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Colinton Community Conservation Trust |
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To preserve for the benefit of the people of Colinton, the natural and cultural heritage that exists in and around Colinton in land of particular beauty and environmental or recreational value or buildings and structures of historical, architectural or constructional interest. |
The Colinton Community Conservation Trust, Edinburgh is a registered Scottish Charity that was founded in 2000. It is also a Limited Company by Guarantee in Scotland.
The initial aim of the Trust was to buy the Dreghorn polofield, to secure it in perpetuity for the local community, as an amenity open space. Although this bid failed, the Trust remains alert for any feasible opportunity to acquire the polofield, once the planning process to determine whether or not this greenfield site should be developed has been completed. Not withstanding its origins, the Trust was deliberately given a wide ranging objective to preserve the natural and cultural heritage in and around Colinton.
Today, the Trust seeks to improve the local environment in partnership with other local organisations. The emphasis is upon delivering high quality conservation projects on the ground. As a charitable organisation, the Trust can draw funds from the Lottery, charitable trusts and government agencies to tackle conservation projects in and around Colinton.
Colinton Triangle
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The first major project for the Trust was the construction of a
new footpath, at an easy gradient, through a public garden in the heart of the
village. This also included the construction of a belvedere, and a redesign of the planting within the garden area.
This was followed by floodlighting work around the tall sycamore tree in the
centre of the village.  |
Phoebe Traquair Railings
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The second major project for the trust was the restoration of
ornamental metal railings at the foot of Bridge Road. The railings were designed by
Phoebe Anna Traquair in 1924 with the help of Sir Frank Mears. Phoebe, a Colintonian,
was one of the leading artists of the Arts and crafts Movement in Scotland and
the first woman to be elected an honourable member of the Royal Scottish Academy.
These railings are listed by Historic Scotland. |
The Long Steps
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The Long Steps from Bridge Road by the Colinton Inn to the foot of Spylaw
Street had been neglected for many years. The Trust undertook the replanting of
the garden area alongside the steps, to brighten and tidy up the area. It is
hoped that the
Council will repair the railings and the steps. |
A walk with Robert Louis Stevenson
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To celebrate RLS's connections with Colinton, the Trust is planning a set of
plaques with poems from A Child's Garden of Verses on the wall alongside the
Long Steps, in the Swing Café (part of Colinton Parish Church), and in Dell
Road. It is also planned to place a statue of RLS as a boy in the small garden
in front of the Parish Church.
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Interpretation and public artwork
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In addition to restoring the Triangle garden with its New Drovers Path, an
important aim is also to interpret and display aspects of Colinton’s rich
history. The public artwork proposal comprises of an illustrated timeline of
aspects of Colinton’s history to be integrated into new ornamental railings
along the Woodhall Road boundary of the Triangle garden and poetry etched in the
paving of the belvedere. |
If you would like to join or support the Trust or any of its projects, please send a membership application form and/or a donation to the Trust at:
Honorary Treasurer
Colinton Community Conservation Trust
42 Pentland Avenue
Edinburgh
EH13 0HY 
