Dotted around Edinburgh are more than half-a-dozen unique neighbourhoods built primarily during the latter half of the 19th century. Instantly recognisable thanks to their parallel lines of distinctive two-story buildings, usually with external staircases leading to the ‘Upper’ flats, these ‘Colony’ homes were originally built to provide affordable, quality housing for the city’s artisan working classes.
More recently, the Abbeyhill Colonies—located off the north side of London Road—have proved a particularly fertile ground for a group of artists who either live in, or have a connection to, the neighbourhood. Every September, this self-styled Colony of Artists turn their own homes into temporary exhibition spaces. Originally launched in 2005, the weekend has since expanded to include a live music venue, the nearby primary school, and local businesses…
Full article published in Scottish Field Edinburgh, #February/March 2018.
