The neighbourhood of Craiglockhart, to the south-west of the city centre, offers a desirable mix of suburban quiet and city convenience with outstanding green spaces, good schools and
recreational facilities.
Its name originates from the Lockharts of Lea who owned the land in the 12th century. The ruins of their tower house, Craiglockhart Castle, remain on Glenlockhart Road. Nearby Craig House was home to engineer William K Burton who not only designed water and drainage systems for Tokyo but built Japan’s first skyscraper in the nineteenth century. The historic Craiglockhart Hydropathic building – now part of Edinburgh Napier University – has significant WWI links including poets Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon being patients.
One of Edinburgh’s Seven Hills, Craiglockhart is technically two hills, offering stunning 360-degree views of Edinburgh. Wester Craiglockhart Hill is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) while Easter Craiglockhart Hill has Merchants Golf Club on one side with wooded marshland and a loch on the other. Historically the latter area was called Happy Valley, renowned as a ‘pleasure ground’ with boating pond and amusements.
For stepping out on the level, a path for walking and cycling (National Route 75) runs beside the Union Canal which links Falkirk to Edinburgh, ending at Lochrin Basin near Fountain Park.
Regular bus services run along Colinton Road; the city bypass – providing easy access to major motorways and Edinburgh Airport – is close by; and a train station at nearby Slateford is on the Edinburgh Waverley to Glasgow Central Shotts line.
The area has a range of sports facilities including the Craiglockhart Leisure and Tennis Centre, Merchants Golf Club and Meggetland sports fields, home ground to Boroughmuir RFC and Boroughmuir Cricket Club. Indoor fun and games can be found at World of Football, World of Bowling and Portal Mini Golf.
Craiglockhart Primary and George Watson’s College are among several highly regarded local primary and secondary schools while at further education level, Edinburgh Napier University’s Business School is at the foot of Wester Craiglockhart Hill.
Local shopping facilities include Tesco Express, Post Office, Pharmacy, Margiotta for deli needs, Younique Atelier for statement furniture and a 24-hour Asda.
Eating out favourites include Dine, Etore’s Cafe Bar, Canalside Cafe Bar and The Pavilion at Myreside, while culture is covered at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange events venue which hosts everything from Bongo’s Bingo to headline music acts.
Craiglockhart, with its mix of period properties and modern detached homes and apartments, has a strong community feel. Locally-run businesses, great amenities and excellent schools blend with peaceful green spaces, convenient transport links and easy access to the city make it a highly desirable place to live for both professionals and families.
If you’re searching for a home in Craiglockhart, explore our latest property listings in this exceptional location.