|
|
IMG_1936 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
In 1781, a small town north of Edinburgh became home to Scotland's first asylum for the insane, described as a "house and garden" on the outskirts of the town center. By the early 19th century, this institution was already experiencing overcrowding, which in turn contributed to deteriorating conditions. In 1858, a new asylum was completed on a parcel of farmland in an adjacent village, while the original site was vacated. Increased capacity at the new complex allowed for stringent requirements for admission to be relaxed.
Despite the increased space, the number of patients continued to grow, reaching 670 by 1900. Over the next 10 years, several additional buildings were constructed, including an infirmary, cottages and 2 "detached villas". During World War II, steps were taken to protect the asylum and its patients, including gas proofing and sandbagging of basement windows and the issuance of gas masks. In October of 1940, five high explosive bombs fell on the hospital grounds, breaking windows and causing injuries, but with no casualties. Due to bomb damage at other asylums, many additional patients were temporarily housed here, increasing the number of patients beyond 1000 for the first and only time.
The asylum's most famous patient was Charles Altamont Doyle, father of author Arthur Conan Doyle. Struggling with alcoholism and depression, Doyle was admitted to the asylum in May 1885, after a violent escape attempt from a nursing home. Plagued by delusions and visions, Doyle spent much of his time drawing and sketching, with an emphasis on fantastical scenes and beings. This piece, titled 'The Spirits of the Prisoners', depicts these creatures swooping around the asylum. (Courtesy of Angus Folklore)
Over the next few decades, the asylum underwent many changes as advances were made in the field of mental health. As asylums across Scotland were consolidated, the hospital saw its resident population steadily drop. Meanwhile, improvements were made to increase quality of life for patients and staff, including modernization of several wards, installation of radiators, and the introduction of television sets in the wards during the 1950's. The population continued to dwindle until the hospital officially closed in 2011.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
While this asylum is well known among the UK exploring community, I had only heard of it upon my arrival last winter. However, even as I researched the site and looked at other's photos, it held a certain sense of mystery, a large mental hospital tucked far away in the hills of Scotland. Despite its popularity among explorers, its remote location and inconsistent site security made it a bit of a gamble to access. Even if it was a shot in the dark, though, I just had to see it for myself. Near the end of the semester, with my workload lightening, I made plans for the 12-hour round trip, not sure what to expect.
After a six-hour train ride, and a long walk from the station to the village, the hospital grounds were a breath of fresh air. A vast expanse of lawn led up to the main building and infirmary, and in the other direction, the North Sea glimmered on the horizon. I spent much of the afternoon scouting the site for access, and just enjoying the day. I wasn't alone, as quite a few locals strolled or walked their dogs. With a helpful tip from Mookster, plus a bit of dumb luck, I had a way in; I would check into my B&B, get some food and sleep, and return under the cover of darkness.
Early the next morning, I made my way back to the hospital grounds. With the sun still below the horizon, all was quiet and still, and the structures on the hill loomed ahead.
