Calton Hill has an extensive system of rainwater runoff channels, which we believe date back to the early 19th century. The channels were built alongside paths and made of stone in a characteristic V-shaped, double-setted design, taking rainwater down the hill and into gully boxes, and then into drains. Terminology varies (!), but the channels are essentially stone-lined gutters.
The channel beside Calton Hill Drive is still in good condition, but most of the others have become partially or completely buried in soil, in the course of erosion on the hill. The result is that rainfall pours down the centre of the paths making them muddy, and more difficult to walk along in bad weather, while causing even more erosion.
Our project is to remove the soil that has been deposited in the channels over the past dozen years or so — to restore an attractive historic feature of the hill, while making it easier to access the paths in bad weather, and reduce erosion. This work will be undertaken by our volunteers and those from other organisations helping us with this project.
