Edinburgh's long turn-of-the-century boom eventually reached the outer limits with the start in 2007 of a radical make-over of Craigmillar, transforming one of Edinburgh's most socially deprived areas.
Craigmillar is situated to the South East of the city, South of Duddingston, and East of Morningside. Although it has a large number of newly built residential estates, it's also the location for the impressive and well-preserved Craigmillar Castle. One of Edinburgh’s largest employment hubs, the Edinburgh Bio Quarter, is found to the South of Craigmillar including The Royal Infirmary Hospital, one of Edinburgh's main hospitals.
Regeneration
With the support of the Scottish Executive, the City of Edinburgh's linked private company EDI, PARC Craigmillar (Promoting and Regenerating Craigmillar) has embarked on a project to build over 3,000 new homes (approx 500 for social rent), 5 new schools, 300,000 sq. ft of industrial, retail, and leisure and office space.
The regeneration plans include making the most of Craigmillar's existing green spaces, incorporating a network of parks, river walkways, open woodland, play areas and a new arboretum in Craigmillar.
Transport
The nearest stations are Newcraighall and Brustane railway stations. Craigmillar is also connected with the city centre by the Innocent walkway and cycleway.
Craigmillar Castle
The impressive medieval Craigmillar castle is situated in a tree-lined field. It fell into disrepair for a couple of centuries, but under the publicly funded Historic Scotland - with its tower house, great hall, courtyard, garden and dove cot - is now well looked after. The years of neglect are marked by a couple of trees growing inside the building.