{"id":3263,"date":"2025-06-26T20:11:15","date_gmt":"2025-06-26T19:11:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/?p=3263"},"modified":"2025-07-07T12:55:46","modified_gmt":"2025-07-07T11:55:46","slug":"the-tummel-burn-edinburghs-hidden-waterway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/eternal-3263-the-tummel-burn-edinburghs-hidden-waterway","title":{"rendered":"The Tummel Burn: Edinburgh&#8217;s Hidden Waterway"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Edinburgh&#8217;s nature is home to countless amazing features, each rightly considered a local landmark. Whether it&#8217;s a river, a loch, a hill, or a <a href=\"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/eternal-2773-saughton-park-from-estate-to-beloved-green-space\">park<\/a>, everything in the Scottish capital has its own unique charm that attracts tourists. But locals treasure these spots too, as they offer a chance to relax, escape the daily hustle and bustle, and fall in love with their home city all over again. Read more at <a href=\"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\">edinburghname<\/a>.<\/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-6a4b61c0b97a2\" 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-6a4b61c0b97a2\"  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-3263-the-tummel-burn-edinburghs-hidden-waterway\/#Unknown_Nature\" >Unknown Nature<\/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-3263-the-tummel-burn-edinburghs-hidden-waterway\/#The_River_No_One_Knows_Is_There\" >The River No One Knows Is There<\/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-3263-the-tummel-burn-edinburghs-hidden-waterway\/#The_Ancient_Loch\" >The Ancient Loch<\/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-3263-the-tummel-burn-edinburghs-hidden-waterway\/#The_Current_That_Created_the_Loch\" >The Current That Created the Loch<\/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-3263-the-tummel-burn-edinburghs-hidden-waterway\/#An_Unassuming_Clue\" >An Unassuming Clue<\/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-3263-the-tummel-burn-edinburghs-hidden-waterway\/#Rediscovered_on_the_BBC\" >Rediscovered on the BBC<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/eternal-3263-the-tummel-burn-edinburghs-hidden-waterway\/#An_On-Screen_Exclusive\" >An On-Screen Exclusive<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Unknown_Nature\"><\/span>Unknown Nature<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>However, it&#8217;s important to note that many of Edinburgh&#8217;s natural landmarks have their own incredible history. Often, this history is not fully explored, or in some cases, it&#8217;s completely unknown. Many facts have remained a secret even to the local population, let alone tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This adds another fascinating layer to the Scottish capital, showcasing its multifaceted character through its surprising historical tales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_River_No_One_Knows_Is_There\"><\/span>The River No One Knows Is There<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edinburghname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/60\/2025\/06\/ad_4nxf7p8qepaoesidegt15kqrqkvg-xt4rhfsjcxnctkor2yvfxg23mqbw0gfo0nu1otfm_andpbodnqdotxtr-m_hf2qq5g3se8lyjl_mnt7c3ccbwfqeqe-hlpujy9ucrifwoejnyakeynf7bysrfrdgnh4s_t-ilww.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When talking about Edinburgh&#8217;s unique natural sites, one of the most important is its so-called hidden river. Interestingly, locals literally <strong>walk right over it every day<\/strong> without even a hint of suspicion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to historians, this forgotten river once flowed into the man-made Nor&#8217; Loch. As the city began to expand, this body of water became heavily polluted with sewage. With no formal drainage system, waste was simply thrown from windows onto the streets. The natural slope of the land then carried it all down into the Nor&#8217; Loch, and by the 18th century, the loch had turned into little more than a vast, open sewer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But returning to our hidden natural feature, locals remain unaware of the burn that fed this foul-smelling loch. It continues to flow right under their feet\u2014you just need to know where to look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Ancient_Loch\"><\/span>The Ancient Loch<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Nor&#8217; Loch was originally created as a defensive feature to protect the north side of Edinburgh Castle. However, it gradually became a dumping ground, not just for human waste but also for rubbish from local slaughterhouses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, the banks of the loch were used as a site for witch trials, and corpses could often be seen in its murky waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Current_That_Created_the_Loch\"><\/span>The Current That Created the Loch<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Historians believe the loch was created by damming and altering the course of the <strong>Tummel Burn<\/strong> (also known as the East Foul Burn). Maps from the 18th century clearly show a river flowing eastward from the Old Town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"An_Unassuming_Clue\"><\/span>An Unassuming Clue<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Interestingly, there are no visible signs of the Tummel Burn on the surface of central Edinburgh today. However, in West Princes Street Gardens, an inconspicuous drain outlet can be seen, which carries the water from this hidden river.