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.