Silverknowes

Silverknowes /ˌsɪlvərˈnaʊz/ is a district of Edinburgh, Scotland. Silverknowes lies to the northwest of the city. The district contains over 2000 homes, ranging in size from bungalow to semi-detached housing, much of it built during the mid-twentieth century.

It holds the EH4 postcode. Silverknowes is surrounded by Davidson's Mains (former village) to the south, Barnton, Lauriston to the west, and Muirhouse to the east.

History

Until the late 19th century, the area of farmland to the north of Davidson's Mains was known as "Randalistoun" or "Randerstoune". Early development was on the part of the Caledonian Railway, which constructed a railway line to Barnton via Davidson's Mains. The former route lies to the south of the estate, and is now used as a cycle path. In 1934, Glasgow tenement builders McTaggart & Mickel purchased land to the west of the estate, which led to the construction of Silverknowes Avenue, Crescent, Drive, Hill, Loan and Terrace and Lauriston Farm Road. The homes proved popular, and building work resumed after the Second World War.

Housebuilding resumed in 1952 with the construction of Silverknowes Bank, Brae, Court, Eastway, Gardens, Grove, Parkway and Place. These later developments were to the east of Silverknowes Road, which connects Main Street to the Promenade. The road narrows as it bridges the former Caledonian Railway line, but the main road was later diverted with the construction of Silverknowes Road East, which connects to Ferry Road. The remaining land was developed as Silverknowes Green, Midway, Southway and View. Silverknowes Dell and Neuk were constructed on land which had been left isolated by the railway.

The last farm buildings were cleared during the 1970s, bringing to an end hundreds of years of farming. The Lauriston Farm restaurant was constructed on neighbouring Lauriston farmland some years later.

Amenities

To the west of Silverknowes is the historic Lauriston Castle and estate. Open farmland lies between the northern fringes of the western half and the Firth of Forth promenade. It is possible to reach the 18th century Cramond Village using this promenade. To the east side of Silverknowes Road lies the Silverknowes Golf Club and course, operated by Edinburgh Leisure. The golf course stretches to the beach. Along Silverknowes Parkway there are also well-used playing fields.

Education

Most of the neighbourhood lies in the catchment area for Davidson's Mains Primary and the Edinburgh Royal High School in Barnton.

Previously, one of the primary schools serving the area was known as Silverknowes Primary. After its merger with Muirhouse Primary, the land was developed as housing, and now has the address of Silverknowes Eastway. This newly developed area falls within the catchments of Craigroyston Primary & High schools.

Transport links

Frequent Lothian Buses and First Scotland East buses link Silverknowes to Edinburgh city centre, continuing to:

Operator	Service	Destination	Daytime interval
Lothian	16	Colinton/Hunter's Tryst	10 min
Lothian	27	Hunter's Tryst	12 min
Lothian	29	Mayfield/Gorebridge, Midlothian	15 min
Lothian	37	Penicuik	15 min
First	129	Seton Sands, East Lothian	20 min

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 became part of "Almond" ward alongside Davidson's Mains, Barnton and Cramond.