History

This section covers the history of the building and architecture of Heriot Row and the varied people who lived here over its two hundred years. You can also read about different aspects of living here - work, social life, child's play and even the seamier side of street life.

The Ainslie plan of 1804 (shown above) gives an early design for the second stage of the New Town. In our maps and images section you can also see later maps. The Kirkwood map of 1817 shows how the street was built. The second New Town is beginning to look more familiar by the time of the Wood Map of 1823. The Ordinance Survey map of 1871 is recognisable as the place we know today.

One of the delights of living in Heriot Row is that all the houses look south onto the shared Queen Street Gardens. Views from the upper storeys at the back are spectacular - northwards over the Firth of Forth to the fields and hills of Fife.