Comments

'And finally, not everyone’s being doing topical. In fact, here’s the rather lovely 6 Oxgangs Avenue devoted to the history of the development of the area, this week highlighting how the block of flats came into being. Could have been prompted by Who do you think you are? Or just a timely reminder that not everything worth blogging about is in the here and now.'

Kate Higgins, Scottish Roundup 26/08/2012



Tuesday, 31 July 2018

Oxgangs-A Pastime From Time Past #18 Oxgangs Self Builds



Jim Hunter; The self builds on Oxgangs Road North being built by...themselves!

Caroline Cairney-Smith: I lived in the self build houses 312, Oxgangs Road North facing the main road.

Jim Hunter: Is Cairney your maiden name? Do you remember the scheme Christmas parties at St John’s?

Caroline Cairney-Smith: Yes my maiden name; yes I remember the parties; you might remember my brother Ian and sister Marlyn, depending on your age lol.

Jim Hunter: Marlyn rings a bell. I'm 59

Caroline Cairney-Smith: Marlyn 63 is the youngest; we were among the first to move in; Mum lived there till she passed away in 2004.

Jim Hunter: She is more Martin’s age. Now, I've heard many versions of how and who built these great houses. What do you actually know?

Caroline Cairney-Smith: As you know there are 50 houses in the scheme; people got together from all walks of life - some had a trade, some professional, teachers, drivers etc. The non trade workers did the labouring; my dad was a stone mason; bearing in mind these men built these houses after they had done a day’s work at there own jobs and at weekends it was hard work spending time away from there families, but worth it in the end - hope this helps.

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