Shandon, Edinburgh

The development of artisan housing in Scotland was pioneered in Edinburgh with a scheme by Patrick Wilson for the Pilrig Model Dwelling Company.

The form and layout of the Rosebank Cottages provided a prototype for a number of Colony developments by the Edinburgh Co-operative Building Company.

The company was formed in April 1861 by a group of Edinburgh building workers with its principal aim being to improve living standards amongst the working classes.

[3] It was primarily to demonstrate progress in electrical science that a huge exhibition was opened on 1 May 1890 at Slateford on land lying between the Caledonian main line and the Union Canal.

Both the Caley and the North British opened special temporary stations nearby to cater for the large crowds who flocked to see the exhibition throughout that summer.

Return services left the exhibition station on the hour and the half-hour, the last train of the day arriving back at Princes Street at 11 pm.

The numerous flags on the Exhibition buildings and others on private houses in the vicinity fluttered gaily in the breeze, and the brilliant sunshine added greatly to the effectiveness of a very pretty scene.

While the exhibition lasted the Union Canal enjoyed an Indian summer; electrically powered boats conveyed visitors from the site to Slateford and back for a fare of one halfpenny.

The architect was Mr John Honeyman, R.S.A., of Glasgow and on Sunday 2 December 1883 St Michaels Church was opened for public worship.

The Friends of Harrison Park work in partnership with Edinburgh Council to oversee the management, maintenance and development of this green space.

Recent projects, including upgrading of paths, interpretive signage, naturalised bulb planting, have all contributed to making Harrison Park a delightful, accessible and well used community green space.