The History: Astronomer William Peck founded the Madelvic Motor Carriage Company and the factory opened in 1898. It is said to be the oldest purpose-built car factory in the UK and they manufactured an electric powered car which did not prove very popular as it was not capable of great speed. In 1899 the company built three electric vans to carry mail between the post office on Waterloo Place and Leith, which were the first motor vans used by the postal service in Scotland. These were capable of carrying over half a ton of mail and powered by rechargeable batteries at the front of the vehicle.
In appearance, the vehicles resembled horse drawn carriages but with steel wheels and iron spokes. They were painted red with gold and black and featured a fifth central wheel which propelled the vehicle. The company did not last very long before going into liquidation and several other motor and engineering companies took over the premises in the following years. In 1925 it became part of the United Wire Works Granton Factory, tasked with producing wire cloth on broadlooms for the Scottish paper industry. Production ceased in 2001 and the factory has fallen into disrepair.
The Explore: Nice and easy explore on a rainy evening after work. The whole place is very waterlogged, and the floor is a bit dodgy in places, especially on the bridge connecting the two upper levels. An empty shell but still worth a look around due to the interesting history.
In appearance, the vehicles resembled horse drawn carriages but with steel wheels and iron spokes. They were painted red with gold and black and featured a fifth central wheel which propelled the vehicle. The company did not last very long before going into liquidation and several other motor and engineering companies took over the premises in the following years. In 1925 it became part of the United Wire Works Granton Factory, tasked with producing wire cloth on broadlooms for the Scottish paper industry. Production ceased in 2001 and the factory has fallen into disrepair.
The Explore: Nice and easy explore on a rainy evening after work. The whole place is very waterlogged, and the floor is a bit dodgy in places, especially on the bridge connecting the two upper levels. An empty shell but still worth a look around due to the interesting history.
