Close means a closed ending there is only one way out it is the same way as you came in. Hope this helps Regards Eleanor -----Original Message----- From: gordon crooks [mailto:glcrooks@bcpl.net] Sent: 21 March 2005 12:21 To: MIDLOTHIAN-L@rootsweb.com Subject: [MLN] The Close's of Edinburgh Can anyone explain the reason for building "Close's" in the first place, shortage of flat land or what? Gordon