Granton

   GRANTON, a growing town, in the parish of Cramond, county of Edinburgh, 2½ miles (N. W.) from Edinburgh. This place, formerly remarkable only as the spot where the English troops under the Earl of Hertford disembarked in the year 1544, now claims importance for its magnificent and extensive pier, the finest landing-place in the Frith of Forth. This truly national work was erected, at his sole expense, by the Duke of Buccleuch, who is proprietor of the estate of Caroline Park, formerly called Granton. It was commenced in November, 1835, and partially opened on the 28th of June, 1838, the day of the coronation of Her Majesty, by Lord John Scott, brother of his Grace, in presence of an immense concourse of spectators; and in commemoration of the day, one of the jetties is named the "Victoria." Vessels and steamers of the largest size can approach the pier, which is 1700 feet in length, and varies in breadth from eighty to 160 feet; it has a massive wall with occasional entrances to each side of the pier, running up the centre; and the whole is of the most solid and beautiful masonry. The Victoria jetty, on the west side, extends ninety feet; on the east side is a jetty of similar dimensions; and two others are at the distance of about 350 feet seawards. There are also two slips for shipping cattle; and a lighthouse at the extremity of the pier. On the Queen's visit to this part of her dominions in 1842, Granton pier was the place of Her Majesty's landing, on the 1st of September, and of her embarkation, on her return to England, on the 15th of the same month. In July, 1844, an act was obtained for the extension of the Edinburgh and Newhaven railway to Granton; the line has been commenced, and, it is expected, will be completed in 1846. An elegant and commodious inn has been erected here by the Duke of Buccleuch, and there is already the nucleus of a handsome town and sea-port. The most direct road from Edinburgh to Granton is by Inverleithrow, at the head of which is the new road, on the left, through Wardie grounds.