The Edinburgh Reporter September 2022

13
St Giles is full of treasures,
from an original copy of the
Covenant, to carvings of
angels playing bagpipes
St Giles photos: Martin P McAdam
brought into the care of City of
Edinburgh Council in 1994.
For the last eight years, the Friends
of Newington Cemetery have been
working to clear overgrown areas,
maintain the cemetery’s notable features
and support biodiversity, for the benefit
of the community.
www.newington-cemetery.org.uk
25 SEPTEMBER
(10-4pm)
Police Box
Northfield Broadway EH8 7SA
An Edinburgh police box with original
interior fittings, commissioned in May
1933, as produced to the 1929 design of
City Architect Ebenezer James MacRae to
fulfil a modern, practical and technical
function, whilst being styled to fit in with
the city’s existing architecture. Set up with
a display of contemporary artefacts to
illustrate how the building was used.
Visitors will be able to enter the police
box and see a display which illustrates how
it was used.
www.fortieshouse.co.uk
grinding and pottery making, finding out
how the group built an iron age boat from
scratch, information about the role of
Madelvic Car Factory in the early days of
car manufacture in Scotland and a walk in
the wildflower garden.
25 SEPTEMBER
(9am-5pm)
Dean Gardens
2 Clarendon Crescent EH4 1PT
Nine acres of semi-woodland garden with
spring bulbs on the steep banks of the
Water of Leith. Founded in the 1860s by
local residents, the Dean Gardens contain
part of the great structure of the Dean
Bridge, a Thomas Telford masterpiece
of 1835. Lawns, trees, and shrubs with
lovely views to the weir in Dean Village
and to the St Bernard’s Well. There is also a
children’s play area.
In the afternoon, there will be free music,
and stalls run by local artists. There will also
be refreshments for sale to support the
local community school.
24 AND 25 SEPTEMBER
(12-4pm each day)
James Clerk Maxwell Foundation
14 India Street EH3 6EZ
Normally only open by appointment The
James Clerk Maxwell Foundation building
is open this weekend. Artefacts,
memorabilia and posters relating to
Maxwell’s own life and work, as well as that
of members of his family and
contemporaries, are on display inside, and
explanatory tours are on offer. Rooms on
view are on the ground and first floors.
These rooms have been restored as far as
possible to reflect the Georgian era, with
notable features such as Ionic pillars in hall,
curved doorways and an oval first floor
drawing-room.
25 SEPTEMBER
(1pm-4pm)
Newington Cemetery
222B Dalkeith Road EH16 5DT
This 14-acre cemetery dating from 1846 is
a peaceful haven and wildlife sanctuary,
sometimes known as Ekkie Bank. Architect
David Cousin followed 19th-century
“garden cemetery movement” principles in
its layout, also designing the Victorian
Gothic entrance lodge, roundel and
catacombs. Originally a private cemetery, it
fell into neglect and was eventually
St Giles (above and left)
has been part of
Edinburgh’s skyline
since the 1400s
25 SEPTEMBER
(12-4pm)
Riddles Court
322 Lawnmarket EH1 2PG
Giving new life to Riddle’s Court, a
16th-century courtyard residence in the
heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, was in
many ways the largest and most complex
restoration projects ever undertaken by
Scottish Historic Buildings Trust. After the
project’s completion, Riddle’s Court was
officially re-opened in September 2017 and
HRH Prince Charles visited. It remains in use
as a centre for learning, event space and a
festival venue. Don’t forget to look up!
www.shbt.org.uk
24 SEPTEMBER
(9-5pm and on 25 September 1-5pm)
St Giles Cathedral
High Street EH1 1RE
A church called St Giles has stood on the
Royal Mile for 900 years, and the building
today has been part of Edinburgh’s skyline
since the 1400s, welcome visitors from
around the world and closer to home. The
building is full of historical treasures, from
an original copy of the Covenant, to
Victorian stained glass windows, to
carvings of angels playing bagpipes in the
beautiful Thistle Chapel.
stgilescathedral.org.uk
24-25 SEPTEMBER
(10 to 5pm)
Collective City Observatory
Calton Hill EH7 5AA
Explore the City Observatory on Calton Hill,
the birthplace of astronomy and
timekeeping in Edinburgh – and now the
home of Collective, a contemporary art
organisation who present a full
programme of exhibitions, walks, and
events. Usually closed to the public,
Observatory House and the McEwan Dome
will be open to visitors through Doors
Open Days via pre-booked tours.
www.collective-edinburgh.art