{"id":2773,"date":"2024-01-25T17:50:39","date_gmt":"2024-01-25T17:50:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/?p=2773"},"modified":"2025-06-16T11:49:05","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T10:49:05","slug":"saughton-park-from-estate-to-beloved-green-space","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/eternal-2773-saughton-park-from-estate-to-beloved-green-space","title":{"rendered":"Saughton Park: From Estate to Beloved Green Space"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Edinburgh is a city brimming with captivating culture and a wealth of intriguing spots. It&#8217;s a place where you can not only enjoy a leisurely stroll but also delve deep into Edinburgh&#8217;s rich history and meet its key figures, soak in the natural beauty, and, of course, capture some wonderful photos to cherish. Find out more at <a href=\"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\">edinburghname.com<\/a>.<br>One of Edinburgh&#8217;s renowned public spaces is Saughton Park. What sets it apart are its truly unique trees, exotic plants, and a plethora of areas where everyone can spend their time both productively and enjoyably.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a6e1ae7005aa\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a6e1ae7005aa\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/eternal-2773-saughton-park-from-estate-to-beloved-green-space\/#Early_Days\" >Early Days<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/eternal-2773-saughton-park-from-estate-to-beloved-green-space\/#Inherited_Lands\" >Inherited Lands<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/eternal-2773-saughton-park-from-estate-to-beloved-green-space\/#Sole_Proprietor\" >Sole Proprietor<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/eternal-2773-saughton-park-from-estate-to-beloved-green-space\/#The_Estate\" >The Estate<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/eternal-2773-saughton-park-from-estate-to-beloved-green-space\/#A_New_Chapter\" >A New Chapter<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/eternal-2773-saughton-park-from-estate-to-beloved-green-space\/#A_Hub_for_Entertainment\" >A Hub for Entertainment<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Early_Days\"><\/span>Early Days<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The park&#8217;s unusual name originates from the Scottish word &#8220;Saileach,&#8221; which translates to &#8220;willows.&#8221;<br>This connection wasn&#8217;t a coincidence. Once upon a time, drovers and travellers from Perthshire would arrive there for the spring cattle sales. They&#8217;d set up their camp precisely at the so-called &#8220;Willow Tree Farm,&#8221; staying for several weeks. During this time, the women would cut willow branches to fashion baskets and other goods for sale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Inherited_Lands\"><\/span>Inherited Lands<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The first mentions of the area that would become the park emerged in 1128 with the founding of Holyrood Abbey. However, there was then a gap of nearly 150 years with no further records until 1265, when the Abbey&#8217;s canons were granted permission to build a dam there.<br>The next significant event occurred in 1537 when Richard Watson acquired the land.<br>Subsequently, this territory was passed down through Richard&#8217;s descendants, and as a result, these lands remained in the Watson family&#8217;s possession for several hundred years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Sole_Proprietor\"><\/span>Sole Proprietor<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It wasn&#8217;t until Thomas Moodie, who purchased the lands between 1636 and 1650, that they had their first sole owner since the time of Holyrood Abbey.<br>When Moodie passed away, his daughter Janet inherited the estate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Estate\"><\/span>The Estate<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Given the park&#8217;s history, it&#8217;s easy to see that its entire area was once an estate. Janet Moodie, upon becoming the heir and rightful owner of these lands, also sold them. The new owner was Robert Baird, a merchant and landowner, and a member of a prominent baronet family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_New_Chapter\"><\/span>A New Chapter<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Consequently, the parkland remained in the possession of the baronets for many years. However, William Baird broke this tradition by selling the land. From 1900, it was transferred into the care of Edinburgh City Council.<br>Yet, it wasn&#8217;t immediately opened to the public. Public access to the park was only granted in 1910.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"A_Hub_for_Entertainment\"><\/span>A Hub for Entertainment<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Interestingly, this spot was once more associated with a &#8220;play&#8221; area than a recreational zone.<br>Indeed, it featured a nine-hole golf course, as well as children&#8217;s and play areas.<br>In 1908, the park was chosen to host the Scottish National Exhibition. Naturally, the park underwent significant alterations for this event.<br>The exhibition showcased a vast array of industrial and engineering exhibits. Visitors could also explore something akin to a reproduction of a Senegalese village, complete with descriptions of daily life there.<br>Ultimately, Edinburgh truly stands out with its unique nature and landscape. What&#8217;s more, this city boasts an incredible history.<br>The example of Saughton Park demonstrates that even Edinburgh&#8217;s recreational areas are steeped in a captivating past. And, of course, they all played a direct role in the city&#8217;s development and establishment. Every inch of Edinburgh&#8217;s parks bears witness to historical events now studied in schools and universities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"1067\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edinburghname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/60\/2025\/06\/image-19.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2774\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.edinburghname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/60\/2025\/06\/image-19.png 800w, https:\/\/cdn.edinburghname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/60\/2025\/06\/image-19-225x300.png 225w, https:\/\/cdn.edinburghname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/60\/2025\/06\/image-19-768x1024.png 768w, https:\/\/cdn.edinburghname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/60\/2025\/06\/image-19-696x928.png 696w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>So, if you ever get the chance to visit Edinburgh, don&#8217;t miss the opportunity to wander through its local parks. You&#8217;re guaranteed to be enchanted by what you see, and Saughton Park is a brilliant example of this.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Edinburgh is a city brimming with captivating culture and a wealth of intriguing spots. It&#8217;s a place where you can not only enjoy a leisurely stroll but also delve deep into Edinburgh&#8217;s rich history and meet its key figures, soak in the natural beauty, and, of course, capture some wonderful photos to cherish. Find out [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":456,"featured_media":1625,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[331],"tags":[1346,1373,1332,1374,1383,1355,1377,1375,1380,1378,1376,1382,1372,1379,1381],"moimportance":[29,30,33],"motype":[325],"moformat":[18],"class_list":{"0":"post-2773","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-environment","8":"tag-edinburgh-attractions","9":"tag-edinburgh-city-council","10":"tag-edinburgh-green-spaces","11":"tag-edinburgh-historical-sites","12":"tag-edinburgh-outdoor-spaces","13":"tag-edinburgh-parks","14":"tag-holyrood-abbey","15":"tag-public-parks-edinburgh","16":"tag-robert-baird","17":"tag-saughton-park-estate","18":"tag-saughton-park-history","19":"tag-scottish-history","20":"tag-scottish-national-exhibition","21":"tag-urban-parks-uk","22":"tag-willow-tree-farm","23":"moimportance-aktualna-bilshe-roku","24":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","25":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory","26":"motype-eternal","27":"moformat-vlasna"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2773","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/456"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2773"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2773\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2777,"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2773\/revisions\/2777"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1625"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2773"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2773"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2773"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=2773"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=2773"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=2773"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}