Edinburgh North West

Four '70s shots of River Almond at Cramond in spate after several days of heavy rain.

An 8 second exposure was taken in order to blur the water.

From a similar vantage point to the picture above, but this time looking through a medium telephoto 128mm lens.

The blurring effect of the raging torrent sweeping towards the camera is accentuated by the wide angle 24mm lens.

40 years later in 2015 I returned to this spot with up-to-date technology.

Normally to achieve this effect a very long exposure is obtained by the use of neutral density filters in front of the lens to greatly reduce the light.

The Sony compact camera RX100M4 has a downloadable app called Smooth Reflection.

I used the app to take 128 exposures and combine them.

Combining them in this way averages out the white water.

Naturally a tripod is essential to keep the camera steady. A slight breeze moved some foreground branches on the right, blurring them a little.

You may catch a glimpse of this view if you drive between Barnton and Maybury.

Thankfully the footpath leads you under the main A90 road; you don't have to risk getting run over by the non-stop heavy traffic.

Generally regarded as the original Cramond Brig.

Looking towards Granton from Newhaven Harbour. July 2001.

Photographed in February 2003. Looking across the glassy calm sea at the mouth of Newhaven Harbour. Granton gasworks are visible in the distance.

Another view of the harbour, looking across the Firth of Forth to Fife.

Fettes College as seen from Crewe Road South near the Western General Hospital.

Dusk at Cramond village. The River Almond meets the sea here at the Firth of Forth (River Forth Estuary).

An injured swan is taken across the River Almond to a waiting veterinary surgeon.

The sea was very calm this morning making the island seem to float. You can walk to it at low tide. People are often cut off by the rising sea and have to be rescued.

This is a similar view but with a wider angle. A solitary seagull sits on a rock. At the other (north) side of the Firth of Forth you can see the fields and hills of Fife.

A 4km esplanade stretches from Cramond Village to West Shore Road. This is the view east towards what remains of Granton Gasworks. The esplanade is a good place to go rollerblading if there's not too many dogs.

A newly resurfaced section of the promenade next to the sea north of the Marine Drive / West Shore Road area. The smooth surface currently extends most of the way to the east to the main road. August '09. UPDATE 2012: Now goes all the way to West Shore Road.

This is Google Earth's view of the promenade. The red line was measured at 4120 metres.

Where the east end of the promenade joins West Shore Road. (Facing west)

Where the east end of the promenade joins West Shore Road. (Facing east)

This is the start of the 4km walk / skate / cycle route west to Cramond.

A long lens view over Cramond Island to the Forth Bridges. A white multi-storey ship is headed down the Firth of Forth.

Back on the promenade this is the view east...

...and west from the same location.

Marine Drive is up to the left behind the café.

A long lens view over the submarine barricade to Inverkeithing.

The view from Marine Drive looking east.

Taken from near Turnhouse Farm, just north of Edinburgh Airport. The main railway line to the north fades into the mist. Some landing lights are visible nearby.

A shot similar to the one above. The track on the right leads up from the River Almond footpath from Cramond.

Web Access Engineering appear to be the custodians of this attractive edifice near Granton Square. It brightens up one of the dreariest roads through a small industrial estate beside the shore.

Lower Granton Road had a railway embankment on its north side for years, now removed and grassed over. The residents now get views across the Firth of Forth to Fife.

Not a work of art, just some left over ironwork that got twisted, maybe by Desperate Dan.

A view east towards Granton from the east end of Silverknowes Promenade. I smoothed the sea with a Sony in-camera app which combined 64 exposures into 1.

Taken in the late '70s at the River Almond at Cramond. A slow shutter speed has given the waterfall a pleasant blurred effect.

The first of a several shots of the shiny new red footbridge over Ferry Road just west of Crewe Toll roundabout. A new road has appeared, running parallel to Crewe Road North.

A big red letter W frames two gasometers in this shot looking towards West Pilton from the bridge. November 2000.

Facing west from the bridge, and looking towards Pennywell Road along Ferry Road.

The new bridge as seen from Ferry Road. An 81 bus is emerging. The dome of GEC-Marconi Avionics (formerly Ferranti) is visible.

The heavy-metal building that dominated many views of Edinburgh. Photographed from the new road.

A tighter composition from the same viewpoint. The sunlight reveals more detail of the sky blue metalwork.

