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Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Midlothian
ESKBANK AND IRONMILLS
CONSERVATION AREA
Midlothian
Strategic Services
Fairfield House
8 Lothian Road
Dalkeith
EH22 3ZN
Tel: 0131 271 3473
Fax: 0131 271 3239
www.midlothian.gov.uk
1
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Midlothian
Eskbank and Ironmills
CONTENTS
Preface
Page 4
Planning Context
Page 5
Location and Population
Page 6
Date of Designation
Page 6
Archaeology and History
Page 6
Character Analysis
Eskbank
Setting and Views
Urban Structure
Architectural Character
Key Buildings
Landscape Character
Issues
Enhancement Opportunities
Page 9
Page 10
Page 10
Page 13
Page 14
Page 15
Page 15
Ironmills
Setting and Views
Urban Structure
Architectural Character
Key Buildings
Landscape Character
Issues
Enhancement Opportunities
Page 15
Page 16
Page 16
Page 17
Page 17
Page 18
Page 18
General Issues
Page 19
Character Analysis Map
Page 20
Listed Buildings
Page 21
Conservation Area Boundary
Page 27
Conservation Area Boundary Map
Page 28
Article 4 Direction Order
Page 29
Building Conservation Principles
Page 30
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Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Midlothian
Glossary
Page 32
References
Page 36
Acknowledgements
Page 36
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Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Midlothian
PREFACE
Midlothian Council to pay special
attention to the character and
appearance of the area when
exercising its powers under planning
legislation. Conservation area status
means that the character and
appearance of the conservation area
will be afforded additional protection
through development plan policies
and other planning guidance that
seeks to preserve and enhance the
area whilst managing change. This
does not mean that development will
be prohibited but that proposals
should be of an appropriate
character, scale and appearance to
the area.
Conservation Areas
1
It is widely accepted that the historic
environment is important and that a
high priority should be given to its
conservation
and
sensitive
management. This includes buildings
and townscapes of historic or
architectural interest, open spaces,
historic gardens and designed
landscapes, archaeological sites, and
ancient monuments. These contribute
to the distinctive character of the
urban and rural environment, are a
valuable part of our heritage and have
an important role to play in
education, recreation and the wider
economy.
Additional Powers
5
2
The Planning (Listed Buildings and
Conservation Areas) (Scotland) Act
1997 requires that local authorities
determine if there are “areas of
special architectural or historic
interest, the character of which it is
desirable to preserve or enhance”,
and if so, to designate these as
conservation areas.
Character Appraisals
3
A Character Appraisal is an effective
tool in defining the character and
appearance of conservation areas and
their special interest. The appraisal
sets out the main characteristics of
the
area,
identifies
where
enhancement is required and where
stronger controls over certain types of
development are necessary.
The
appraisal
forms
Supplementary
Planning Guidance and will be a
material
consideration in
the
determination
of
development
proposals.
4
Once a conservation area has been
designated it becomes the duty of
The additional powers automatically
conferred by designation of the
conservation area extend only to the
demolition of unlisted buildings and
to the protection of trees. Minor
developments,
such
as
small
alterations to unlisted buildings, still
do not require consent. The
cumulative effect of such changes can
greatly erode the character and
appearance of the conservation area.
Midlothian Council therefore intends
to make a Direction under Article 4 of
the Town and Country Planning
(General Permitted Development)
(Scotland) Order 1992 which will
bring these small alterations under
planning control. This control is set
out in greater detail in paragraphs 4248. Before carrying out any tree work
within the conservation area prior
written notice must be given to
Midlothian Council detailing the nature
and extent of the proposed work and
identifying the trees. Failure to notify
the Council is an offence under the
1997 Town and Country Planning Act.
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Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Midlothian
PLANNING CONTEXT
6
until 2015 and contains a policy
(ENV1D) that seeks to protect and
enhance
the
character
of
conservation areas. Policy ENV1D
states
development
affecting
conservation areas or their setting will
only be permitted where it can be
demonstrated that the objectives and
overall integrity of the designated
area will not be compromised, or the
social or economic benefits to be
gained
from
the
proposed
development
outweigh
the
conservation or other interest of the
site.
The character appraisal is important
to the formulation and information of
planning policy and proposals for the
conservation, protection and positive
management of the natural and built
heritage. Management is achieved
through non-statutory and statutory
planning
policy,
enhancement
schemes and Article 4 Direction
Orders.
National Guidance
7
8
National Planning Policy Guideline 18:
Planning
and
the
Historic
Environment requires conservation
area character appraisals to be
prepared when local authorities are
reconsidering existing conservation
area designations, promoting further
designations
or
formulating
enhancement schemes.
Article 4
Direction Orders will not be confirmed
by the Scottish Ministers unless a
character appraisal is in place
(NPPG18, 1999, para 40).
10
The Adopted Midlothian Local Plan
(2003) seeks to guide development
while protecting the environment.
The Plan seeks to protect the
character and appearance of the
natural and built heritage. The Plan
envisages no further development
other than the new development of
brownfield / infill land and / or
conversion of buildings within the
Conservation Area (RP20). The Plan
allows for sensitive alteration and/or
extension of existing properties in the
conservation area. Outwith the built
up area, the remaining part of the
conservation area is covered by the
Protection of the Countryside policy
(RP1), the Protection of the Greenbelt
policy
(RP2)
which
limits
development. Other policies apply.
11
Areas of Great Landscape Value
(AGLV) may be designated under
S.D.D. Circular 2/1962.
Planning Advice Note PAN 71:
Conservation Area Management
complements existing national policy
and provides further advice on the
management of conservation areas.
Statutory Policies
9
The Edinburgh and the Lothians
Structure Plan 2015 (ELSP) provides
the strategic context for development
5
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Midlothian
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Mitchell Street
LOCATION AND POPULATION
12
The
Eskbank
and
Ironmills
conservation area lies immediately to
the south west of Dalkeith town
centre. The population of the area is
approximately 1,100 persons.
DATE OF DESIGNATION
13
The
Eskbank
and
Ironmills
conservation area was originally
designated by Midlothian District
Council in January 1981 and redesignated by Midlothian District
Council on 28 March 1996.
ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORY
Ancient Monuments
14
A small part of the following extensive
ancient monument is situated within
the
Eskbank
and
Conservation Area.
Ironmills
Elginhaugh, Roman camp, native
fort and palisaded enclosure.
15
There was a Roman temporary camp
site straddling the Lasswade Road
which covered some 66 acres. The
camp was set in a strategic location its
northern boundary protected by the
steep scarp above the Esk.
History
16 Eskbank. The first house to be built
was Eskbank House in 1794 in what is
now Glenesk Crescent. This was built
for Thomas Brown the minister of
Newbattle Parish Church. The house
was used by the Liberal politician
William
Gladstone
during
his
successful Midlothian campaign. With
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Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Midlothian
the opening of the Eskbank railway
station in the 1840s substantial villas
began to be constructed. These
tended to be occupied by Dalkeith
and Edinburgh merchants and
professionals, the air at Eskbank being
regarded as extremely beneficial and
healthier than the smoky atmosphere
of Auld Reekie.
Ancrum Road
Glenesk Crescent
17 In 1826 the horse-drawn Edinburgh
and
Dalkeith
Railway
was
incorporated by Act of Parliament.
