New Logie Green: The Historic Home of St Bernard's FC
In the late 19th century, the landscape of Scottish football was shaped by various grounds that hosted the early passion of the sport. Among these was New Logie Green, a venue that served as a pivotal hub for St Bernard's FC and played a role in some of Edinburgh's most significant early sporting encounters.
The Establishment and Early Years
St Bernard's moved to New Logie Green in 1889, relocating from their previous base at Powderhall. The ground was developed with a focus on spectator capacity, featuring an uncovered seated stand on the western side and a pavilion situated in the north-east corner. To accommodate larger crowds, banking—raised earth mounds for standing spectators—was constructed around the remainder of the pitch.
The club's ascent in the sport was marked by their election into Division One of the Scottish Football League (SFL) in 1893. The venue hosted its first SFL match on August 26, 1893, where 5,000 fans witnessed a 0–0 draw against Rangers.
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Growth and Record Attendances
As the club's popularity grew, so did the infrastructure. A grandstand was erected in 1894 to improve the viewing experience. This period saw the ground reach its peak league attendance on November 10, 1894, when 8,000 spectators attended a 2–0 defeat to Celtic. This attendance record was later equalled on September 19, 1898, during another 2–0 loss, this time to Rangers.
Hosting the 1896 Cup Final
One of the most notable events in the history of New Logie Green occurred in 1896. The Scottish FA selected the ground to host the cup final between fierce Edinburgh rivals Hearts and Hibernian. This decision was made because the traditional venue, Hampden Park, was occupied by an international rugby match.
The choice of venue was not without controversy. Despite the installation of a temporary stand at the northern end, critics warned that the ground's estimated capacity of 23,000 was insufficient for a major final. There were calls from supporters to move the match to Ibrox or Hampden Park in Glasgow, and Hearts suggested using their own Tynecastle ground. However, the Scottish FA maintained the location.
The match took place on March 14, 1896, with Hearts securing a 3–1 victory. While the attendance of 16,034 set a ground record, it remained well below the estimated total capacity.
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The Decline and Legacy of the Ground
The era of New Logie Green came to a close at the turn of the century. St Bernard's lease expired on December 31, 1899. Their final appearance at the ground occurred on December 30, resulting in a 3–3 draw with St Mirren. The club's final home league match of that season had to be moved to Ibrox.
Following this departure, St Bernard's spent time at New Powderhall before returning to the Royal Gymnasium Ground, where they had played during the 1880s. The site of New Logie Green underwent several transformations, first serving as a car park for New Powderhall and eventually being developed for housing.
Interestingly, the area remained linked to football for a short while longer; in 1904, Leith Athletic moved to Old Logie Green (the original Powderhall stadium), located just north-east of the New Logie Green site.
Key Facts
- Primary Tenant: St Bernard's FC (1889–1899).
- First SFL Match: August 26, 1893, vs Rangers (0–0).
- Highest League Attendance: 8,000 (recorded in 1894 and 1898).
- Major Event: Hosted the 1896 Scottish Cup Final (Hearts 3–1 Hibernian).
- Estimated Capacity: 23,000.
- Final Match: December 30, 1899, vs St Mirren (3–3).
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Years of Operation (St Bernard's) | 1889–1899 |
| Record Attendance (Cup Final) | 16,034 |
| Key Infrastructure | Western seated stand, North-east pavilion, 1894 Grandstand |
| Current Status | Residential housing |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the 1896 cup final held at New Logie Green?
The match was moved there because Hampden Park, the usual venue, was being used for an international rugby match at the time.
What was the highest attendance ever recorded at the ground?
The ground record was 16,034 spectators, achieved during the 1896 cup final between Hearts and Hibernian.
Which other clubs used New Logie Green?
In addition to St Bernard's, Leith Athletic used the ground for two matches at the beginning of the 1899–1900 season.
What happened to the site after St Bernard's left?
The site was first used as a car park for New Powderhall and was eventually converted into housing.
When did St Bernard's first play in the Scottish Football League at this venue?
They played their first SFL match at New Logie Green on August 26, 1893, against Rangers.