Further down the road approaching the junction of West Granton Road. Photographed in November 2000.

'North Fettes' they call the housing development on the right, sandwiched between Pilton and West Pilton. Pretentiousness prevails over actual geography.

March 2003 and there's new construction work at the north west corner of Crewe Toll where Crewe Road North meets Ferry Road.

Photographed from West Granton Road opposite where notorious West Granton Crescent once was. Through the chain-link fencing and razor wire can be seen a deep pond with the gasometer behind. A notice warns KEEP OUT.

Further east is the entrance used by the demolition and construction teams, complete with its very own set of traffic lights.

One of the few remaining red brick buildings in the area. The shore is not far away to the north. The Firth of Forth and parts of Fife can be seen in the distance.

Workers in hard hats and fluorescent yellow waistcoats are milling about in front of their temporary accommodation. A new building is going up, while one of the three gasometers has already disappeared completely.

All that remains of the central gasometer is its empty shell. Part of the remains of the east one can be seen at the right of the picture. Thus far, no demolition work has been started on the the west gasometer.

In this shot, the metal stairs which spiral round the gasometer are plainly visible, giving a better appreciation of scale. This remaining gasometer is the second largest of the three metal cylinders - the largest easterly one is no longer here.

The remaining top frame of the east gasometer is lying on the ground on the right hand side of this photo. The ground has been leveled and wooden marker posts show the way for more construction.

A giant crane stands idly by - meantime, beside some of the panels removed from the nearby metal tower. The other two towers' days are numbered...

This wall and its Scottish Baronial style ornamental turret on the north side of the gas works is festooned with razor wire to keep intruders out.

A closer view of the two remaining towers, with the west one visible through the skeleton of the central one.

A variation on the above picture. Closer, but with a shorter focal length.

Much closer up now and the skeleton framework slices the sky into segments. The size of the railing round the top catwalk gives an indication of the scale of this, the smallest gasometer of three.

Only yards away now, but separated by a stone wall with a barbed wire fence on top. This vertical shot shows more details of the metal frame.

A similar shot to Gas Works T but showing all of the tower's skeleton.

Rotundity is the obvious theme in this shot. The west tower still has its metal cladding and is almost as tall as the east tower used to be. Some old car tyres have been dumped here, next to the concreted-in pipe sections used to block the road.

A few yards further west and the tree which was previously at the right of the gasometer is now in front of it. Like the metal cylinder behind it, its days are numbered. In the foreground, old car tyres and concrete-filled cylinders complement the roundness of the main subject.

Zoomed in on the right hand side of the tower. More detail is apparent and the metal steps and catwalks can be seen more clearly.

Another view of the two remaining towers with the concrete-filled cylinders in the foreground.

A little bit further away and a street sign comes into view. This currently deserted street is called Long Craig Rigg.

Walking away now, but looking back we can see a recently-constructed building in the foreground. Its rectangular box shape contrasts with the metal cylinder behind.

Moonrise over the Gas Works - Taken from Silverknowes Promenade in 1999.

It's those gasworks again! Photographed from Granton Harbour. (late '70s or early '80s)

Various church spires and Granton Gasworks feature in this telephoto shot from Blackford Hill.

Old St Andrew's House is the large building in the foreground, behind which is Waterloo Place. Some of the Year 2000 fairground shows are visible. Granton Gas Works is in the distance.

The telephoto effect makes Oxgangs and Granton appear closer together. The A720 city bypass and the Firth of Forth are both visible too. Photographed from the Pentland Hills in April 2000.

Looking across the top of Davidson's Mains and Muirhouse towards the Firth of Forth. This picture, taken early in 2001, shows all three gasometers. Originally, a total of eight had been planned.

An advertising hoarding shows a French car approaching a puddle beside which is a small dog on a lead. The slogan states 'it's a test of character'. WTF? is my response. Bizarrely, the hoarding is next to a real puddle some of which has already been splashed onto the hoarding.

Nearby is this reminder that great things are afoot hereabouts. Behind the chain link fence is 'The Road To Something Special.....'

Moving a few yards to the left reveals this scene. The 'Something Special' hasn't come yet in July 2016.

Landmarks visible are the triangular shaped North Berwick Law, the new development at Leith's Western Harbour, and all that remains of Granton Gasworks.

