Bruntsfield Links is a public park and historic open space located in the Bruntsfield area of Edinburgh, Scotland. The Links comprise a stretch of grassy land adjacent to the Water of Leith, bounded by the residential neighborhoods of Bruntsfield, Morningside, and the city centre district of the Old Town.
Geography and Layout
The park covers approximately 20 acres (8 hectares) of rolling terrain, interspersed with pathways, mature trees, and open grasslands. The Water of Leith borders its western edge, and the area connects to the nearby Logan Braes and the southern extension of the city's network of footpaths.
Historical Significance
Bruntsfield Links is one of the earliest recorded sites for the game of golf in the world. Historical records indicate that organized golf was played on the Links as early as the 16th century, predating the establishment of the more famous courses at St Andrews and Musselburgh. The site was used by local golfers and by members of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews during the 19th century. The first formal golf club associated with Bruntsfield Links, the Bruntsfield Golf Club, was founded in 1880, though the club later relocated to a different venue.
During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Links also served as a communal grazing ground and a venue for occasional public events, including fairs and military drills. In the mid‑20th century, the City of Edinburgh Council acquired the land for public recreation, preserving its open character while adding amenities such as footpaths, benches, and signage.
Recreational Use
Today Bruntsfield Links is primarily used for walking, jogging, dog walking, and informal sports. The park provides a green corridor linking the Water of Leith walkways with residential streets, making it a popular route for cyclists and pedestrians. Although the original golf greens are no longer present, a marker plaque commemorates the site's contribution to the development of golf.
Conservation and Management
Management of Bruntsfield Links falls under the jurisdiction of the City of Edinburgh Council’s Parks and Gardens Department. The council maintains the grassland, controls invasive plant species, and ensures the preservation of historic elements such as old stone walls and boundary markers. The Links are designated as a public open space under local planning regulations, which protect them from development.
Cultural References
Bruntsfield Links is occasionally referenced in literature and local histories as an example of Edinburgh’s historic “links” lands—areas traditionally used for grazing and recreation on the city’s periphery. The name “Bruntsfield” derives from the older farmstead of “Brunt’s field,” recorded in medieval charters.
Access
Public access to Bruntsfield Links is free and unrestricted. Entry points are located on Bruntsfield Place, the Water of Leith walkway at the Riverside Path, and various residential streets bordering the park. The nearest public transport connections are Edinburgh bus routes serving Bruntsfield Road and the nearby Bruntsfield tram stop.