The main building: 1
IMG_1953 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
The infirmary: 2
IMG_1967 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
Before setting up my camera, I took some time to wander the dark halls of the main building. Initially, the decor seemed rather clinical and beige; this wing had clearly been modernized. 3
IMG_2009 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
A peek out a window, towards the building's main hall: 4
IMG_2300 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
However, as I made my way through the building, beige gave way to more vibrant blues and yellows, and the structure's original charm began to show through. In a few spots, only a doorway or stairwell stood between the old and the new. 5
S-2190 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
6
IMG_2338 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
7
IMG_2360 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
8
IMG_2145 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
9
Su-2361 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
From here, it was on to the upper levels... 10
IMG_2045 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
11
IMG_2421 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
12
IMG_2080 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
13
IMG_2307 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
14
IMG_2320 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
15
IMG_2101 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
...Then down to the basement: 16
IMG_2403 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
Even on an uncommon sunny day, the basement cells and rooms enjoyed little natural light; low ceilings and small windows made for a gloomy atmosphere. I'd imagine patients were housed here only as a last resort when space was limited. 17
IMG_2291 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
A small record storage room: 18
IMG_2296 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
Around the corner, a series of tunnels connect utilities between the power plant and various outbuildings: 19
IMG_2286 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
20
IMG_2299 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
After a quick walk to the village for some breakfast, I returned to check out more of the main building, including the main hall. The woodwork and decor in here were absolutely stunning, and these features were accentuated by the morning light pouring through the hall's massive windows. It was also here that I met a couple of other explorers, among the handful of people I'd meet here throughout the day. 21
S-2480 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
22
IMG_2397 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
23
S-2243 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
24
IMG_2257 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
A painted backdrop still hangs behind the stage: 25
IMG_2262 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
Meanwhile, the studio of a small radio station, once run with the help of patients, remains scattered with paperwork and equipment. 26
IMG_2391 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
Behind the hall, cavernous food preparation, maintenance and storage rooms sat largely empty. 27
IMG_2222 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
28
IMG_2381 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
29
IMG_2442 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
30
IMG_2377 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
In a small outbuilding, underneath the main chapel, a tiny mortuary and chapel of rest: 31
Su-1907 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
32
IMG_1895 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
The interior of the infirmary, where a series of sprawling rooms once housed ill patients: 33
Su-2491 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
34
Su-2495 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
Camera batteries dead, and a bit exhausted, I took one last walk around the property, taking photos with my phone: 35
20180506_160105 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
36
20180506_154801 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
...And finally, one last shot of the main building: 37
20180505_172325 by Sanitarium Sean, on Flickr
Even after hours of exploring over two days, I still felt there was plenty I had missed, as many buildings remained tightly sealed. The stunning combination of architecture and natural setting, however, made this one of my favorite locations to date. Furthermore, in studying the hospital's history, I developed a special appreciation for this it's story. While it experienced periods of overpopulation, it seems to have avoided many of the mistakes that plagued countless other mental institutions. Instead of accounts of patient neglect and abuse, I found stories of hard-working staff and superintendents that genuinely cared about the health of their residents. Even in the original asylum's early days, when mental health was much less understood, the hospital was seen as a source of pride for the community, a benefit as opposed to a burden.
Not long after my visit, fences were put up around the main building as work began to redevelop the property; much of the open land will be converted to housing, while several outbuildings are slated to be demolished. Thankfully, however, the main building and infirmary will be spared, and will hopefully be re-purposed. Some aspects of the plan remain unclear, but in one form or another, this asylum will live on.
Thanks for looking!
[last edit 9/8/2018 12:47 AM by Sanitarium Sean - edited 1 times]
| |
Damn. Just. DAMN. Thanks for the share!
Give abandonment a reason for its sacrificial reclamation to nature. Love it. Remember it. Take a picture. Share it. Leave the decay to nature. Lifetime member of The Anti-MyInstaTubeTweetFace consortium. | |
This is absolutely incredible, I saw this on my flickr feed and couldn't wait for the thread.
| |
Cant remember the last time I saw a set this good on uer. Great stuff dude!
https://www.flickr...62837453@N07/sets/ http://www.tfpnj.blogspot.com | |
I was looking forward to you posting this up - amazing set of shots and I'm so glad it was easily accessible for you. It looks like I may miss the boat on this one sadly as you are right, work does appear to have begun in some capacity inside the main building.
| |
this place looks awesome, great set of pictures!
http://www.lost-in-time-ue.nl | |
Totally Amazing! Caught at precisely the right time. Congrats on such a wonderful explore. Really quite fascinating that its still in such great shape overall. Lovely captures.
A place of Mystery is Always worth a curiosity trip! | |
Really great post and set that only got better with each shot! Such a pristine place too. Thanks for sharing this one.
| |
This set is stunning, I agree that the vivid colors deeper in the building were cool.
| |
What an amazing complex. Been way cool to see it before it was gutted. Thank you for the peek at it
Just when I thought I was out... they pulled me back in. | |
Awesome post! Super rad explore. Thanks for sharing!