In years past there was no real path out to Cramond Island but there was a pipe which served as one. Now it's easy for families to take a stroll out there at low tide. Take care to return before the rising tide traps you!

On the shore is Silverknowes Esplanade. Just beyond is Marine Drive and to the right, tree covered Corstorphine Hill. In the distance is Caerketton in the Pentland Hills.

A long lens shot of Leith's Western Harbour with East Lothian in the background. The distant hills are north of Haddington.

Another long lens shot, this time looking back at the empty shell which is all that remains of the gasworks. This too, may disappear soon.

Families climb the short path up the small hill on the island.

A long lens view of Barnbougle Castle on the shore between Cramond and South Queensferry.

Looking across the Firth of Forth northwestwards to the commuter town of Dalgety Bay.

A possible wallpaper candidate for a monitor.

West Kip is the pointed hill on the west horizon, part of the Pentland Hills. In the foreground is the rocky promontory at the south side of Cramond Island.

The telephoto lens picks out detail on both bridges. The white parts of the rail bridge are where it's getting its current paint job.

Looking over bushes on Cramond Island's eastern shore to Edinburgh. To the right of Granton Gasworks is the unmistakeable outline of Salisbury Crags and Arthur's Seat. Just visible on the extreme right is St Giles Cathedral on the Royal Mile.

Looking north across the Firth of Forth towards the town of Burntisland. The small island of Inchmickery is on the left of the picture. Inchkeith island is larger and is on the right, roughly midway between Leith and Kinghorn on the coast of Fife.

Man's artefacts soon succumb to nature when immersed in sea water twice daily. The barnacles may actually slow down the rusting process.

Stepping back a pace reveals the front of one of two concrete objects on the beach and more barnacle encrusted metal work. The heavy chain disappears under the sand.

Looking north towards Fife. The concrete blocks can be seen resting on the beach, their purpose unclear.

Some of these spiky objects which form this distinctive line (like crocodile's teeth) across the seascape have been eroded away by the waves and have toppled over.

In the last picture in this sequence a plane flies overhead descending to Edinburgh Airport. Up on the causeway, someone is getting their picture taken. Cramond village is only a short distance away back on the mainland.

Where the River Almond meets the sea at the Firth of Forth.

Zoomed in on Dalgety Bay on the north side of the estuary.

Seagulls and two crows look for titbits from visitors.

Looking up river at the River Almond. This part is tidal - and it's high tide now. From here you can walk to the weir.

Seagulls standing about. On the other side of the Firth of Forth Inchcolm Abbey is visible.

There used to be a ferry across the river's mouth here. Now it's necessary to go upstream to Cramond Brig to find a route into the estate.

It was the end of October 2015 but it was sunny weather so there were quite a few people visiting Cramond and Silverknowes.

5 years 3 months since Granton07. The gasometer isn't visible any more and 2 buildings have appeared. The sign The Road To Something Special has faded.

The back view up to Saltire Street from West Shore Road.

A little further west is number 3 and a company whose initials DCS clashed with those of Datalink Computer Sales, my former employer of Jane Street.

There's little between this bashed barrier and the sea. One day there will be a smooth path right along this coastline to Leith and beyond.

Further east still and the centre of the picture marks the boundary of new, smooth tarmac on the left and old, rough stuff on the right. UPDATE: The surface is now smooth and skaters can go all the way to West Shore Road.

A transatlantic sounding name for a comparatively recently constructed street, the exception being this old brick building at the corner of West Shore Road.

A cyclist coming from Granton heads west towards Silverknowes.

The cycle track from Crewe Toll heads N down West Granton Access then veers NE towards Waterfront Avenue & Saltire Street where the statues 'Going to the Beach' are.

'Going to the Beach' is quite striking visually, especially as this area has been slow to develop. The footpath ahead leads to West Shore Road.

West Shore Road has been messy and untidy as further developments are awaited. Car firms park vehicles on the few footpaths there are, creating a hazard. Behind the fence on the right is a footpath / cyclepath mentioned above.

Looking west towards Granton and Leith.

Facing east towards the rest of Silverknowes Promenade and Cramond.

Photographed from Cramond near the mouth of the River Almond. The castle is 2.6km distant but the long lens makes it seem nearer.