One branch ended at Dalhousie and
the other in Dalkeith town centre.
Coal from Newtongrange was taken
by cart to Dalhousie to be hauled to
the main depot at St Leonard’s in
Edinburgh. The railway was later
extended on a three arch iron viaduct
over the Esk. In 1845 the North British
Railway Company acquired the line,
converted it to steam traction and
constructed the present Glenesk
viaduct. Before the building of the
houses in Ancrum Road, Park Road
and Abbey Road area much of the
land was market gardens, the
southern slopes suitable for the
growing of berries - Strawberry Bank
is evidence of this.
18 The red brick water tower is thought
to be the oldest of its kind in Scotland.
It was built from engineering brick
with stone facings in 1879. The tower
(33 metres high) housed a water tank
in the top timber clad section. Water
was pumped to the tank from artesian
wells in the valley and then
distributed to houses in Eskbank and
Dalkeith by gravity. A basement of the
same depth as the tank would have
contained any accidental overflow. A
large gauge (remaining) on the
internal wall indicated the quantity of
water in the tank.
Red Brick Water Tower
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Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
19 At Eskbank Toll, formerly known as
Gallowshall, the Justinleees public
house is likely to have been built
some time after 1797 when the new
turnpike road (now the A7) was
opened. The same family ran the
business for nearly 100 years. The
1871 census makes the first reference
to the name “Justinlees”. In 1885 the
following advertisement appeared in
the Dalkeith advertiser
Midlothian
facilities and Dalkeith was the first in
Scotland to make use of the new
powers. The name “Combination” was
given because a number of parochial
boards combined to authorise the
construction by the Dalkeith board.
The building cost just over £4,058.
There were 62 inhabitants ranging
from a boy and girl in their teens to a
nonagenerian.
The
outbuildings
included a factory and there was a
well stocked library.
Justinlees Inn, Eskbank
Archibald Duncan
Begs to intimate to commercial
gentlemen and the public in general
that he has greatly enlarged and
thoroughly refurbished the above
premises in first class style
Marriage Suppers, Dinner and Tea
Parties supplied with every requisite
of the best quality at
moderate charges.
Horses jobbed by Day, Month or Year.
Westfield Park
22 Viscount Waverley, Chancellor of the
Exchequer until 1945, whose name
was given to the famous World War II
Anderson shelters, was born and lived
for a period at Westland House in
Eskbank.
Justinlees Inn
20 The Elginhaugh road bridge was built
in 1797 and improved in 1828. The
toll bars at Eskbank were removed in
1883 because of their dangerous
condition.
21 The Combination Poorhouse, now
Westfield Park, was built in 1849. An
Act of Parliament passed in 1845
allowed for the construction of such
23 Ironmills has a longer history.
Dalkeith had more than one mill by
1540, at least one being powered by
water. By 1587 there were four grain
and cloth mills in Dalkeith. An iron
foundry was established at Ironmills
in 1648 (rebuilt in 1728) for the
manufacture of iron bars, sheet iron
and heavy metal work, the hammers
being raised by water power. The
Duke of Buccleuch was supplied with
gates, railings, picks and shovels.
James Gray who owned the mill in
1752
was
a
keen
amateur
astronomer. In the ground next to the
mill there is a large, finely worked,
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Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
horizontal sandstone dial. Two stone
pillars that formed the stand of a
large telescope made by Gray himself
stand nearby. Adjacent walls show
traces of astronomical markings. At
the end of the 18th century this mill
was converted for the processing of
flour and barley. Lesslie’s map of
c.1770 shows a lade, drawing water
from the river North Esk, powering
oat, flour, barley and waulk mills, the
waulk mills indicating the importance
of the textile industry in Dalkeith in
the 18th century. In 1997 the wheel
which operated the sluice gate in the
now vanished mill lade was rescued
from the Esk and restored at its
original site.
Midlothian
buildings, was presented to the burgh
to mark the Golden Wedding of the
Duke and Duchess of Bucceluch in
1909.
Ironmills Bridge
CHARACTER ANALYSIS
24 The conservation area comprises two
character zones: Eskbank and
Ironmills.
Eskbank
Setting and Views
Ironmills Cottages Detail
Nearby was Sandy Bank a stretch of
water much used young people for
paddling and swimming. The bridge,
by the architect Charles Greig,
connecting Ironmills Park with
Cemetery Road was opened in 1913.
A plaque next to the bridge indicates
that Ironmills park, including its
25 Eskbank occupies the flat land above
the south side of the valley of the
river North Esk. There is an abrupt
change in level between Eskbank and
the lower Ironmills. Eskbank is a
suburban area with the views most
often restricted by houses and garden
trees but from the more open parts of
Eskbank Road there are views to the
wooded slopes and fields to the north
of the river. From the south side of
the conservation area there are long
views towards the Mayfield ridge.
These are particularly evident from
Waverley Road and Newbattle Road.
9
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Park Road allows a view through
King’s Park focussed on Midlothian
House and towards the town centre
of Dalkeith. The gentle curve of
Eskbank Road affords views in either
direction, that to the north-east being
punctuated by the spire of St John’s
and King’s Park church, and to the
north by the water tower.
Midlothian
Ramsay Croft car park and the
cemetery; and (3) the Victorian villas.
The road pattern from Eskbank Toll is
radial, the housing plots sometimes
irregularly shaped due to the intrusion
of the railway line. Waverley Road
and Park Road are wide, long, straight
and divide this large villa area into
four equally sized rectangles. Here
and there houses have been built at a
later date in the backland areas of the
large gardens and there is a 20th
century housing development at
Ancrum Bank.
Victorian Villa
View to north over the river North Esk
Urban Structure
26 Eskbank is a spacious, leafy, low
density, late 19th century suburb.
Many of the sandstone houses are
large, and set well back from the road
within substantial gardens. Some are
stone-built cottages but still with
sizeable gardens. High stone walls
predominate, bounding wide and
often straight streets. Elsewhere the
road layout can be less formal,
adapting to the contours of the slope
or to the route of the now dismantled
spur railway line from Eskbank to
central Dalkeith. The area may be
further divided into (1) the terraces of
Mitchell Street; (2) the flat, open and
elevated spaces of the bowling club,
Architectural Character
27 The earlier villas set within the larger
and sometimes irregular plots are
Georgian. Predominantly though the
houses are almost all 19th century set
within walled and often substantial
gardens. From time to time 20th
century houses and groups of houses,
such as at Ancrum Bank and
Strawberry Bank, have been slotted in
to the left over spaces. The area is
somewhat under listed and Historic
Scotland should be requested to
undertake a re-survey.
28 Building Types and Use This is a
residential area, almost all the houses
are stone villas or substantial stone
cottages. Housing predominates but
the heavily trafficked Eskbank Toll
10
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
retains the Justinlees public house, an
architect’s office, an antiques shop,
and a beautician all providing a focal
point to the area. The nearby former
station buildings form a secondary
focal point although now a
comparative backwater despite the
busyness of the Trading Post
supermarket.
Scale and grandeur
vary, the houses being almost always
one or two, often tall, storeys in the
older buildings, although there are
some single and one and a half storey
cottages.
