The colony houses of Edinburgh were built between 1850 and 1910 as homes for artisans and skilled working-class families by philanthropic model dwellings companies. The first development was the Pilrig Model Buildings, near Leith Walk.[1] Later developments across the city were built by the Edinburgh Cooperative Building Company Limited, founded in 1861. The founders of this company were influenced by the Reverend Dr. James Begg and the Reverend Dr. Thomas Chalmers, ministers of the Free Church of Scotland, who campaigned to improve the housing conditions of the poor.[2]
- ^ "Colonies" (PDF). Edinburgh Colonies Conservation Area Character Appraisal. City of Edinburgh Council. February 2014. Retrieved 7 September 2016.
- ^ "Pathfinder Pack on Housing, 1850 - 1875". Resources for Learning in Scotland. Retrieved 12 March 2010.