Granton Gas Holder, Historic Building Record and Monitoring

The archaeological works conducted at the Granton Gas Holder were composed of a historic building record of the existing structure before the start of the works and a watching brief during the dismantling and ground-breaking works. This included a comprehensive digital photographic of the remaining gas holder and any associated structure still existing on site. The ground disturbing works and the demolition of the gas holder crown and dumpling were monitored where relevant. A comprehensive photograph register was maintained during the works, including a photograph location plan for the initial historic building record. Addyman Archaeology undertook a programme of Historic Building Recording and Monitoring at the site of the Category B listed Granton Gas Holder prior to and during its refurbishment by the City of Edinburgh Council. The gas holder is located within the large industrial landscape of the Granton Gas Works, now mostly demolished. Remains of building platforms, inspection chambers and foundation were noted, though evidence for the large additional gas holder on either side of the surviving one were scarce and only visible through relic earth banks. The surviving gas holder was complete, with frame, tank, crown, cone, and inlet and outlet valves. During the refurbishments, the crown, associated concertina panels and guides were removed, the tank was backfilled and the frame was repaired. All parts of the holder were seen during the works, and a comprehensive photographic record was maintained, including the inside of the crown, allowing a glimpse into the operation of a gas holder.