Eskbank Road Villa
Composition
Individual
villas
dominate although there is a terrace
at Glenesk Crescent. Walls are usually
of local sandstone, squared, coursed
and dressed and with a variety of
finishes including stugging and
droving, often enhanced with fine
ashlar dressings. The facades of many
of the buildings can be impressive
with large scale, imposing bay
windows, dormers, gables, chimneys
and intricate timber work on gables
and around doorways.
Midlothian
Fleur-de-Lys Finial Detail on Abbey Road
Gables
Doors Mostly the original doors have
survived and are usually four or six
panelled sometimes with bolection
moulding, often with ornamented
porches. Fanlights frequently have
astragals
of
varying
pattern
sometimes with stained glass.
Windows There is a variety of
windows but these are always well
related to the architecture of the
house. They vary from 12, 8 or fourpane glazing patterns in sash and case
windows to stone mullioned and hood
moulded, divided by horizontal
glazing bars, sash and case again.
Roofs on the older buildings are
always slated and take a variety of
forms:
gabled
(corbie-stepped,
skewed or barge boarded) and hipped
The roofscape is an important
element as there are many long views
in which entire buildings may be
appreciated. Stone chimneys are a
dominant feature, stacks (often on
the gables are round, fluted or
hexagonal, sometimes corniced.
Newbattle Road Villa
11
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Rainwater goods in cast iron are still
retained by a large number of
properties, the gutters being half
round. Details Good ironwork is
prominent such as the cast-iron
window guards with anthemion and
palmette design to the first floor
windows at 48 Eskbank Road as well
as the cast iron cresting at Glenesk
Crescent.
There
is
much
bargeboarding, said to be favoured by
the contemporary Marquis of Lothian.
Midlothian
Boundary walls are generally high
sandstone
dropping
down
at
gateways and lower on some of the
cottages, or provided with stone
doorcases. Original railings are
retained on some walls. Important
Spaces King’s Park is the largest open
space and provides a valuable open
space dividing Eskbank from Dalkeith
town centre. Both settings benefit
from this space.
King’s Park
Cast Iron Gate Detail at Ancrum Road
Floorscape The floorscape is not
notable. The mostly wide roadways
are tarmac and much of the original
stone kerbing has been replaced with
concrete. Many gravel driveways
remain.
Street Furniture The street lamps are
modern but are of slender section and
a modest height which harmonise
with the scale and character of the
area. On the main road the lamps are
taller and more out of scale. Many
road signs clutter the main roads
diminishing the character.
Typical Boundary walls
12
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Midlothian
Key Buildings
Eskbank House
This was originally the new manse for Newbattle, built in 1794 and
the first house to be constructed in Eskbank. A two storey Georgian
villa with Classical details. Cast iron conservatory.
Harrow Hotel
A three storey hotel built in the early 20th century; remodelled from
earlier two-storey and attic building, and with earlier 19th century
wing to rear. Harled with ashlar dressings. Moulded courses
between floors. Mock timber framed gable to centre bay with
overhanging eaves. Oriel window at first floor surmounted by
balcony.
Linsandel
12 Melville Road
Linsandel marks the entrance to Eskbank from Melville Road. Two
storey, assymetrical. L-plan Italianate villa with Greek details. All of a
piece with its walls, gates and gatepiers.
St David’s R.C. Church 1854. Parallel with the road but set above it. Steeply pitched roof
with fish scale slates and a gable belcote. Joseph Hansom was the
architect.
St John’s and
King’s Park Church
Of Scotland
1870. Steeply pitched roof and tall broach spire. The architect was
R. Thornton Shiels for the United Presbyterian Church.
Water Tower,
Cemetery Road
By James Leslie, 1879. A major landmark building because of its
height and quirkiness. Octagonal with polychromatic brickwork and
slatted timber tank housing. Now a house.
West or Buccleuch
Church
Architect: William Burn, 1840. Early English gothic church of
cruciform plan in polished ashlar. Chancel to the east, transepts to
north and south and tall, pointed steeple to the west, a significant
landmark. Now a woodworker’s workshop.
Justinlees Public
House
Vernacular coaching inn dating from the early 19th century. Two
storey with slated roof, the original stabling now gone.
Eskbank Station
Tudoresque station building - remains an important focal point.
Westfield Park
Mid 19th century former poorhouse with plain classical facade.
13
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Midlothian
King's Park
Landscape Character
29 The landscape character in Eskbank is
dominated by the urban form. There
is a range of attractive and well
maintained stone built period
properties from modest sized houses
with smaller gardens to large villas
with
extensive
grounds.
Tall
sandstone boundary walls are very
characteristic of the area providing
privacy and enclosure for properties..
The only significant public open space
is King’s Park. Many of the roads are
lined with garden trees and gardens
are generally well stocked with a mix
of largely exotic garden species in
among the fine cedar at 14 Park Road.
The area is well treed throughout but
there are particularly substantial
groups of trees at Mount Lothian and
along the former railway lines to the
north, west and south of Eskbank. The
former Waverley line in the west and
the branch line to the north of
Glenesk Crescent have both been
converted into attractive pathways.
Here
fairly
young
naturally
regenerated
woodlands
have
developed since the closure of the
railways and now have significant
landscape, amenity and biodiversity
value and contribute much to the
character of the area. To the north
east the area is urban. The most
significant open space here is the
cemetery tucked away behind the bus
station. Tree cover is largely confined
to small groups of trees and single
trees with a strong emphasis on
amenity planting and the use of
ornamental trees species.
Footpath Along the Former
Waverley Railway Line
14
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Issues
30 The character of Eskbank substantially
derives from the very low density,
secluded, residential development
that has taken place in the past. This
has been of a high architectural
quality. The predominant use of stone
and slate contributes to the
architectural unity of the area despite
there being variety in the building
styles.The streets are spacious and
uncluttered. There is an important
treescape from the garden trees.
31 There is possible pressure on the
setting of these villas, their gardens,
trees and boundary walls through
their subdivision and the erection of
new property within their grounds.
Subdivison can require substantial
alteration to property including
perhaps the introduction of external
staircases which can be unsightly.
There can also be pressure for the
demolition of property in order to
accommodate new development.
Such changes which would affect the
character and appearance of the area
should be resisted. It is important too
that infill development is sensitively
designed and relates carefully to
adjacent buildings. In this respect a
shop front survey should be
undertaken and a shop front policy
developed.
Enhancement Opportunities
32 Midlothian Council has a duty to draw
up proposals for the preservation and
enhancement of conservation areas.
The Council may also take action to
secure the repair of unoccupied and
unlisted
buildings
within
the
conservation area. The Eskbank area
is one of generally high amenity and
enhancement
opportunities
are
limited. There is however opportunity
for improvement of the roundabout
Midlothian
at Eskbank Toll, as well as the car park
area of the Justinlees public house.
Landscape Enhancement. Many of
the larger and more significant garden
trees are reaching maturity and a
programme of replacement and
replanting should be encouraged.
Kings Park is a valuable and well used
open space, particularly during the
summer months. It could however
benefit
from
upgrading
and
refurbishment to help create more
enclosure and a greater sense of
place.
Eskbank Road Villa with Mature Cedar
Ironmills
Setting and Views
33 The Ironmills part of the conservation
area occupies the low lying land on
either side of the river North Esk.
There is a strong sense of enclosure
here with views contained by the
valley sides. Both sides of the valley
are wooded with the High Wood to
the north forming a particularly
dramatic treed backdrop. The view to
the west contains the Glenesk
Viaduct.
Urban Structure
34 The flat area of grassland contains a
central group of listed building - the
former Iron Mill with its attendant
15
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Midlothian
house and former stables buildings all
of which are now residential
accommodation. The early 20th
century pavilion sits to the north on
the far side of the playing field. The
valley narrows along Ironmills Road
where there is a riverside string of
cottages mixed with some 20th
century housing. The 1960s Scottish
Qualifications
Authority
office
building (1975 by Alan Reiach, Eric
Hall and Partners) sits on the far side
of the road from the river.
Ironmills Park and Pavillion
Architectural Character
35 Building Types and Use. The former
Iron Mill and its associated buildings
have now been converted to
residential use. Scale The Iron Mill is a
four storey building of a robustness of
construction typical of an early 19th
century industrial building. The house
and stables are two storey and single
storey domestic scale. In Ironmills
Road the older houses are two storey,
the later ones are bungalows. Walls
are of sandstone, generally random
rubble. The office block has glass
curtain walling. Doors to the older
building are boarded the 1935 houses
enjoying a variety of panelled doors.
Ironmills Cottages
16
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Window Detail at the Ironmill
Midlothian
Windows to the older buildings are
largely timber sash and case some
with their original astragals. Windows
are
varied
in
the
newer
developments. Roofs are slated, most
often gabled but there are some
pantiles at the Ironmills and in
Ironmills Road. The older chimneys
are stone and fairly dominant in the
older buildings.
Older Rainwater
goods are usually cast iron.
Floorscape By far the larger part of
Ironmills Park is grassed, the road
becoming informal in nature as it
traverses the park.
Key Buildings
The Ironmills
1648 water powered mill producing iron goods. Adjacent
miller’s house and adjacent stables and cartshed range.
Converted to a corn mill before becoming residential.
Memorial
Bridge
1913, by Charles Greig. Nicely set into the landscape it
provides useful access with Eskbank.
Pavilion
Brick c.1935. Tucked into the side of the park below the
treed hillside.
North Esk River
Landscape Character
36 The landscape character of the
Ironmills part of the conservation area
is much enhanced by the meandering
river North Esk and its deeply incised
valley flood plain with densely
wooded slopes. The steep valley sides
create a strong sense of enclosure
forming
an
attractive
natural
amphitheatre and setting for the
Ironmills buildings. The flat grassed
open space of the flood plain is used
for a combination of formal and
informal recreation. The woodlands
are largely mixed broadleaves with
some conifers and have significant
landscape, amenity and biodiversity
value and contribute much to the
character of the
area. The
combination of landform and
woodland gives a sense of isolation
from Eskbank and the busy town
centre of Dalkeith. The woodland
continues east along the river and
forms the northern boundary to the
conservation area.
17
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Midlothian
Issues
37
repair the old sluice gear. The untidy
parking at the entrance to the park
should be improved although this
should still retain an informal manner.
Landscape
Enhancement
Grass
cutting regimes in Ironmills Park
should be modified to give a less
manicured
effect
along
the
boundaries with woodland. This
would do much to improve the
biodiversity and create a more
natural appearance to the area. More
active management of the woodlands
should be encouraged and there
should be a programme of improving
and extending riverside walks.
The character of the Ironmills Park
area is determined by the wide, flat
space of the valley bottom enclosed
by the heavily wooded and steep
valley sides. The area conveys a
feeling of tranquillity and remoteness
from the town centre although the
church spires and other buildings
maintain a visible contact. The Iron
Mill complex of buildings stands in
isolation in the centre of this space.
This is a dramatic natural setting for
these valuable and attractive early
19th century industrial buildings. It is
important that both the buildings and
the natural setting should be
preserved
with
no
significant
additions that might detract from this
important space.
Winter Foliage in Ironmills Park
Steps linking Eskbank with Ironmills Park
Enhancement Opportunities
GENERAL ISSUES
38
39
Midlothian Council has a duty to draw
up proposals for the preservation and
or enhancement of conservation
areas. The Council may also take
action to secure the repair of
unoccupied and unlisted buildings
within the Conservation Area. The
area around the weir has become
untidy and there is an opportunity to
Maintenance, repair and re-use of
existing buildings is the preferred
option to redevelopment unless this
can be demonstrated to bring
substantial improvement to the
conservation area. For alterations,
extensions and new building it is
essential that the existing character of
the area is respected. Important
18
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
architectural detail should be
retained. Materials for all new
building must be of a high quality. A
high standard of contemporary design
is welcomed provided careful
attention is paid to scale, proportions,
details and the use of materials, and
that these relate to the character of
the conservation area. Important
details should be retained. Street
furniture should be of an appropriate
design, and lighting standards should
be of an appropriate height. Any new
development should be of an
appropriate density. The building
conservation principles set out in
paragraphs 50-56 should be observed
Midlothian
40
Development and design briefs should
be prepared for new development,
and planning applications should
include a design statement indicating
how the proposed development is
sympathetic with the character of the
conservation area.
19
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Midlothian
CHARACTER ANALYSIS MAP
20
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Midlothian
LISTED BUILDINGS
Dalkeith Burgh
Category
Item
2 Ancrum Road: Greenore
Dated 1913. 2-storey, with 1st floor in attic, asymmetrical house. Harled;
red sandstone ashlar dressings. Red brick base course. Red sandstone
cills. Steeply pitched roof and overhanging eaves.
18 Ancrum Road: Dalriada House
Dated 1884. 2-storey asymmetrical villa. Stugged squared and snecked
masonry; ashlar dressings. Consoled and corniced doorpiece at centre;
bolection moulded doorway with raised surround; panelled door and
plate glass fanlight; iron bell-pull to right.
20 Ancrum Road and 24 Newbattle Road: Dunallan
Circa 1884. Asymmetrical 2-storey and attic villa, with Renaissance
details and gablet-crowstepped gables. Bull-faced snecked ashlar;
polished dressings. Eaves cornice, with nailhead details. Windows
corniced to S, transomed at 1st floor to S and E. Decoratively carved
aprons to windows with pedimented dormerheads. Ashlar porch in reentrant angle at centre. Balustraded parapet and fluted Corinithian
capitalled piers to porch.
2 Avenue Road: Strathesk
Earlier-mid 19th century. 2-storey, 3-bay villa. Ashlar E elevation,
remaining elevations squared and snecked rubble. Base course. Cill
course at 1st floor on E elevaion; raised margins. Semicircular-arched
doorpiece at centre, with plate glass fanlight, panelled door and flanking
moulded panels. Regular fenestration to ground and 1st floors.
10 Bonnyrigg Road: Parkend
Earlier 19th century. 2-storey, 3-bay hous with further later additions
(including former smiddy). E elevation ashlar, remaining elevation
squared and snecked rubble.
Cemetery Road Bridge
1875. Narrow bridge, saddleback coped stugged ashlar piers; wroughtiron plate girder. Massive cast-iron parapets; 11-bay, with inverted
nailhead panels divided by panelled pilasters and raised semicircular
blocks.
10 Dalhousie Road: Parkend
Earlier 19th century. 2-storey, 3-bay house with M-gabled block adjoined
transversely at rear and further later additions (including former
smiddy). E elevation ashlar, remaining elevation squared and snecked
rubble. E Painted consoled and corniced doorpiece at centre.
Edinburgh Road, Lugton Bridge
1765 remodelled 1816. Single span with low segmental arch. Ashlar
voussoirs and intrados. Squared rubble parapet with ashlar dressings.
47 Eskbank Road: Belmont
Dated 1856. 2-storey, asymmetrical gabled villa. Stugged squared and
snecked masonry; ashlar dressings. Eaves cornice. Moulded reveals and
chamfered cills. Transoms to principal windows. 3-bay with single bay
lower wing recessed to right. Gabled stone porch at centre.
B
2
B
3
B
4
B
5
C(S)
26
B
16
C(S)
26
B
29
B
41
21
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
49 Eskbank Road: The Birks
Later 19th century. 2-storey, 3-bay villa. W and N elevations finely
stugged ashlar, remaining elevations rubble; ashlar dressings. Base
course. Eaves course, cornice and felted blocking course to W
Bracketted segmental pediment above moulded shouldered-arched
doorway at centre, with keystone and raised surround; panelled door
and plate glass fanlight. Bipartite window at centre at 1st floor, with
shield motif above each light. Full-height canted window in bay to left.
Full-height advanced panel in bay to right. Venetian window at 1st floor,
with keystoned centre light and shield motif above outer lights; band
course stepped over panelled apron.
51 Eskbank Road
Mid-later 19th century. 2-storey, 3-bay gabled villa. squared and snecked
rubble; ashlar dressings. Coped half-piend roofs to projecting window.
Gabled porch at centre; hoodmoulded pointed-arched doorway to W.
Gabled bay to left slightly advanced; bipartite window in projecting
ashlar panel at ground; hoodmoulded bipartite window at 1st floor.
Canted window at ground in bay to right; dormerheaded and
hoodmoulded bipartite window at 1st floor.
53 Eskbank Road: Gilston Lodge
Dated 1861. 2-storey, asymmetrical gabled villa. Squared and snecked
rubble; ashlar dressings. 4-bay. Gabled bay to outer left advanced. Tall
2-stage circular entrance tower in re-entrant angle in bay to left of
centre and breaking eaves; stepped hoodmould above doorway,
boarded door with decorative iron brackets; original light fitting above
and bell pull to right.
38 Eskbank Road
Earlier-mid 19th century. 2-storey, 3-bay villa, made 4-bay and
rectangular-plan by later, barely perceptible addition. E and N elevations
stugged ashlar, S and W elevations squared and snecked rubble. Nookshaft detail to angles of canted windows. Pilastered doorpiece, with
cornice and blocking course. Regular fenestration in centre bays. Outer
bays advanced, that to right addition; full-height canted window with
half-piend roof to outer right bay; cornice to ground floor window and
cill course at 1st floor. Canted window, with cornice and blocking course,
at ground in outer left bay; bracketted cornice to window at 1st floor.
40 Eskbank Road: Elm Lodge
Earlier-mid 19th century. 2-storey, 3-bay L-plan villa. E elevation with
unusual finely chiselled/textured ashlar, remaining elevations rubble;
ashlar dressings. Lugged architrave to door at centre; panelled door and
margined glazing pattern to fanlight. Regularly disposed fenestration to
ground and 1st floors, taller windows at ground.
Midlothian
B
42
C(S)
43
C(S)
44
C(S)
46
B
47
22
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Midlothian
42 Eskbank Road, Mayfield Lodge
Earlier-mid 19th century. 2-storey, 3-bay villa. E elevation stugged
squared and coursed ashlar, remaining elevations squared and snecked
rubble; ashlar dressings. Corniced doorpiece, with foliated brackets,
rosettes and angled tablet above, at centre; modern glazed door and 2pane fanlight. Canted window at ground in bay to left; cornice, blocking
course and nook-shaft detail to angles. Regularly disposed fenestration,
taller windows at ground. Fenestrated ashlar single storey single bay,
later 19th century addition to right.
C(S)
48
44 Eskbank Road: Woodville
Earlier-mid 19th century. 2-storey, 3-bay villa. E elevation stugged,
squared and snecked rubble, remaining elevations random; ashlar
dressings. Base course. Eaves cornice and blocking course. Raised
margins and angle margins. Painted severe pilastered doorpiece, with
cornice and deep blocking course, at centre; panelled door and 2-pane
strip fanlight; encaustic tiled vestibule floor and finely etched 2-pane
internal fanlight. Full-height advanced panel in bay to left; bipartite
window and cill course at ground and 1st floors. Regular fenestration in
remaining bays. Decorative cast-iron window box holder to window at
centre.
46 Eskbank Road: Beechmohr and 1 Avenue Road Dunmohr
Late 19th-early 20th century. 2-storey, mirrored pair of 2-bay houses.
Cream squared and snecked bull-faced ashlar: W elevation rubble.
Polished red sandstone dressings. Steeply-pitched crowstepped gables
advanced to outer bays, linked by colonnaded verandah at ground in
centre bays. Decorative cast-iron balustrade above, with ball-finialled
ashlar die at centre.
48 Eskbank Road: Langlands Lodge
Earlier-mid 19th century. 2-storey, 3-bay villa. Rubble, squared and
coursed on W elevation; ashlar dressings. Consoled corniced canopy to
architraved door at centre; plate glass fanlight. Regular fenestration to
ground and 1st floors. Cast-iron window guards with anthemion and
palmette design to 1st floor windows in outer bays.
Eskbank and Dalkeith Station (former), with platforms, foot bridge and
road bridge in cutting to west.
Station by Thomas Grainger and John Miller, 1847. 2-storey, 3-bay
symmetrical double-pile Tudor former station building with recessed
single storey gabled wings, now converted into flats. Stugged cream
sandstone masonry. Cast-iron lattice footbridge with timber walkway.
Lasswade Road bridge: Single span with segmental arch. Droved ashlar;
brick arch ring and intrados. Saddleback coped parapet.
1 Eskbank Terrace, Tor Lodge
Later 19th century. 2-storey and attic, 3-bay villa with L-plan frontage. S
elevation stugged squared and snecked masonry, remaining elevations
squared and snecked rubble. Taller 3-stage octagonal tower at centre,
intercepted by gabled bay advanced to right.
B
49
B
50
B
51
B
153
C
52
23
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
14 Glenesk Crescent
1794. 2-storey and basement, 5-bay rectangular-pan Georgian villa. N
elevation broadly droved ashlar, rusticated at ground; remaining
elevations squared and coursed rubble, random at basement. Ashlar
dressings. Doorpiece to centre at ground, with engaged Roman Doric
columns and architrave cornice; flush panelled door and finely detailed
radial fanlight. Regularly disposed fenestration to all floors. Sweeping
steps, with simple wrought-iron balustrade up to door. Decorative
semicircular conservatory to south with half-conical roof added above.
Ironmills Park, Pavilion
1935. Single-storey sports pavilion. Painted render; deep brick base
course to S, W and E elevations. Raised cills. 7 symmetrical bays. 3-bay
bowed arcade to loggia/internal shelter at centre.
22 Ironmills Road: Lade Cottage
Early 19th century with possible earlier fabric, asymmetrical 2-storey, 3bay rectangular-plan traditional house with single storey wing to SW.
Coursed rubble, brick to rear NW of single storey wing, dressed margins
to openings. Pitched roof with red pantiles.
40 Ironmills Road: Ironmills, cartshed (34) (24426)
9 Lasswade Road: Bernafay
1923. Single storey 3-bay house, with attic, rectangular-plan English
vernacular style house. Harled. Low pitched gambrel roof with large
gableheads, and broad gabled dormers to long elevations, all mock
timber-framed.
13 and 15 Lasswade Road
Circa 1909 two-storey, mirrored pair of three-bay semi-detached English
vernacular style houses, with Tudor details. Ground floor red brick, 1st
floor harled; some red sandstone dressings. M-gabled bays advanced to
the centre, with canted entrance towers in re-entrant angles. Entrance
towers piend-roofed with timber canopied door. First floor jettied on
sandstone corbels, with canted timber oriel windows; mock timberframed gableheads. Tall off-set brick stacks, rising from ground, in outer
bays.
9 Lothian Bank: Mount Lothian
Mid-later 19th century. 2-storey, 5-bay villa, with later (probably 1881)
addition to principal elevation. S elevation stugged squared and snecked
masonry, remaining elevations rubble; ashlar dressings. Eaves cornice
and corniced blocking course. 3-bay single storey corniced ashlar
addition
to centre and right comprised of porch in bay to left with keystoned
semicircular arch on moulded impost blocks, pilaster flanked and
pedimented. Single storey piended range recessed to right.
12 Melville Road: Linsandel
Knox and Hutton, dated 1884. 2-storey asymmetrical Italianate villa with
Greek details, L-plan with 3-stage entrance tower in SW re-entrant angle.
W and S elevations stugged squared and coursed masonry, N and E
elevations stugged squared and snecked; polished ashlar dressings.
Elaborate segmental-arched bargeboarding to gables and dormerheads.
Midlothian
A
55
B
110
C(S)
110a
B
106
B
112
C(S)
113
C(S)
117
A
123
24
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
23 Newbattle Road
Dated 1877. 2-storey, 2-bay villa. Bull-faced squared and coursed
manonry; ashlar dressings. Deep overhanging eaves. Bargeboarded
gabled bay advanced to left; full-height canted window with cornice and
blocking course, garden door in right light; small window in gablehead.
Tripartite window at ground in bay to right; bipartite window at 1st floor.
6 Newbattle Road: Appin Lodge
Dated 1871. 2-storey, 3-bay villa. N elevation stugged squared and
coursed masonry, remaining elevations squared and snecked rubble;
contrasting ashlar dressings. Curly bargeboarding to porch and N
elevation. Deep overhanging eaves. Bolection-moulded shouldered
doorway at centre; recessed panelled door and shouldered plate glass
fanlight; steeply gabled decorative timber porch. Canted window with
half-piend slate roof at ground to left; bipartite window at 1st floor;
moulded panel inscribed "1871" in gablehead.
14 Newbattle Road: Greenend
Dated 1869. 2-storey, with 1st floor breaking eaves, 3-bay villa. N and E
elevations stugged squared and snecked rubble; ashlar dressings.
Overhanging eaves, exposed rafters. Door at centre, with raised
surround; panelled door and plate glass fanlight; consoled cornice and
fluted deep blocking course above, forming apron to window at 1st floor;
unusual shouldered gablehead stack, with bracketted cornice, to finialed
dormerhead above.
12 Old Edinburgh Road
Later 19th century. 2-storey, asymmetric and gabled house. Squared and
snecked rubble; ashlar dressings. Gabled decorative timber porch in reentrant angle in bay to right of centre; door on left return.
Old Edinburgh Road, West Church
William Burn, 1840. Early English gothic church. Cruciform plan; chancel
to E, transepts to N and S and steeple to W. Polished ashlar.
Steeple: advanced at centre of W elevation; 3-stage tower.
9 Park Road: Roseneuk
Later 19th century. Semi-detached single-storey and atic, 3-bay house. E
elevation stugged ashlar, remaining elevations rubble; ashlar dressings.
Door at centre, with raised surround, cornice and blocking course;
panelled door and 2-pane fanlight, tripartite window to right, bipartite
window to left.
11 Park Road: Hollybush
Later 19th century. Semi-detached single-storey and attic, 3-bay house. E
elevation stugged ashlar, remaining elevations rubble; ashlar dressings.
Deep-set door at centre, with raised surround and bracketted coped
cornice; panelled door and 2-pane fanlight. Hoodmoulded tripartite
windows in outer bays.
13 and 15 Park Road: The Lilacs and Ellon Cottage
Later 19th century. Single storey mirrored pair of 3-bay houses (No 13 to
left, No 15 to right). E elevation ashlar, remaining elevations rubble;
ashlar dressings. Each house comprising door at centre, with bracketted
cornice and angled tablet; panelled door and plate glass fanlight;
bipartite windows in outer bays.
Midlothian
C(S)
127
B
128
C(S)
40
B
138
B
137
C(S)
139
C(S)
140
C(S)
141
25
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Midlothian
27 Park Road: Meadowbank
Mid-later 19th century. 2-storey asymmetrical gabled villa. Squared and
snecked rubble; ashlar dressings. 3-bay, bay to left advanced. 3-stage
canted entrance tower in re-entrant angle at centre; columned,
keystoned and corniced doorpiece, with foliated spandrels and waterleaf
capitals; recessed semicircular-arched doorway; deep-set panelled door
and plate glass fanlight.
12 Park Road: Ardchattan
Symmetrical 2-storey, 3-bay villa built between circa 1840 and 1854.
Centre-doored 3-bay front (SE elevation) with pilastered ashlar
doorpiece; slightly advanced bipartite window to left; canted box
window to right; all with cornice and connecting string course. Square
and snecked rubble with ashlar dressings including raised eaves course.
Piended slate roof; corniced wallhead ashlar stacks with circular clay
cans. Timber sash and case windows; plate glass to lower sash, multipane above to front.
14 Park Road: Waverley Cottage
Single storey, symmetrical, villa-like cottage built between circa 1840 and
1854; centre-doored 3-bay front with projecting and barge-boarded
outer bays, further flanking single bays set back. Centre porch and
detailing all dressed ashlar; remainder tooled snecked sandstone.
Piended slate roofs with overhanging eaves and corniced ashlar stacks.
Plate glass timber framed sash and case windows. Advanced gabled
entrance porch to principal (SE/garden) elevation; flanking gabled bays
with hoodmoulded bipartite windows and scroll detail to bargeboards
with drop pendants and finials. Central gabled 2-bay section slightly
advanced at rear with 2 further flanking single bays set back.
18 Park Road: Meadowbank
Mid 19th century. 2-storey, 3-bay villa. Squared and snecked rubble, S
elevation pebble-dashed; ashlar dressings. Door at centre, with raised
surround and consoled pediment. Canted windows at ground in outer
bays, with cornice, blocking course and leaded half-piend roof. Bipartite
windows at 1st floor in outer bays.
22 Park Road, Stonefield
Mid 19th century, with post 1879 addition, two-storey, three-bay villa.
Squared and snecked rubble; raised ashlar dressings. Columned porch at
centre, with dentilled cornice and balustrade parapet above.
