image copyright Rachel Windsor

Reid Terrace was the first terrace built of the Colonies in Stockbridge.  It was named for Hugh Gilzean Reid, philanthropist and editor of the Evening News.   He was the leader of the 9 hours movement, a campaign to have the working day reduced from 10 hours to nine.  This movement eventually led to the masons being refused work and it was at this point that they considered starting the Edinburgh Building Cooperative Company to provide accommodation for themselves and their families, and the Stockbridge Colonies were born.  The Reverend James Begg laid the foundation stone in October 1861 and a bottle was placed in a cavity containing coins, newspapers and the laws and contracts of the Company.