally, of course, every trip to Granton virtual or otherwise requires a visit to Javits (where you can 'avit'; a kebab that is).

Special thanks to Derran for researching and conducting the Manor and to everyone who dialled in.