The National Transport Trust’s Red Wheel scheme continues to increase the number of sites it is recognising with the latest set to be unveiled being in Edinburgh. Not due to be formally unveiled until 7th August this red wheel commemorates the former Shrubhill tram depot in Edinburgh.
Shrubhill depot can trace its history back to 1898 when it was opened as part of the cable tram system operated by the Edinburgh and District Tramways. Before the depot was built it had been the site of horse tram stables but from 1898 it become a depot for the vehicles operating on the tramway with 8 tracks initially provided in the main facility. A power station was also provided on site. Conversion from cable to overhead electric came in 1926 and the depot continued to be used to house trams until the closure of the system in 1956.
Converted for use as a bus depot it was then closed for this purpose and was briefly a transport museum before this too was closed. A temporary use a venue for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival followed before the building feel into disrepair. At one stage it was on the Historic Environment Scotland’s Buildings at Risk Register but part of the facility is now being incorporated into the Engine Yard development which is set to include as much of the remaining original depot and power station as possible.
The National Transport Trust’s Red Wheel scheme seeks to recognise and commemorate the most significant sites of historical importance to transport heritage in the UK. Shrubhill Depot is just the latest to be recognised and follows on from earlier this year when Blackpool’s Rigby Road Depot and the Kingsway Tram Subway in London were unveiled.
- More on the Red Wheel scheme at https://www.nationaltransporttrust.org.uk/red-wheels
Installed but not yet officially unveiled the new Red Wheel at Shurbhill Depot. (Photograph by Roy Calderwood, 16th July 2023)