Old and New

The tenements blocks and narrow wynds which typify the Old Town of Edinburgh are a strong reminder of the socio-economic history of the city. Prior to the building of the New Town they housed the city's over-crowded population with different classes living in the same blocks but on different floors and with commercial outlets at street level. Sometimes ten stories high and with underground rooms and cellars, the tenements were designed to make the best use of limited space.

The Edinburgh New Town, proposed in the mid 18th century was a vision to try to relieve the over-crowding by building an open city-scape with terraced town houses in wide symmetrical streets with circles and squares of greenspace. It was designed to house the wealthy.

I much prefer the Edinburgh New Town and find the tenements quite oppressive, but I like the fact they have such a characterful history and how they contrast so dramatically in so many ways with the New Town.

Had a relaxed morning at home cleaning, washing and catching up with things, then went for a walk around Edinburgh this afternoon. Popped into the Scottish Story Telling Centre to see an exhibition by Catherine Dear who weaves natural materials like moss, grass and flowers to create rope artwork – incredibly intricate work creating beautifully delicate wall hangings.