Muirhouse first appeared on maps of Edinburgh in around 1610, getting its name from a mansion built on the edge of Wardlie Moor – literally the ‘moor house’.
In 1794 the owner, William Davidson, left the house to his nephew the Rev Thomas Randall of St Giles Cathedral, insisting that he adopted the name Davidson.
He did as he was asked and in 1827 the house was inherited by his son William Davidson, the latest generation of the family that made their fortune.
William left the old Muirhouse to become derelict, moving to a new mansion designed by R & R Dickson in 1932 – and the building remains to this day.
Read more:
Edinburgh Old Town Heritage in Pictures: Here are 28 fascinating photos of the city's historic centre in the 1950s and 1960s - from parades to pubs
Two ruined towers of the former Muirhouse still stood until they were demolished in 1954 after becoming unstable.
Much of the housing is in high rise blocks – including Martello Court, Birnies Court, Fidra Court, Gunnet Court and Inchmickery Court.
The area has recently been subject to redevelopment and regeneration, with newly-refurbished properties and council plans to provide new council housing.
Here are 28 pictures from The Scotsman archive to take you back to the Muirhouse of the 1950s and 1960s.
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5. Now open
A new housing scheme at Muirhouse being opened by Mr J Nixon Browne in February 1957. | TSPL


7. A piece of cake
Lady Governor Mrs M Weatherstone cutsa cake presented to Silverlea Old Person's home in Muirhouse Parkway in September 1963. | TSPL

8. On the ball
Hearts players play in a practise football match at Muirhouse in January 1963. | TSPL
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