Do you know what’s under your feet? - Clive Waghorn

Wed, Sep 18th 2019 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

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Clive Waghorn’s topic was ‘Do You Know What is Under Your Feet?’ – an intriguing title which had members and guests wondering what was meant by it.

Clive explained that he was referring to water supply pipework from the late eighteenth to the mid nineteenth centuries supplying the city of Edinburgh, the water sources being at various points along the north side of the Pentland Hills for their full length – the North Pentlands Aqueduct.

He further explained that large iron markers and even larger manholes can be seen along the full length of the pipe and that he is mapping these as he finds them. However, the manholes are not visible until Autumn and Winter being hidden by crops at other times of the year. Examples of the markers can be seen at the side of roads in Colinton and other locations with the end point of the pipeline being near to Edinburgh Castle. At various strategic locations Water Houses further defined the route.

Demand for water was continually increasing and much expansion of the system took place from 1850, not just requirements of city dwellers but also the eighteen mills along the route. Using maps and photographs, the gradual extension of the pipe was explained although it was clear that funds from the city had been tight and that the work was done as cheaply as possible.

The audience were familiar with many of the locations involved – Harperrig, Threipmuir, Torduff, Harlaw and Flotterstone.

Finally, we were reminded that, contrary to modern water supply systems, the North Pentland system was driven purely by gravity.

Following questions, Club member Roy Stirrat gave the Club’s vote of thanks to Clive for his detailed explanation of this fascinating subject adding that the audience was ‘well acquainted’ with modern water supply given the extensive work underway in Balerno and the associated traffic management system…



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