Standing Building Recording

Date 24 November 2007 - 24 April 2008

Event ID 577236

Category Recording

Type Standing Building Recording

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/577236

NT 2830 7270 Investigation of the structures and walls (internal and boundary) at the property during 24 November 2007–24 April 2008 recorded the history of function, form and ownership relating to the re-establishment of Duddingston Village from the late 18th century.

During the 19th century the owners of Hawthorn Brae (to the E) and Bella Vista (to the W), used the areas for

various functions, including a market garden, stables and bowling green. In the 20th century a structure now known as the Dairy was created from two pre-existing structures, and the upper level was developed with the building of a brick stables in the 1950s. The whole group is linked by a side vennel on the W and is built on three distinct levels or terraces into the lower slopes of Arthur’s Seat to the N.

The most important, intact and visible alteration is a unifying screen wall that fronts the Causeway, uniting the

property of Hawthorn Brae. This wall of yellow sandstone was built c1817 with the establishment of the Villa and grounds. Bella Vista’s history of ownership, expansion and access is well recorded in the western boundary of the site.

As a whole, the site is a unique example of the development of Duddingston as a settlement for rich businessmen, with well appointed villas, private spaces and utilitarian buildings such as stables and a dairy.

Archive: RCAHMS

Funder: The National Trust for Scotland

David Connolly (Connolly Heritage Consultancy), 2008