Experts hail quarry's importance

Craigleith Quarry in its heyday, as painted by John Bell

Experts have hailed a disused quarry in the capital as one of the most important geological sites in Scotland.

Craigleith Quarry is being highlighted by the Regionally Important Geological Sites Group (Rigs), as part of the Scottish Geology Festival.

Its sandstone was said to have been among the best in the world and was used for Buckingham Palace and Edinburgh New Town.

But it is now the site of a supermarket and only a small section survives.

The pit, which closed in 1942, also exported its stone to Europe and the United States. It was the best known and largest of Edinburgh's quarries.

'Geological treasure'

Resident Alan Ross said: "I live next to the quarry which I remember from its later stages of life as just a large water-filled hole in the ground."

Iain Rennick, of Scottish Natural Heritage, described it as one of Scotland's best kept geological secrets.

Chairman of Rigs, Mike Browne, called the quarry a "geological treasure".

"This is particularly significant at a time when there is much concern about the state of Edinburgh buildings. Craigleith Stone is no longer available," he said.