Madelvic Motor Carriage Company Edinburgh: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide
Date: 04/07/2025
Introduction: Madelvic’s Place in Edinburgh’s Industrial Heritage
Edinburgh, celebrated for its vibrant cultural and industrial past, is home to the Madelvic Motor Carriage Company site—Britain’s oldest surviving purpose-built car factory. Founded in 1898 by William Peck, then City Astronomer, Madelvic was a pioneer in electric vehicle development and a significant player in the transformation of transport at the turn of the 20th century. Although its commercial ambitions were curtailed by the era’s technological constraints, Madelvic’s legacy is deeply etched into the city’s industrial landscape.
Today, the Madelvic site in Granton comprises historical factory buildings, including the striking Madelvic House, and serves as both a symbol of Edinburgh’s industrial ingenuity and a hub for community and cultural engagement. While the factory itself is not a traditional museum and has limited interior access due to ongoing restoration, its exterior is open for exploration, and community initiatives led by granton:hub offer exhibitions, workshops, and historical archives. As part of wider regeneration efforts along the Edinburgh waterfront, the site connects heritage preservation with the city’s dynamic urban future.
For up-to-date visitor information, historical resources, and event details, consult trusted sources such as the National Transport Trust, the Buildings at Risk Register, and Granton Hub. Whether you’re admiring the red-brick façade, joining a walking tour, or attending a community event, Madelvic offers a fascinating window into early automotive innovation and Edinburgh’s industrial story.
Table of Contents
- Discover the Madelvic Motor Carriage Company – Edinburgh’s Pioneer of Electric Vehicles
- Visiting the Madelvic Motor Carriage Company: Hours, Tickets, and Historic Site Information
- Visiting Madelvic House: Visitor Guide
- Visiting Madelvic House: Practical Visitor Guide
- Summary and Travel Tips
- References and Official Links
Discover the Madelvic Motor Carriage Company – Edinburgh’s Pioneer of Electric Vehicles
Visiting the Madelvic Factory Site
Location: West Shore Road, Granton, Edinburgh, EH5 1NZ
Visiting Hours: The Madelvic factory (Madelvic House) is not open as a public museum due to restoration, but its exterior can be freely viewed at any time. Occasional public tours and open days are announced by local heritage groups and granton:hub.
Entry Fees: There is no charge for viewing the exterior. Special tours or events may have fees, announced in advance.
Accessibility: The area is accessible by public transport, including Lothian Buses serving Granton and Leith. The historic building itself has limited public access; the surroundings are generally pedestrian-friendly.
Getting There: The site is reachable by bus from Edinburgh city centre (Lothian Buses routes 16 and 22), or by car with nearby parking.
About the Madelvic Motor Carriage Company
Founded in 1898 by William Peck, the Madelvic Motor Carriage Company was a trailblazer in electric vehicle manufacturing. Peck’s vision led to the creation of the electric brougham—a carriage powered by a central fifth wheel, with variants including vans for the Edinburgh Post Office. Madelvic’s red-brick factory is the oldest purpose-built car factory in the UK, instantly recognizable by its architectural details and historic emblems.
The Electric Brougham: A Technological First
Madelvic’s electric brougham featured a three-wheel tractor unit with a central powered wheel, attachable to standard carriages. Despite the innovative design, early battery limitations prevented widespread commercial adoption.
Later History and Current Status
After closing in the early 20th century, the factory saw diverse industrial uses (including wire manufacturing and WWI torpedo storage). Today, Madelvic House is a Category B listed building, central to the Edinburgh Waterfront regeneration and a focus for heritage conservation.
Nearby Attractions and Tips
- Granton Harbour: Ideal for walks and birdwatching.
- Edinburgh Waterfront: A regenerating district with cafes, parks, and cultural venues.
- Leith: Historic area with shops, restaurants, and museums.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I tour the inside of the Madelvic factory?
A: Interior access is currently unavailable, but exterior viewing and occasional tours are offered by heritage groups.
Q: Are there exhibitions about Madelvic?
A: Local museums sometimes feature Madelvic in industrial history exhibitions. Check with the Museum of Edinburgh or National Museum of Scotland.
Q: Is there parking?
A: Limited street parking is available, but public transport is encouraged.
Q: How do I learn more about Madelvic’s history?
A: Onsite plaques, local libraries, and online resources provide detailed information.
Visiting the Madelvic Motor Carriage Company: Hours, Tickets, and Historic Site Information
Origins and Innovation
The Madelvic Works, established in 1898 by William Peck, produced Scotland’s first electric motor vans for the Post Office in 1899 (Scottish Places). Its central fifth wheel propulsion system marked a significant innovation in early automotive engineering.
Architectural Features
Purpose-built for car manufacturing, the factory’s robust brickwork, large windows, and symbolic vehicle wheel motif on Madelvic House set it apart (Buildings at Risk Register).
Site Evolution and Conservation
Although the original company ceased in 1900, subsequent uses ranged from fuel-powered vehicle production to wire manufacturing and wartime storage. The site is now recognized on the Buildings at Risk Register and is a focus for conservation and adaptive reuse (Buildings at Risk Register; Scottish Places).
Visitor Information
- Visiting Hours: Exterior viewing is possible daily; interior access is limited due to restoration.