C(S)
142
C(S)
142
C(S)
142
C(S)
143
C(S)
144
St David’s R.C. Church
Joseph Aloysious Hansom, 1853-54. Early English Gothic church with side
aisles, chancel and chapels linked to later additions and modern
presbytery. Cream sandstone, squared and snecked rubble; ashlar
dressings. Steeply pitched grey slate roof with fish-scale bands.
Decorative ridge tiles to nave. Gabled bellcote at crossing with cross
finial, cusped opening and bell.
5 and 7 Station Road
Circa 1909. 2-storey, with 1st floor breaking eaves, mirrored pair of 2-bay
houses. W elevation bull-faced squared and coursed masonry; remaining
elevations pebble-dashed. Polished ashlar dressings. Canted windows at
ground.
A
35
C(S)
154
26
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
13 Waverley Road: Glencairn
Later 19th century. 2-storey, attic and basement, 3-bay villa. Stugged,
squared and snecked masonry , basement ashlar to S, ashlar dressings.
Heavy corniced doorpiece at centre with raised surround; pierced
balcony above with diamond motif; panelled door and plate glass
fanlight; Venetian vestibule screen. Ashlar perron stair to door; semicircular arched opening to S, with iron grille. Tripartite window to centre
at 1st floor. Full-height canted window in bay to left, cornice between
ground and 1st floors; ogee headed opening at basement. Canted
window at ground in bay to right with cornice and blocking course;
tripartite window in advanced panel at 1st floor with stop-chamfered
angles; ogee headed opening at basement.
Westfield Park
1849. 2-storey, 7-bay, symmetrical former Poorhouse. Stugged squared
and coursed masonry with ashlar dressings. Square windows at 1st floor.
Central doorpiece with consoled and bracketted cornice and blocking
course.
Midlothian
B
155
B
6
CONSERVATION AREA BOUNDARY
41
The conservation area boundary has
been drawn to include the cohesive
suburban villa area of Eskbank and
the landscape of the valley of the river
North Esk which contains IronmillsPark.
27
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Midlothian
CONSERVATION AREA BOUNDARY MAP
28
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Midlothian
ARTICLE 4 DIRECTION ORDER
alterations or unsuitable new means
of enclosure could visually damage
the conservation area. A number of
roads within the conservation area
are unclassified and the use of
inappropriate material for the
construction of new accesses to these
roads could be visually damaging.
42 By making an order under Article 4 of
the Town and Country Planning
(General Permitted Development)
(Scotland) Order 1992, Midlothian
Council may, following approval from
the Scottish Ministers, direct that
general planning permission granted
for certain classes of development
through the Order shall not apply.
43 It is proposed to introduce an Article 4
Direction Order to cover the Eskbank
and Ironmills conservation area for
the following classes of development
(as defined in the General Permitted
Development Order 1992) for the
following reasons.
Repairs to private roads and private
ways (Class 27)
46
Development within the curtilage of
a dwellinghouse (Classes 1, 3, 6)
44
The Eskbank and Ironmills
conservation area contains a number
of unaltered traditional buildings. The
cumulative effect of new
development and inappropriate
alterations, even though each should
be small in scale, could have a
negative impact on the architectural
quality of buildings in the
conservation area. Unlisted buildings
provide a contemporary backdrop for
their listed counterparts and any
erosion of unifying elements such as
replacement of doors and windows
could have a negative impact on the
character of the conservation area.
Sundry minor operations (Classes 7
and 8)
The present appearance of private
roads, lanes and paths in the area is
predominantly rural and in keeping
with the
surrounding historic
buildings and rus in urbe (countryside
in the town) character of a large part
of
the
conservation
area.
Inappropriate repairs to and surfacing
of these traditional features (such as
the renewal of a driveway in tarmac
and with concrete kerbstones) could
have an adverse impact on the visual
amenity of the conservation area.
Development
by
statutory
undertakers (Classes 38, 39, 40, 43
and 43a)
47 Development
by
statutory
undertakers can be contemporary in
nature and visually obtrusive. All such
development should be controlled
and be sensitively sited.
Development by telecommunications
operators (Class 67)
48
Telecommunications apparatus could
have an adverse effect on the
character and appearance of the
conservation area.
45 Traditional means of enclosure to
areas are crucial in establishing the
character and appearance of a
conservation area.
Insensitive
29
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Midlothian
BUILDING CONSERVATION PRINCIPLES
50
Well-designed buildings are evident in all ages and it is their design per se that is the critical
factor. No one age has a monopoly of good building design. New building is neither always
worse, nor old building necessarily better.
51
Building within an historic context requires particular sensitivity. This sensitivity however,
may be expressed though a number of different styles the appropriateness of which will
depend both the quality of the design and its relationship to its setting.
52
There can be no substitute for the skill of the individual designer. It is possible to apply the
“rules” of good design and yet to produce a building that is bland in the extreme.
Diversity
53
A number of design approaches are possible and Conservation Areas can be capable of
absorbing a range of these. Diversity can enrich an area and variety is frequently desirable.
Design approaches may be broadly categorised under the following headings:
Pastiche
This is an exact copy of an old building as is possible. To be successful
this relies on excellent knowledge and careful choice of details.
Traditional
This is often used to follow the local vernacular. Form, materials and
detailing are borrowed from the past but are slightly contemporary
in style.
Modern
The design is clearly of its time yet is respectful of its context. It may
use traditional materials in contemporary manner, or modern
materials in historical forms.
54
Which of these styles is used will depend upon the skill and philosophy of the architect and
patron, as well as the particular setting. In all cases, however, quality of design must be
allied to quality of materials.
55
As a general rule, old buildings should be conserved as found with original architectural
detail respected. It can be hard to replace the design and building quality found in many
traditional buildings. Old buildings and their surroundings have a great visual appeal and
reinforce local identity. They are of immense importance for education, recreation, leisure,
tourism and the wider economy. Equally, well-designed modern development forms an
important part of our heritage.
56
A very large number of buildings in Midlothian were built in the 18th and 19th centuries. This
is certainly the case within the many conservation areas. These buildings exhibit in the main
the following characteristics. Which should be respected in all repairs, alterations and new
buildings.
30
Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Midlothian
Masonry
Walls
Masonry walls are important both in building and as space enclosures.
They contribute to character and are difficult to replicate and should
therefore be retained wherever possible. They are commonly of rubble
(random or coursed), occasionally ashlar. Original masonry surface
coverings such as harling should be kept. Pointing should be correctly
carried out.
Doors
Original door openings invariably possess the current proportions for a
building should be retained to preserve the architectural integrity of
the building. Doors themselves should be repaired rather than
replaced.
Windows
Original window openings invariably possess the correct proportions
for a building and should be retained to preserve the architectural
integrity of the building. Original mullions should always be retained.
Additional window openings should be of an appropriate size and
proportion and should not spoil symmetry. Timber sash windows can
case windows and their astragals should almost always be retained.
Roofs
Roofs are dominant elements that give a building its profile. Original
roof pitches and coverings should be preserved. Chimney stacks and
pots should be retained. Dormers are often important features and
new dormer windows should be carefully designed to relate to
existing. The same applies to rooflights and skylights.
Details
A wide range of details contributes immensely to the character of a
conservation area and, if its good appearance is to be retained, these
must not be incrementally eroded. The loss of one detail may not
make a substantial difference but the loss of many will. Important
details include:
external guttering and pipework, and finials;
stone details including skews, door and window surrounds,
cornices, balustrades and other ornamentation.
