Slateford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Slateford
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 Slateford Aqueduct |
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 Slateford
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| OS grid reference | NT219706 |
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| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | EDINBURGH |
| Postcode district | EH14 |
| Dialling code | 0131 |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
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Slateford (which is Àth na Sglèata in Scottish Gaelic) is a part of Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland. It is located to the east of the Water of Leith, a river that flows through Edinburgh.
The old village of Slateford is found on Lanark Road. This road crosses the Water of Leith. The name "Slateford" comes from two things: the type of rock found nearby (slate) and an old shallow part of the river where people could cross (a ford). The village grew up around this crossing point.
Back in 1882, Slateford had important places like a post office, a police station, and a school. It also had a church and large fields for bleaching cloth. In 1822, the Union Canal was built, and its Slateford Aqueduct crossed the village. A few years later, a large 14-arch viaduct was built for the Caledonian railway line. Even today, you can see these three ways of transport – canal, road, and rail – all together in one spot.
Later, in 1952 and 1967, major road projects changed the area. Most of the old small houses were removed. However, Slateford House, the old school (now home to the Water of Leith conservation trust), and the church (now a warehouse) are still standing. Slateford is also special because it has the UK's first car-free housing area, called Slateford Green.
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Getting Around Slateford: Trains and Buses
Slateford is well-connected, making it easy to travel to and from the area.
Train Travel from Slateford Station
Slateford railway station is a busy spot for trains. Trains leave every hour, heading east to Edinburgh Waverley. They also go west to Shotts and Glasgow Central. During busy times, some trains also go to and from North Berwick.
Bus Routes Serving Slateford
Many bus routes run through Slateford, connecting it to different parts of Edinburgh and beyond. Lothian Buses operates several routes in the area:
- 4 : This route goes from Hillend to Queen Margaret Uni, passing through Slateford Station, Haymarket, and Princes Street.
- 34 : This bus travels from Riccarton to Ocean Terminal, stopping at Slateford Station, Fountainbridge, and Leith.
- 35 : Another route from Riccarton to Ocean Terminal, this one goes via Chesser, Fountainbridge, and Leith.
- 36 : This route connects the Gyle Centre to Ocean Terminal, passing through Sighthill, Craiglockhart, and Leith.
- 44 : From Balerno to Wallyford, this bus stops at Slateford Station, Haymarket, and Musselburgh.
- N44 : This is a night bus route, also going from Balerno to Elm Row, via Slateford Station and Princes Street.
McGill's Scotland East also runs a service through Slateford:
- 20 : This route connects ASDA Chesser to Ratho, passing through Longstone, Wester Hailes, and the Gyle Centre.
Famous People from Slateford
Slateford has been home to some well-known individuals:
- George Farm: He was a famous goalkeeper who played for the Scotland team, Blackpool, and Queen of the South F.C.. He also managed Dunfermline Athletic to win the Scottish Cup.
- Sir Chris Hoy: A very successful Olympic gold medal-winning cyclist, Sir Chris Hoy grew up in Slateford.
