Water, the elixir of Edinburgh life! As we put together this issue, an unintended but interesting theme emerged: that of water, the humble H2O molecule, on which we rely so much in so many ways, but which we take for granted - until there is a shortage! The ‘sweet waters’ of Comiston springs were first piped into the city in 1676, and subsequent reservoirs in the Pentlands eventually ensured a plentifully supply for drinking, cooking, sanitation and fire-fighting. Meanwhile, at Preston Mill in East Lothian, the fast-flowing River Tyne was powering the waterwheel that milled the oats that for many years constituted the staple diet of so many. Then from 1822, the water of the newly built Union Canal facilitated the industrial revolution, carrying coal along the canal from Falkirk and further afield to power the factories of the capital. You can read about all the above in this issue. This year we have chosen to very largely leave coverage of summer festival activities to other publications dedicated to the task. However, the exhibition about Felix Yaniewicz the co-founder of the First Edinburgh Music Festival in 1815 – caught our eye, as did the Edinburgh Festival Guides celebrating their 75th anniversary. Throw in ground-breaking Augmented Reality at the Botanics, some fascinating old picture postcards of the city, and why Edinburgh became such a magnet for grave robbing – and we have yet another eclectic issue with something for everyone. Enjoy this issue - and enjoy your summer in and around Edinburgh. Peter Bourhill Editor Publisher/Editor Assistant Editor Peter Bourhill 07850 938407 Harriet Bourhill Front cover: Ramsay Garden during the Tattoo, with nation flags fluttering on the Castle Esplanade £2.50 July/August 2022 EdinburghLife www.edinburghlifemagazine.comand the Lothians Union Canal 200th Fountainbridge to Falkirk Features Illustrators John Burnett Lydia Bourhill Harriet Bourhill Contributors Josie Dixon Jack Gillon Carolyn Lincoln Eric Melvin Emma Nicholson Circulation Social Media William Allison Lydia Bourhill Harriet Bourhill Design Alasdair Anderson Contributing Photographers Doug Corrance Don Munro Edinburgh’s First Music Festival - in 1815 Augmented Reality at the Botanics Postcards from the past the changing face of Edinburgh Comiston to Castlehill history of city’s first piped water Anatomical Edinburgh its medical and macabre history Picturesque Preston Mill at East Linton Good News round-up S o c i e t y E a t i n g o u t Residential Property What’s On EdinburghLife PO Box 28948 Gorebridge EH22 9BD Tel. 01875 825555 or 07850 938407 editorial@edinburghlifemagazine.com advertising@edinburghlifemagazine.com info@edinburghlifemagazine.com www.edinburghlifemagazine.com ©Lowther Publishing Ltd All rights reserved. No par t of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. While every care is taken, prices and details are subject to change and the publisher can take no responsibility for omissions or errors. No responsibility is taken for unsolicited submissions or the return of submitted items. edinburghlifemag Follow us on social media at edlifemagazine edinburghlife This page: A sunny evening across the south of Edinburgh Back cover: Pipers in the Castle grounds prepare to perform in the Tattoo July/August 2022 EdinburghLife 1