History of Saughtonhall

Saughtonhall lies about three miles from Edinburgh city centre on the western side. From many parts of the community there are stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, Corstorphine Hill and the Pentland Hills to the south. See our Saughtonhall Photo Gallery

Its boundaries are roughly Roseburn to the east, Balgreen and Corstorphine to the west, Murrayfield to the north and the Water of Leith and Gorgie to the south. It is close enough to the city to be part of the centre, yet it retains its quiet community identity.

"Saugh" means "The Willow Tree" and the reference is to the willows by the Water of Leith. The name "Saughtonhall" is appropriate for the area in which they are situated. "Saughton" names are further west and are more likely derived from the house of "Old Saughton".

Saughtonhall streets like Baird Drive, Gardens and Grove were taken over as public streets in 1928. The Baird family are first mentioned in 14th century. The present Baron (2005) is Alexander Baird of Saughtonhall, Younger, according to Burke's peerage.

Most of the current buildings date from the early 1900's through to the 1930's. Saughtonhall Drive, the tree lined avenue from Western Corner to Balgreen, displays a wide mix of houses from that period and is a stunning sight in spring when its host of apple and cherry trees are in full bloom.

Trees are an integral part of the community, lining several streets and surrounding the Saughtonhall Association's Recreation Ground.