‘Castles In The Sky’- Identity, Social and Home Life in Wester Hailes, Edinburgh, 1967-1990

At Places for People Scotland, we’re committed to understanding and enriching the Communities we serve. Recently, we've delved into the captivating history of Wester Hailes, a council-built area in Edinburgh, covering the years from 1967 to 1990. This research, conducted by Aaron Sheridan, a dedicated PhD student at the University of Strathclyde, offers a deep dive into the development and life of this remarkable Community. 

Hailing from Hamilton, Aaron completed a master’s degree in health history in Scottish cities. During this time, his academic supervisor put him in contact with Places for People, and he was offered an internship as a researcher. After a year of dedicated research, Aaron was awarded funding for his PhD project focussing on the history of Communities in Scottish cities, many of which are now supported by Places for People. 

“It’s been amazing to have Places for People back me because they’ve been a source of advice and support, and their funding has been invaluable to keep me stable during this PhD, I couldn’t have done it without them”, Aaron shared. 

Aaron shares our passion for Community, especially celebrating and uplifting Communities around Edinburgh like Wester Hailes. His research helps us to appreciate the nuanced and fascinating history of these areas so that we can better serve them and nurture their futures.

“There are often social problems in these places, but the media has depicted these places as ‘sink estates’, as places that people want to escape from,” he explained, “but really, this narrative is oversimplified. Yes, there are problems in these areas but there’s also a lot of joy. There are strong Communities and people working every single day to make them better”.

We were lucky to have Aaron present his research in a webinar in July 2024, which can be watched below:

To find out more about Aaron and his research, read his interview as part of our In My Own Words project. 

Discovering Wester Hailes 

Wester Hailes was one of several council-built areas in Edinburgh, developed in response to the city’s housing shortage following the Second World War. The aim was to create modern, high-density housing that could accommodate a growing urban population. These new towns and high-rise estates were seen as beacons of modernity and progress from the poverty and disease associated with urban slums. 

The Vision and Reality 

The initial vision for Wester Hailes was ambitious. Inspired by modernist ideals, the estate was designed to offer spacious homes, complete with the latest amenities. 

However, as residents moved in, the reality of living in high-density housing brought unforeseen challenges. Maintenance of these large structures, coupled with social issues, began to paint a different picture than the one originally envisioned. 

The Evolution of Housing Policy 

The journey of Wester Hailes reflects broader trends in housing policy over the decades. Initially envisioned as a utopian solution to urban housing problems, these high-rise estates were meant to provide spacious, well-equipped homes. However, as time passed, the realities of maintaining these large estates became apparent. 

By the 1980s, it was clear that the initial vision for Wester Hailes needed to adapt. Maintenance issues, social problems, and changing housing policies required new approaches. The Community and local authorities worked together to address these challenges, leading to significant changes in the area’s landscape and facilities. 

Initiatives like the Wester Hailes Partnership, established in the late 1980s, aimed to regenerate the area through a combination of physical improvements and Community development programmes. 

A Resilient Community

One of the most striking aspects of Wester Hailes is its vibrant Community life. Despite facing numerous complex challenges, residents of Wester Hailes have always demonstrated a strong sense of Community and resilience. 

As early as 1969, the Community lacked social provisions, with over 18,000 people sharing just two shops until a shopping centre was built in 1974. Even by this point, Wester Hailes had no high schools, restaurants, cafes, doctors’ surgeries, police stations or other essential amenities. Therefore, it was the local Community that had to provide for itself. 

Wester Hailes Representative Council oversaw each neighbourhood’s tenants’ associations. These organisations central to Community life. They represented the views of local people to the council, as well as hosting services and activities that would become the heart of the Community. Wester Hailes has always been home to a large number of children and young people, and so youth services and entertainment have also been crucial to the Community, from youth clubs to discos. 

The Community newspaper, Wester Hailes Sentinel, became a voice for the residents, highlighting both the issues they faced and their successes. One such success is the local women’s football club, Hailes United, who have won several European competitions- the only Edinburgh team to ever do so!

The story of Wester Hailes is one of resilience and adaptability. Despite the difficulties, the Community spirit remained strong. The efforts to improve living conditions, coupled with the Community’s determination, led to a gradual transformation of the area. This history serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of involving residents in the decision-making processes that affect their lives. 

Looking Forward

Our research into Wester Hailes is not just about understanding the past; it’s about shaping the future. By learning from the history of such Communities, we aim to develop better housing solutions that truly meet the needs of Customers. The story of Wester Hailes is a testament to the importance of Community, adaptability, and continuous improvement. 
We’re proud to share these insights into Wester Hailes with you. This research highlights the dynamic and evolving nature of urban Communities and the critical role that thoughtful housing policies play in their development. 

At Places for People Scotland, we remain dedicated to building not just homes, but thriving, resilient Communities. 

Find out more about our history and heritage at Places for People