The Madelvic car factory, Granton

Day off work today, so just having a chilled time. Went out to get some shopping and blipped the old Madelvic Car factory in Granton, which is the oldest surviving car factory in Britain (built in 1898). There was a test track on the roof of the factory.

Madelvic Motors was founded by William (later Sir William) Peck, Edinburgh City Astronomer. But the company survived for only two years - from 1898 to 1900.

The Madelvic cars resembled old coaches. In fact, shafts were incorporated into Madelvic cars so that horses could take over if the electric motor failed.

The cars were driven by a small fifth wheel. It can be seen in the photograph above, making contact with the ground between and behind the two front wheels.

The company also produced some small two-seater electric cars in which the front wheels were powered conventionally.

Madelvic Motors became bankrupt and were taken over by Kingsburgh Motor Company in 1900 and then by the Stirlings Motor Carriages Ltd, who also built buses on the site, exporting some to Australia.

In 1925 the buildings were bought by United Wire, and used by them until 2001 when they were purchased by the development company Waterfront Edinburgh Limited, a joint venture between City of Edinburgh Council and Scottish Enterprise.

The original factory building still stands in Granton, and is currently being renovated for residential and office use