Whilst Cramond’s ancient past is the stuff of stories and artefacts, its more recent past can be recalled by very few residents. How many can recall, for example, Cramond’s church hall in Davidson’s Mains? Or the railway station beside it, or at Barnton? They were there in the 1960’s. Not only are our memories fickle, but many of us are ‘incomers’ to the area. Help however is at hand.
John Dods and Bill Scholes have co-authored a book published this month and appropriately called Cramond Through Time. On the basis of research of local and City-based archives, many hitherto unseen photographic images are contrasted with others with which we are familiar today. The change in most instances is remarkable and the book is an invaluable contribution to Cramond’s sense of its past in our time.
Priced £14.99 it is on sale via the authors [J.D. 336 2124: W.S. 336 4633] the church, and Barnton Post Office. Copies will also be on sale at the Cramond Association meeting on 29 October 2012.
Cramond... "the village within the city"
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The village of Cramond at the mouth of the River Almond |
Described in the Edinburgh volume of The Buildings of Scotland as "a mill and harbour village with the authentic colour supplement appearance", the Edinburgh village of Cramond has the longest period of continuous settlement in Scotland, dating from 8500BC.
In 1960, residents concerned about a wave of new building in the area formed the Cramond Association "to promote the amenity of Cramond and safeguard its heritage". Later the aim was expanded to include Barnton and Cammo.
The Cramond Association fulfils its aims in the following ways:
Planning & Development
We consider all planning and development proposals for the area and make representations where necessary. We are represented on the Cockburn Association, the Scottish Civic Trust and the Forth Estuary Forum. We attend meetings of the Neighbourhood Partnership and supply a member for the Cammo Estate Committee.
Environmental Improvements
We have planted many trees and spring bulbs throughout the area. We participate in the beach clear-up and provide bird boxes for a number of species. We also keep an eye on road and traffic management and constantly press for better road surfacing.
Edinburgh Airport Consultative Committee
In the 1960s the Association challenged successfully the proposal to realign the main runway at Edinburgh Airport, engaging Consultants and forcing a Public Inquiry. Our proposal was an alternative alignment which would have resulted in flight paths with a lesser impact on the local community. The Association's case was accepted by the Reporter but, disappointingly, the Inquiry finding was overturned by the Secretary of State. However, the Association formed the Edinburgh Airport Amenity Group to represent local interests when the present main runway was opened and a member of the Group sits on the Edinburgh Airport Consultative Committee.
Programme of Talks
Over the winter months the Association provides a programme of popular talks in Cramond Kirk Hall. "Carols by Candlelight" in early December each year is regarded as the start of Cramond's Christmas celebrations. The Association has sections for those interested in history and the History Section's monthly talks over the winter are well attended
Cramond Community Council
The Association welcomed the formation of the Cramond Community Council in 2004. The Council as the elected body and the Association as the membership organisation mean that two voices now speak for the community instead of one.
Download a copy of Cramond Association's Constitution here.
Download the Agenda for the 2013 AGM here.
Download the 2013 AGM Minutes here.
Download the AGM Report 2013 here.
Download the Annual Accounts 2012: