An excellent source is 'Historic South Edinburgh' by Charles J Smith (hereafter CJS), published by Charles Skelton Ltd in 4 volumes. Sadly these appear now to be out of print, but remain available in Edinburgh libraries. Volume 1, published 1978, covers Newington, and volume 3, people in Newington. These wonderful histories can spare only a little space for our area and of course cannot report more recent developments.

This history cannot be comprehensive but will attempt to put in some detail and provide a source for future generations of residents interested in their history. Newington was the first 'garden suburb' in Edbinurgh. When the 'Old Town' along the Royal Mile and within the old city walls became seriously overcrowded, there were two directions for expansion during the 18th century - to the North in the 'New Town' and to the South in George Square and surroundings.