Storm damage to the sea front at the beginning of April 2010. I came here to skate again in June 2012 and no trace of damage remains.

A peaceful scene in late May 2010. We walked past here on this day - normally we'd have been on inline skates.

These heavy concrete blocks have been tossed about by the waves.

The tarmac and interlocking slabs have been undercut.

The beach was not easily accessed by push chairs any more.

Further east and the promenade is littered with blocks.

If continuing east on foot then it's necessary to walk along West Shore Road and West Harbour Road.

The Granton Light House isn't recent and nor is it a light house any more.

Looking west along West Harbour Road towards Granton Light House.

The steeple belongs to Alien Rock Climbing Centre. The buildings at Newhaven are dwarfed by the flour mill in the background. It's further away than the picture suggests.

As Granton Road approaches Granton, it bends to the left before descending to Granton Square. At this point the Wardie Steps path provides a shortcut for pedestrians to Lower Granton Road.

Further down the path showing the view to Granton Harbour behind the Eastern Breakwater. Fife is across the Firth of Forth.

Looking over the wall beside Wardie Steps at Wardie Square.

Granton View is the street overlooking and running parallel to Granton Road near the harbour. Appropriately named, it provides views over the Firth of Forth.

This view is directly east from Granton View to Lower Granton Road where a 16 bus is heading towards Leith. The new multi-storey flats at Western Harbour dominate the shoreline.

A gap in the trees provides this look at part of Granton Harbour and some new flats overlooking it, as well as nordic outdoor's premises which cater to adventurers and survivalists.

The next few pictures illustrate some serious recycling at West Granton Road.

Beyond the barbed wire skips tower overhead. Behind is a mound of mangled metal.

The same metal mound from a few paces west. If it's ferrous then it's likely in this pile somewhere.

A closer look shows a tangle of everything imaginable. Wheels catch the eye as do brighter colours from fresher junk nearer the top.

An organisation called Waterfront Edinburgh has stamped (riveted actually) its authority on this notice board. It warns of dire consequences for the foolish intruder.

Two slightly different views of this aircraft fuselage.

The structure on top of the passenger compartment presumably was supporting the wings - and vice versa when flying.

The attractive red-painted wooden quayside building is now occupied by Welch Fishmongers.

A sunny morning in late September '08. In the distance are the tall buildings at Leith's new Western Harbour development.

Across on the south side of the main road at Newhaven is this cobbled square and the Harbour Inn.

At the northern end of Newhaven Road, Whale Brae leads down to the shore.

Up here there's a respectable distance from the sea so there should be no danger from rising sea levels. There are fine views across the Firth of Forth to Fife.

This street overlooks a former railway line, now a cycle path from Anchorfield to Crewe Toll and beyond. Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop have their premises down in this leafy lane next to the path.

The wooden sleepers from the old railway have been put to good use to build this fence. The passage of time has not left it unscathed and it needs some maintenance.

Ocean Terminal is not far away from this point and visitors disembarking from ocean liners might find this multi-language notice of some help. That was probably the intention but the notice is fading and inaccurate.

The notice from the previous picture and the steps up to Lindsay Road as seen from the side of Ocean Drive.

Newhaven Harbour looking rather picturesque.

Every photographer snaps this. My grandmother painted it.

The theme here is red paint, zinc plating, stone setts and blue sky.

Looking back towards Newhaven when continuing the walk along Starbank Road to Trinity Path.

At Newhaven Harbour the black seaweed contrasts with the white seagull.

Seaweed covered steps leading up above the tide line.

A floating marina dock has appeared since my previous visit.

Photographed from the harbour entrance, a clearer view of the floating dock and the boats moored there. At back right can be seen the sloping ramp down from the harbour wall. Obviously its degree of slope depends on the state of the tide.

Presumably a hoist for lowering or raising cargo from boats below. It could also have other, more ominous uses...

A wide format view of the scene from the sea wall leading out to Western Harbour. A double decker bus is emerging from Craighall Road.

The tenement building pictured here must afford good views in all directions.

Smoothed the water with the Sony camera app.

Merlin Avenue on the former Granton Harbour

Merlin Avenue on the former Granton Harbour

Merlin Avenue on the former Granton Harbour

The view from Silverknowes

The view from Silverknowes

24th March 2017

24th March 2017

24th March 2017