Colinton is one of Edinburgh’s historic suburbs, tucked into a leafy valley to the southwest of the city. It feels like a village within the city, centred around the Water of Leith, with steep wooded banks, a charming church, and stone houses that seem far older than much of modern Edinburgh. The area is most famous for its ties to the poet Robert Louis Stevenson, who spent time here in his youth, and for the Colinton Tunnel – a once dark and unused railway tunnel that has now been transformed into a vibrant mural celebrating art, poetry, and local history.
Walking through Colinton feels like stepping back in time. The stone bridge, ivy-covered walls, and quiet corners make it an unexpectedly peaceful part of the city. The tunnel itself is alive with colour, with layers of detail that reward a slow wander.
I used the Biotar 58mm lens for this visit, and it was an absolute delight. The lens has a reputation for its distinctive swirly bokeh, and with the quaint cottages in Colinton, it really came into its own. This lens added an almost painterly quality to my images, perfectly suiting the atmosphere of Colinton.
