Swanston is a village and residential area on the southern edge of Edinburgh, Scotland, noted for its picturesque thatched cottages set around an informal village green. Because of its relatively isolated position at the foot of the Pentland Hills, it has remained largely unaffected by commercial or suburban development. The village grew up in the 18th century, originally to provide accommodation for farm workers on Swanston Farm. The farm, in turn, can trace its origins back at least to the 13th century and possibly earlier. The area has also played a role in supplying Edinburgh with fresh water. Its most notable resident was the young Robert Louis Stevenson, whose family leased a holiday home in the village during the late 19th century. Location Swanston is located on the southern edge of Edinburgh, immediately to the south of the Edinburgh City Bypass and at the foot of the Pentland Hills. It is about from the city centre, and about above sea level. The village lies within the boundaries of the Colinton and Fairmilehead local government ward (Ward 8), the Fairmilehead Community Council, the Pentland Hills Regional Park and the Swanston Conservation Area. The village is surrounded by woods, open farmland and a golf course. The only vehicle access is by means of a single metalled road (Swanston Road). This terminates at a gate at the highest point in the village, beyond which the route continues as a rough track leading up into the hills. Visitors' vehicles are not permitted in the centre of the village. These factors have all helped maintain Swanston as a picturesque area, somewhat isolated from the rest of the city and largely unaffected by commercial or suburban development. The name Swanston is also applied to an area of modern housing, built in the 1980s and 1990s, just to the north of the City Bypass. This is separate from the original village and lies outside the Regional Park and Conservation Area. History The name Swanston is thought to be derived from Old Norse Sveins tún, meaning Sveinn's enclosure or farm. It first appears in a document of 1214, referring to Sveinn's farm within the Barony of Redhall. There is some evidence that the farming estate dates back to the 9th century. The name also appears in 14th century charters granted in the reign of David II. It is listed as part of land owned by Knights Templars who