Over the course of his professional career, the department of Ebenzer James MacRae (1881-1951) designed everything from municipal housing, churches and libraries, to street furniture, power stations and swimming pools.
In the 1920s and 1930s MacRae was responsible for the burgeoning housing developments at Niddrie, Craigmillar, Prestonfield, Pilton, Stenhouse, Saughton and numerous other areas. The similarities in housing design in these areas is plain to see. Inner city areas also benefitted, with dilapidated tenements in the Old Town and elsewhere replaced by new, improved dwellings. Over 12,000 homes would be built under MacRae.
On the 140th anniversary of MacRae’s birth, we take a look at more than a dozen of his Edinburgh designs, most of which are still standing, used or inhabited to this day.
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5. West Pilton Place housing estate
MacRae designed the West Pilton housing scheme in 1936. Photo: Julie Bull
6. Craigentinny Primary School
In 1935, MacRae's team came up with the design for Craigentinny Primary School. Photo: ESME ALLEN
7. Portobello Power Station
MacRae's department were responsible for the redesign of Portobello Power Station in 1927. This coal-fired behemoth was demolished between 1977-79. Photo: Stan Warburton
8. Chesser Corn Exchange
MacRae played a leading role in the redevelopment of Gorgie Market, (Chesser) corn market, Corporation Slaughterhouse and police station in 1926. Photo: SEAN BELL