Should one happen upon a detached head in a public space, it would raise concerns and cause alarm. However, this cannot be said of the face that lies in a public park a few miles west of Edinburgh’s city center. Commonly referred to as the “Hermit” of Hailes Quarry Park, this stone facade, with a whimsical smile, is a homage to a character from the capital’s history. During the late-18th century, the area of Wester Hailes was known for its rock quarries. These large open pits would provide the city…
