Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
World
David McLean

The prison-like Edinburgh estate whose architect 'should have got the jail'

Built as part of Edinburgh's post-war regeneration, it soon became one of the city's most notorious housing estates and branded 'hell' by those who lived there.

For some, the West Granton estate was the perfect place to grow up, with locals speaking of a very tight-knit sense of community. Others, however, viewed it as an eyesore and an incredibly dangerous place to live.

Old photos of the estate show the prison-like resemblance it had, with hundreds of flats in close contact with each other in big blocks and a concrete courtyard in the centre.

READ MORE: The crime-ridden Edinburgh scheme where locals had to 'watch over their shoulder'

Due to mindless vandalism, including graffiti and smashed windows, the estate soon became a place to avoid for those unfamiliar with its surroundings.

The architect involved in designing the estate won an award in the '70s for their work, but there is no shortage of people who disagree with that decision. One user on Facebook even suggested he "should have got the jail".

Also referred to as 'The Ramps' back in the day, as kids would go to play and skate in the courtyard, it certainly was popular amongst the younger generation and gave children a great opportunity to muck about with their friends whilst in full view of their parents.

Not everyone has nice memories of the estate, however. Sparking a huge response to the photos that a user submitted on Facebook, many jumped at the chance to look back at about how dangerous and toxic the area became in the late '80s.

The damp from the 'Ramps' meant houses were riddled with mould. (ITN)

One user said: "Looks like a prison complex like the auld Whitfield Estate in Dundee did. The architect won awards for that too. God know what they were thinking in the early 70s, some of the eyesores they put up were horrific, and breeding grounds for crime."

Sign up to our Edinburgh Live nostalgia newsletters for more local history and heritage content straight to your inbox

Another was in agreement, saying: "Jeezo, I remember those blocks in West Granton! They would've done East Germany proud! Back in the 1980s I used to drive in with an escort! My escort stayed in the car while I visited the local Postmaster."

Similar negative memories were shared throughout the comments, one said: "Can't remember now.......don't want to..... but it was a s***hole for any decent family to be dumped in and there was very little the police could do to protect the majority of honest people."

The Ramps and the Granton gasworks. (Supplied.)

The site was also subject to a tragic fire in which two children died after an arsonist set fire to one of the flats. The area certainly has a lot of history and a lot of people do not have happy memories.

Those that do, however, say that they wouldn't change their upbringing for the world and that it was actually a joyous place to grow up in.

One user commented: "I lived in West Granton Gardens from 66 to 78 and I have so many good memories of great neighbours, community and friends who I'm still friends with today. Yeah the place went to ruin in the 80s which was such a shame."

Another agreed and provided a similar recollection of their childhood upbringing in the estate, saying: "Loved staying there great memories, roller skating along the balconies and down the ramps, to having swings in the tunnels and gala days etc West Granton terrace."

Whatever memories the locals of the West Granton estate have now, they have certainly stuck with them throughout the years, regardless whether they were positive or negative. It really was one of the most historic communities within Edinburgh during the 20th century.

READ NEXT:

Fascinating story behind Edinburgh's 'Canny Man's' and how unofficial name stuck

Beach near Edinburgh where you can stumble upon wrecked WWII submarines

Edinburgh's trouble-hit former Hibs pub that now bans football colours on match days

Edinburgh's lost 'bendy bridge' that locals either loved or loathed

The working class Edinburgh pubs that have been gentrified beyond recognition

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.