Patrick’s garden

Patrick Neill, [1776-1851],  was one of Edinburgh’s ‘Modern Athenians’. Today his name is hardly known. His tombstone in Warriston records that he was ‘distinguished for Literature, Science, Patriotism, Benevolence, and Piety’.

Patrick belonged to The Printing-House of NEIL:A medal is still awarded, each year, in his name:Patrick lived in Canonmills:

It was here that you were to find Patrick’s true vocation: he was a gardener, and one of the best of his time!

Patrick’s garden was beside Cannon Mills Loch:

One of few surviving photographs of Canonmills Cottage:

Here, an engine emerges from the southern end of Rodney Street tunnel into Scotland Street Goods Yard. This photograph was taken in 1904.  Canonmills Cottage can be seen in the background:

Patrick Neill objected to the building of this branch line: