Surveying Edinburgh

With a deep understanding of societies and cities, Professor Sir Patrick Geddes (1854-1932) made a pioneering contribution to the fields of sociology and urban planning. 

A trained biologist, Geddes believed the development of human communities was primarily biological in nature, consisting of interactions among people, their environment and their activities.

As a starting point for civic regeneration, Geddes introduced the civic survey, a tool to understand the interactions of people, the city and its region. 

“The survey of our city and its region is of fundamental importance alike in the understanding of its past and present, and towards the preparation of the Greater Edinburgh of the near future.” - Patrick Geddes, 1919 

Geddes’ survey of Edinburgh was the main purpose of his Outlook Tower, pictured here on the Royal Mile, which he purchased and refurbished in 1892. 

In the 1880s, Edinburgh’s historic Old Town was impoverished and dilapidated. Photography revealed these conditions in detail, highlighting how town-planning had neglected the needs of some of its urban citizens.

Heavily influenced by Scottish Enlightenment philosophy, these photographs form part of a larger body of work produced by a network of Scottish documentary photographers in the late 19th century.

Witness to the lives of the urban poor, the photographs compelled planners to design, through a fuller reflection on the past, a better provision for Edinburgh and its people. 

“What can be done here and there meanwhile with moderate means and ordinary folk, with such labour and time as they can spare?” - Patrick Geddes, 1915

Geddes’ approach engaged with local residents and renovated historic buildings, only demolishing those parts that led to improved living conditions and well-being of the community.  

By encouraging local people to directly participate in the improvement, art, culture and education of their local community, Geddes inspired regeneration from within the community. 

“What better training in citizenship, as well as opportunity of health, can be offered any of us than in sharing in the upkeep of our parks and gardens?” - Patrick Geddes, 1915

Geddes understood that access to nature and natural conditions were essential to mental and physical health. Private gardens, city parks and the surrounding countryside were often not within the reach of the Old Town’s working class and poor.  

The Outlook Tower Open Spaces Committee, led by architect and Geddes’ son-in-law, Sir Frank C. Mears (1880-1953), surveyed every open space within the slums of the city centre.

By 1911, 10 of the 75 spaces identified had been reclaimed and turned into gardens accessible to residents, particularly women and children.  

Many of the green spaces in Edinburgh’s Old Town today are due to the work of Geddes over a century ago. 

Johnston Terrace Garden, captured here, is the smallest of 123 wildlife reserves. Managed by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, it is still teaming with frogs, bees, butterflies, and birds.