Gilmerton cove

There is so much to do in Edinburgh, new things keep popping up! Last weekend Marc and I discovered a neat little historical site. Just a minutes walk from us is a neat archiological site, Gilmerton Cove. Made up of a series of hand carved passages and rooms, there is high debate over the origins and functions of the cove. In the 18th century a blacksmith claimed that he carved it out himself as a home for his family, but this would have been physically impossible. Other theories include it was a refuge for covenanters during the period of religious persecution, a drinking lair, or a smugglers den. It is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of the blacksmith, whose bones have remained unfound.

This is a blocked tunnel, thought to lead to Craigmiller castle.


There was a neat chamber where someone went to a lot of table to carve seats around a table, with a bowl shaped indent. Several markings, including masonic signs, where carved into the surface as well as what is thought to be a cat.