Floorscape
Original paving and other floorscapes should always be retained.
Enclosures
Stone garden and field walls, fences and railings should be retained.
Street
Furniture
Street furniture including lampposts, telephone boxes, bins and
benches should be retained where original and where new must be in
character with the area.
Further
Advice
Further advice on the repair and extension of buildings and new
buildings within the conservation area is available for the Strategic
Services Division of Midlothian Council
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Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Midlothian
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Abutments
The solid part of a
pier or wall against
which an arch abuts
Canted
Any part of a building on a
polygonal plan
Architrave
The lowest of 3 main
parts of entablature.
The moulded frame
surrounding a door
or window.
Capitals
The head of a column,
pilaster etc in classical
architecture
Archivolts
The continuous
architrave moulding
on the face of an
arch, following its
contour
Castellated
Decorated with
battlements
Arrises
A sharp edge
produced by the
meeting of 2
surfaces.
Hewn blocks of
masonry wrought to
even faces and
square edges lain in
horizontal courses
with vertical, fine
joints, usually
polished on the face.
Cat slide
A single pitch roof
Classical
Greek and Roman
architecture and any
subsequent styles inspired
by this.
Astragals
A glazing bar for subdividing a window
into small panes
Coadstone
Balustrading
Short posts or pillars Coping
in a series supporting
a rail or coping
Artificial cast stone,
widely used in the 18th
and early 19th century for
all types of
ornamentation.
A capping or covering to a
wall
Barge boards
Projecting boards
placed against the
incline of the gable
of a building and
hiding the ends of
roof timbers
Ashlar
Corbelling
Brick or masonry course,
each built out beyond the
one below to support a
chimney stack or
projecting turret
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Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Midlothian
Bartizan
A corbelled turret at
the top angle of a
building.
Corbie or crow
stepped
gables
Stepped ends on top of a
stone gable taking the
place of a stone cope on a
skew.
Bell-cote
A framework on a
roof from which to
hang bells
Cornice
A moulded projection at
the top of an opening or
wall.
Bipartite
Double eg bipartite
sash windows – 2
sash windows side
by side
Corps de logis
A French term commonly
used to describe the main
building as opposed to the
wings or pavilions.
Buttress
A mass of masonry
or brickwork
projecting from or
built against a wall to
give extra strength
Coursed stone
Stone laid in horizontal
courses
Canopy
A projection or hood
over a door, window,
tomb, altar, pulpit
niche etc
Crenellated
A parapet with alternating
indentations and raised
portions, for example a
battlement.
Cruciform
A cross shaped plan
form, for example in
a church
Machicolation
s
Dentil
A small square block
used in series in
Ionic, Corinthian and
Composite columns.
The earliest of the
Greek classical
orders of
architecture
Mullion
A gallery or parapet
projecting on brackets
and built on the outside of
castle towers and walls
(with openings for pouring
lead on the enemy)
Vertical member between
the lights of a window.
Dormer window
Window standing up
vertically from the
roof.
Nave
Drip stone or hood
mould
A projecting
moulding to throw
off the rain on the
face of a wall, above
an arch, doorway or
window.
Ogee
Doric
Mutulated
From mutule – the
projecting square block
above the triglyph under
the corona of a Doric
cornice.
The western limb of a
church, west of the
crossings flanked by aisles.
A double curved line
made up of a convex and
concave curve.
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Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Droved
Midlothian
An approximately
parallel series of
grooves in stone
work made by a
hammer and bolster
Overhanging edge of
the roof.
Pantiles
A roofing tile of curved sshaped sections
Parapet
A formal ornament
at the top of a
canopy, gable or
pinnacle (often in
the form of a fleur
de lys)
The triangle at the
end of a double
pitched roof.
A chimney stack
rising directly form
the gable wall of a
building
A window with a
pointed arch
A thrown wall finish
of lime and
aggregate.
Pastiche
A low wall placed to
protect any spot where
there is a sudden drop for
example a house top
Generally used as a
derogatory term to
describe a poor copy of an
architectural element
Pepper pot
turret
Pilaster
Turret with conical or
pyramid roof.
A shallow pier or column,
projecting very slightly
from a wall
Hip roof
A roof with sloping
ends instead of
vertical ends (or
piend - Scots)
Plinth
The projecting base of a
wall or column pedestal
usually chamfered or
moulded at the top
Hipped dormer
A window placed
vertically in a sloping
roof with a sloping
roof.
The enlarged
entrance at the head
of a down pipe.
Portico
A roofed space, open or
partly closed, forming the
entrance and centre-piece
of the front of a building
The dressed stone at the
corner of buildings,
usually laid so that their
faces are alternatively
large and small
Gutters and down pipes
which channel rainwater
from the roof of a
building.
Eaves
Finial
Gable
Gable head stack
Gothic arched
window
Harling
Hopper
Impost
Patina
Pediment
Quoins
A member in a wall,
Rainwater
usually in the form of goods
a projected bracketlike moulding upon
which an arch rests.
The weathered
appearance of a building
material
a low pitched gable over a
portico, door or window
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Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Random rubble
Reconstructed
stone
Reveal
Uncoursed stone
work with rough
faces.
Artificial stone
Midlothian
Stucco
A kind of plaster work.
Stugged
Ashlar
Thack stane
Stone with a punched
finish.
Projecting stone on a
chimney to cover a thatch.
Gable in the middle of a
house front generally for
carrying up the flue and
provides a small attic
apartment.
A small temple.
That part of the
surround which lies
between the glass or
door and outer wall
surface.
The style current
until the advent of
Gothic, origins
conjectured
between 7th and 10th
centuries AD
Masonry cast in large
blocks separated
from each other by
deep joints
The lowest stone at
the foot of a skew
built into the wall for
strength, sometimes
moulded.
Sloping stones
upstanding above a
roof and finishing a
gable.
Stones squared and
worked to a finished
face
Timpany gable
Street scene
String course
Romanesque
Rusticated
Skew putts
Skews
Squared dressed
stone
Tempietto
Tooled
Marks made by tooling or
cutting into stone
Traceried
The ornamental
intersecting work in the
upper part of a window.
Turret
Small tower, usually
attached to a building.
Vernacular
Nature or indigenous, not
designed or taught
The street seen as a
whole, defined by its
constituent parts e.g.
buildings, walls,
roads etc
Vista
View of features seen
from a distance
Intermiate stone
course or moulding
projecting from the
surface of a wall.
Voussoirs
A brick or wedge shaped
stone
forming one of the units
of an arch
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Eskbank and Ironmills Conservation Area
Midlothian
REFERENCES
Mark Collard 1998 – Lothian – A Historical Guide – (published by Birlinn Limited).
Jane Thomas 1995 – Midlothian – An Illustrated Architectural Guide – (published by the
Rutland Press).
Nikolaus Pevsner, Colin McWilliam 1978 – Lothian (except Edinburgh) – (published by
Penguin Books).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The assistance of David Smith, secretary of the Dalkeith History Society, is gratefully acknowledged
for information on the history of Dalkeith. Gerry Goldwyre, the owner of the Dalkeith water tower, is
likewise thanked for information on the tower.
36