Members of the public are being asked for their views on proposals to improve Cammo Estate. Drop-in sessions this week – the first sessions take place today at Cramond Kirk Hall – will give visitors an opportunity to find out more about proposals to regenerate the Local Nature Reserve, which includes the ruins of Cammo House.
Working closely with the local Friends of Cammo group, the city council’s Parks, Cemeteries and Greenspace service is currently in the process of applying for a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) ‘Parks for People’ round one development grant to support plans for the renovation.
If successful, the service would use funds, matched by proceeds from the sale of Cammo Home Farm in 2016, to create a detailed master plan proposal for the estate including building and landscape designs, and a management and maintenance plan to support a round two funding bid application.
The city council’s Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Lesley Macinnes, said: “Cammo Estate clearly holds a great wealth of historical and natural interest, and is regarded by the local community as a haven from city life.
“Therefore it is exciting to see such enthusiasm behind a project to improve upon the park’s natural beauty, but also to restore its heritage, and I would encourage anyone who is interested to come along and have their own say on proposals.”
Cammo Estate dates back as early as the 14th century, with Cammo House built in the late 17th century, and is said to have been the inspiration for the ‘House of Shaws’ in Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Kidnapped.
After centuries of private ownership the estate was bequeathed to the City of Edinburgh Council in 1979, though prior to this Cammo House had been severely damaged by fire, requiring its partial demolition.
Now, as part of the major project to return the estate to its former glory, proposals include consolidating the ruins of Cammo House, restoring views from Cammo House to Cammo Tower and reinstating historical features such as a walled kitchen garden, ornamental canal and stables block.
In addition, if successful in securing sufficient funding for the restoration scheme, which it is estimated could cost up to £5m, project leaders hope to create a new natural play area, improve facilities for walking, running and exercise and improve biodiversity on the site.
The public are now being invited to view and comment on these proposals, as well as suggesting their own ideas, at the following drop-in events this week:
Monday, 11 September, 1pm to 3pm and 6pm to 8pm – Cramond Kirk Hall
Thursday, 14 September, 9am to 11am – Cammo Lodge
Saturday, 16 September, 9am to 11am – Cammo Lodge
Views can also be submitted via an online survey, which is available on the Council website.
You can also find out more about the Cammo Estate Restoration project online.
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