Condemned?

Not, I hasten to add, that the house is in any way structurally unsound, in fact it is in rude health considering the attention it received during its time of accommodating young boys and later the Social Work Department. But the council has sold it to a developer who, despite its solid construction, intends to demolish the house and build 37 flats on the site, which will also entail the removal of several mature trees.

The house is all that remains of Comiston Farm, built around 1859 by architect William Notman (who was an apprentice of noted architect William Henry Playfair) at a time when the area was deeply rural and noted for its springs. Nearby farm cottages were demolished several decades ago. 

Local residents are most unhappy with the Planning Department's acceptance of this plan but, after sending objections to the department, have no say in the matter. A request to have the house listed came to naught and the MP, who is sympathetic, has not as yet managed to overthrow the plan.
 
What is particularly galling is the old farmhouse of Colinton Mains, of a similar age and also Council-owned, remains in use while surrounded in Council Housing, and I have heard of no plan to demolish that to make way for more.

So we wait to see whether the developer dare set a wrecking ball to it in the face of such local opposition. You may yet see us forming a human chain round the walls.