- Tickets: Exterior access is free; guided tours may be ticketed.
- Guided Tours: Planned for future development phases.
- Accessibility: Limited during restoration; contact visitor services for details.
- Location: 37 Granton Park Avenue, Granton, Edinburgh.
- Facilities: Modern amenities are available nearby in the Waterfront district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Exterior viewing daily; check with Waterfront Edinburgh for updates.
Q: Is there an entry fee?
A: No, exterior viewing is free.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Not regularly; future plans are in place.
Q: Is the site accessible?
A: Limited; contact for specific needs.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Madelvic is a distinctive site that captures the spirit of early automotive innovation and Edinburgh’s industrial growth. For updates on restoration and tours, follow Waterfront Edinburgh and related heritage organizations. Enhance your visit with the Audiala app for guided content and interactive experiences.
Visiting Madelvic House: Visitor Guide
Status and Preservation
Madelvic House, part of the original 1898 complex, is now a vibrant community hub managed by granton:hub, and is protected as a Category B listed building (National Transport Trust; Yahoo News).
Community and Cultural Life
The building hosts workshops, exhibitions, and a historical archive showcasing the factory’s legacy, its electric vehicle innovations, and the industrial heritage of Granton. The adjacent community garden offers a tranquil green space.
Heritage Recognition
A National Transport Trust “Red Wheel” plaque, unveiled in 2021, commemorates Madelvic’s significance in British motoring history (National Transport Trust). Onsite interpretation and exhibits provide context for visitors (Curious Edinburgh).
Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (check granton:hub for updates).
- Tickets: Free entry; donations welcome.
- Guided Tours & Events: Offered during festivals and heritage days; see website for details.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, with some limitations due to the historic structure. Contact in advance for assistance.
- Getting There: Lothian Buses routes 19 and 47 stop nearby; limited parking is available.
Events and What to See
- Red Wheel heritage plaque and interpretive displays
- Rotating exhibitions on Madelvic’s history
- Community workshops and creative events
- Access to a local history archive
- Enjoyment of the community garden
Conservation and Future Developments
Ongoing regeneration of the Granton Waterfront will affect Madelvic’s surroundings, including proposed new housing. Conservation remains a community priority (Yahoo News).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the opening hours?
A: Typically Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00–16:00. Confirm on granton:hub.
Q: Is entry free?
A: Yes.
Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Occasionally, especially during festivals.
Q: Is Madelvic House wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with some limitations.
Q: What else is nearby?
A: Granton Waterfront, Granton Harbour, and the Forth Bridge are all close.
Visiting Madelvic House: Practical Visitor Guide
Location and Accessibility
Located at Granton Park Avenue, Edinburgh EH5 1HS, Madelvic House is accessible by public transport and offers on-street parking. The area is flat and suitable for wheelchairs and prams (Curious Edinburgh Granton Tour).
Heritage Features
The Victorian red-brick building, with original sash windows and decorative brickwork, is a rare example of early car factory design (Granton Hub). The site’s long history includes electric vehicle production, wartime storage, and later industrial uses (Curious Edinburgh).
Visitor Experience
- Admire the architecture and heritage signage
- Participate in guided or self-guided walking tours (Curious Edinburgh Granton Tour)
- Enjoy local public art installations
Tours and Community Activities
Granton’s walking tours highlight the area’s rich industrial past, creative life, and the role of Madelvic House. Community events and exhibitions are regularly hosted (Granton Hub).
Nearby Attractions
Scenic walks, city skyline views, and other historic sites like gasworks and railway infrastructure are nearby.
Practical Information
- Tickets: No charge for exterior visits or most events.
- Hours: No regular opening; check for special events.
- Facilities: Limited on site; cafes and shops nearby.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair and pram accessible.
- Photography: Exterior photography encouraged; seek permission for interiors.
FAQs
Q: Is Madelvic House open daily?
A: No; access is typically during special events. See Granton Hub.
Q: Are tickets needed?
A: No, except for special events.
Q: Can I take photos?
A: Yes, especially of the exterior.
Visual and Cultural Insights
Find images and maps on Granton Hub and Curious Edinburgh. Madelvic’s story is kept alive through community exhibitions and creative projects.
Responsible Tourism
Respect the local community, use public transport, and support sustainable travel initiatives.
Explore More Edinburgh Sites
Summary and Tips
The Madelvic Motor Carriage Company site is a testament to Edinburgh’s industrial innovation and early electric vehicle history. While interior access is limited, the historic buildings, community activities, and walking tours offer a rewarding cultural experience in the Granton district. The site is easily accessible by public transport and is enhanced by nearby attractions along the Edinburgh waterfront.
For the latest on visiting hours, tours, and events, consult Granton Hub, Waterfront Edinburgh, and official heritage sources. Enhance your visit with the Audiala app and share your experience using #MadelvicEdinburgh.
(National Transport Trust) (Buildings at Risk Register) (Granton Hub)
References
- Waterfront Edinburgh
- Scottish Places – Madelvic Motor Carriage Company
- Buildings at Risk Register
- National Transport Trust – Madelvic Motor Factory
- Granton Hub
- Curious Edinburgh Granton Tour
- Yahoo News – Madelvic House Developments