"By the prick of my thumb something wicked this way comes..." "Under the cover of night, I travel across rooftops while you dream of adventure." | |
Post by Mr. Bitey Damn. Just. DAMN. Thanks for the share! |
Post by Pear This is absolutely incredible, I saw this on my flickr feed and couldn't wait for the thread. |
Post by EsseXploreR Cant remember the last time I saw a set this good on uer. Great stuff dude! |
Post by Jascha_400D this place looks awesome, great set of pictures! |
Post by MisUnderstood! Totally Amazing! Caught at precisely the right time. Congrats on such a wonderful explore. Really quite fascinating that its still in such great shape overall. Lovely captures. |
Post by Desertify Urbex Really great post and set that only got better with each shot! Such a pristine place too. Thanks for sharing this one. |
Post by Alpine7840 This set is stunning, I agree that the vivid colors deeper in the building were cool. |
Post by blackhawk What an amazing complex. Been way cool to see it before it was gutted. Thank you for the peek at it |
Post by Calvin Kaneda Awesome post! Super rad explore. Thanks for sharing! |
Thanks so much everybody, really glad you enjoyed it! It was quite an awesome experience, and really lucky timing. It's disappointing that it may be gutted/altered, but under the UK's historical preservation laws, it'll be next to impossible for any developer to tear it down.
Post by mookster I was looking forward to you posting this up - amazing set of shots and I'm so glad it was easily accessible for you. It looks like I may miss the boat on this one sadly as you are right, work does appear to have begun in some capacity inside the main building. |
Thanks man, you were a big help! Even with some work started, it still very well may be worth a visit.
| |
Yes nice report . Believe the owners are getting tired of the foot traffic going through here, along with the damage. That has taken place with boards being constantly ripped off. Due to the attention it is local explorers don't think it will survive sadly . pics 19 and 20 was service tunnels that early explorers used to use when first closed . They had pirs that warned 2 onsite guards who would investigate and phone police when it was still owned by NHS property. They where filled in by filling in the middle of the links for that reason.
[last edit 9/16/2018 3:51 PM by pincheck - edited 1 times]
| |
Oh! Very nice!
| |
Wow im amazed places like this, in this good of a condition still exist. incredible.
| |
Spectacular set! Cool to see something this large not vandalized or looted
| |
Amazing shots, great write-up, worth crossing the pond for, any day
http://www.flickr....otos/96576503@N00/ | |
Every single pic is awesome. Very impressive!
| |
Post by pincheck Yes nice report . Believe the owners are getting tired of the foot traffic going through here, along with the damage. That has taken place with boards being constantly ripped off. Due to the attention it is local explorers don't think it will survive sadly . pics 19 and 20 was service tunnels that early explorers used to use when first closed . They had pirs that warned 2 onsite guards who would investigate and phone police when it was still owned by NHS property. They where filled in by filling in the middle of the links for that reason. |
Thank you! I found out about the filled-in segments of tunnel the hard way. Walked a few hundred feet thinking I'd access some of the outbuildings, only to encounter the pile of dirt/concrete.
Post by TrixieSparrow Oh! Very nice! |
Post by AsylumGhost Wow im amazed places like this, in this good of a condition still exist. incredible. |
Post by TheDrummer Spectacular set! Cool to see something this large not vandalized or looted |
Much appreciated ! There were certainly some areas of the complex where vandalism had taken its toll, but overall it was in surprisingly good shape. Sadly there aren't many places of this age and condition left in the States.
Post by offlimits Amazing shots, great write-up, worth crossing the pond for, any day |
Post by randlecanbandle Every single pic is awesome. Very impressive! |
Thanks, much appreciated!
| |
This place is crazy awesome. ;) nice work!
|
Add a poll to this thread This thread is one of your Favourites. Click to make normal.Click to make this thread a Favourite.
This thread is in a public category, and can't be made private. |
Powered by AvBoard AvBoard version 1.5 alpha
Page Generated In: 78 ms
|
|