Craigmillar

The Craigmillar area of Edinburgh has a rich history marked by both cultural contributions and social challenges. Originally known for Craigmillar Castle and its historical significance, the area experienced substantial change over the 20th century. By the 1980s, Craigmillar was facing social unrest, partially due to a lack of facilities. This led to riots, highlighting the community's struggle against social deprivation and the area gained a reputation for struggles with drugs and crime, impacting its community deeply. Efforts by grassroots community action, including the establishment of a library and Arts Centre, aimed to address these issues. The Craigmillar Festival Society, active from 1962 to 2002, was a notable initiative for community engagement and improvement.

In recent years, regeneration efforts have been focused on addressing the social deprivation that characterised Craigmillar for many years. This includes the development of a new 'town centre' on Niddrie Mains Road, featuring new housing, a library, a secondary school, and shops. An ambitious redevelopment plan, including the Scottish Government's "Green Quarter Plan", aims to create several new parks, woodland areas, and 3,200 affordable houses to rent, alongside improved facilities for young people. The White House, a former public house and now a listed Art Deco building, symbolizes the area's potential for blending historical preservation with modern development.