Social Welfare

The villages along the Water of Leith greatly increased in size when mills and industrialisation moved to the area. Mill owners realised that to attract employees they would have to provide accommodation. They therefore provided mill houses close to the mills for employees of all ranks.

“It was known as piani row because when they all moved in there em they were all sorta well to do as it were compared to the labourers and others. A, a piano was hoisted into each of the six houses and that was a sort- you know a sign of respectability in those days.”  Company Secretary, John Galloway and Sons