Last few days in Edinburgh

We’re making the most of the little time with have left in Edinburgh with yet another visit to Saughton Park. A walk along the Water of Leith from Stockbridge eventually arrives there. With formal gardens including herbaceous borders as well as neatly-clipped yew hedges, flower and heather beds, what’s not to like? I also admire the renovated bandstand and who can resist a bacon roll from the cafe?

Saughton Park has an interesting past. The area came into council ownership in 1900 when it was purchased from Sir William Baird. In 1908, Saughton became the site of the great Scottish National Exhibition, opened by HRH Prince Arthur of Connaught. During the Second World War, the formal gardens were turned into onion beds as Saughton helped dig for victory. After WWII, Saughtonhall mansion house, which had earlier been turned into an asylum for the mentally ill, was destroyed in a controlled burning by the fire brigade and Royal Engineers, as it had become riddled with dry rot. In spite of this colourful history, the park went into decline during the 1980s when funding for parks was limited. Thanks to a National Lottery bid in 2010, Saughton Park has undergone considerable renovation to become a delightful recreation space once more.

How often do you visit your local park and what do you find there?