Streets of Edinburgh

The cramped overcrowded Old Town of Edinburgh required expansion, acutely acknowledged in the second half of the 18th century. Towards the north, open fields invited spacious elegant living. Edinburgh Council invited plans for a New Town, north of the Old Town. James Craig's design of a rectangular grid, harmonizing with the landscape was judged the best. It had wide streets with a square at each end, homes with gardens, making best use of the landscape. It was popular and successful, extensions to north, west and east soon followed. From Queen Street fields sloped down to the Water of Leith; on these the Northern New Town was built and the Moray Estate. The Western New Town was begun. Then the Eastern New Town was developed based on Calton Hill, designed to enhance its features, buildings combined with trees and park-land. A New Town, yes, but all that is New will become Old. To remain New it must Renew, honouring its past whilst welcoming change. The renewal must honour and embrace nature, making space for birds, animals and insects, for greenery, flowers and trees.