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Rediscovered_on_the_BBC\"><\/span>Rediscovered on the BBC<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Tummel Burn was even featured in a 2019 episode of the BBC series &#8216;Grand Tours of Scotland&#8217;s Lochs&#8217;. In the programme, presenter Paul Murton and historian Graeme Cruickshank explored Princes Street Gardens to find the forgotten water source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"An_On-Screen_Exclusive\"><\/span>An On-Screen Exclusive<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Viewers witnessed a unique event as Paul lifted a manhole cover in West Princes Street Gardens to reveal the lost river. This was the very same river that once flowed into the Nor&#8217; Loch before it was drained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Cruickshank, the Nor&#8217; Loch would never have existed without the Tummel Burn. The river was there before the loch was created and later became its main source of water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the programme, both the presenter and historian noted the unpleasant smell at the site. But, as Graeme pointed out, it was <strong>&#8220;nothing compared to the stench&#8221;<\/strong> that would have existed on that spot 300 years ago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.edinburghname.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/60\/2025\/06\/ad_4nxfacqqhyipcqax9w8imxpc4dk7nl68yfbgilmxubgnkwdtzybiofpurgorvzpczjqvpanpp-zuvnkbefwvlteqhifkwmwi6i5her875gwez1mk1l8vazjyc7pyktcca63_9uenxswkeynf7bysrfrdgnh4s_t-ilww.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The Tummel Burn is a perfect example of Edinburgh&#8217;s layered past. Its story shows how the city&#8217;s natural features and human history are deeply interconnected. The river was essential to the Nor&#8217; Loch, which in turn played a key role in the story of Edinburgh Castle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It proves that everything is connected, and sometimes the most fascinating parts of a city&#8217;s history are flowing just beneath the surface, waiting to be rediscovered.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Edinburgh&#8217;s nature is home to countless amazing features, each rightly considered a local landmark. Whether it&#8217;s a river, a loch, a hill, or a park, everything in the Scottish capital has its own unique charm that attracts tourists. But locals treasure these spots too, as they offer a chance to relax, escape the daily hustle [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":456,"featured_media":3077,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[331],"tags":[1966,1973,1975,1968,1970,1972,1960,1976,1971,1969,1965,1967,1977,1264,1974],"moimportance":[30,33],"motype":[325],"moformat":[517],"class_list":{"0":"post-3263","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-environment","8":"tag-east-foul-burn","9":"tag-edinburgh-castle-history","10":"tag-edinburghs-dark-history","11":"tag-edinburghs-lost-rivers","12":"tag-forgotten-edinburgh","13":"tag-graeme-cruickshank","14":"tag-hidden-edinburgh","15":"tag-medieval-edinburgh","16":"tag-nor-loch","17":"tag-old-town-edinburgh","18":"tag-paul-murton","19":"tag-princes-street-gardens","20":"tag-tummel-burn-3","21":"tag-underground-edinburgh","22":"tag-witch-trials-scotland","23":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","24":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory","25":"motype-eternal","26":"moformat-c-l"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3263","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=3263"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3263\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3264,"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3263\/revisions\/3264"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3077"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3263"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3263"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3263"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=3263"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=3263"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/edinburghname.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=3263"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}