Silverknowes

Silverknowes is a suburb of Edinburgh, Scotland [ [http://www.geo.ed.ac.uk/scotgaz/features/featurefirst9302.html Overview of Silverknowes ] ] . Predominantly middle class as a result of an influx of relatively affluent in-comers taking advantage of the neighbourhood's excellent transport links, quiet suburban surroundings and, crucially, its position within "catchment area" of the renowned local primary and secondary schools (respectively Davidson's Mains and Royal High School), Silverknowes lies to the northwest of the city. The neighbourhood contains over 2000 homes, ranging in size from bungalow to semi-detached housing, much of it built during the mid-Twentieth century [ [http://ukhousing.wikia.com/wiki/Silverknowes Silverknowes - UK Housing Wiki - a Wikia wiki ] ] .

It holds the EH4 postcode. Silverknowes is surrounded by Davidson's Mains Village to the south, Barnton, Lauriston to the west, and Muirhouse to the east [ [http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=55.969497,-3.270494&spn=0.3,0.3&q=55.969497,-3.270494 Google Maps ] ] .

History

The area was largely dominated by farmland until the late 19th century, known as "Randalistoun" or "Randerstoune". The Caledonian Railway contstructed a railway line to Barnton in the early 1900s. The route lies to the south of the present Silverknowes estate, and is now used as a cycle path. In 1934, Glasgow tenement constructers "McTaggart & Mickel" began developing land to the west, creating Silverknowes Avenue, Crescent, Drive, Hill, Loan and Terrace. The homes proved popular, and building work resumed after Second World WarFact|date=June 2008.

Housebuilding resumed in 1952, and continued into the 1960s. The last farm buildings were cleared during the 1970s, bringing to an end hundreds of years of farming. The Lauriston Farm restaurant, although located nearby, did not form part of Silverknowes Farm, being constructed by a restaurant chain some years later.Fact|date=June 2008

Amenities

To the west of Silverknowes is the historic Lauriston Castle and estate. There is also a small clutch of shops on Silverknowes Road, and large playing fields on Silverknowes Parkway. The Parkway itself is one of the main routes through the area, and it is bordered to the north by the Silverknowes Golf Club. The golf course stretches to Silverknowes Beach and Promenade. It is possible to access the 18th-century Cramond Village via the western promenade.

All of the neighbourhood lies in the catchment area for Davidson's Mains Primary and most for the Edinburgh Royal High School in Barnton, one of the city's most renowned state schools.

Boundary Change

In 2006, there were plans to place Silverknowes in the new "Forth" local authority voting ward. This outraged residents, who felt it would lead to the breakup of Davidson's Mains as a community. Over 600 objections were sent by members of the community and various local establishments, and Silverknowes will most probably be placed in the "Almond" ward alongside Davidson's Mains, Barnton and Cramond.

References