Basic Biographical Details Name: | Ebenezer James MacRae | Designation: | | Born: | 18 January 1881 | Died: | 15 January 1951 | Bio Notes: | Ebenezer James MacRae was born on 18 January 1881, 'a son of the manse'. His father was Alexander MacRae, a minister of the Free Church of Scotland and his mother was Annie Macrae, herself the daughter of another Free Kirk Minister. Somewhat surprisingly he was articled to the Roman Catholic Archibald Macpherson in 1899 and remained with him as draughtsman and assistant until December 1907. Macpherson, of whom he wrote in an affectionate memoir, was to remain a close friend for as long as he lived. During his time with Macpherson he studied at the School of Applied Art under Frank Worthington Simon from 1899 to 1904, concurrently attending Edinburgh University (1901-02) under Professor Gerald Baldwin Brown, and Heriot-Watt College (1901-07); from 1904 he attended the classes at the newly merged Edinburgh College of Art, including those in antique figure drawing, completing the course in 1906. During these early years he undertook sketching and measuring tours of York (1902 and 1904), Melrose (1904), Belgium (1905), Cambridge and Lincoln (1907) and Northamptonshire, Cambridge and Oxford (1907).
At the beginning of 1908 he moved to the office of John Kinross to spend six months assisting on his competition entry for the restoration of Kirkwall Cathedral, thereafter accepting a salaried post in the City Architect's Department under James Anderson Williamson. The following year, in collaboration with William Davidson who had been a fellow draughtsman in Macpherson's office, he exhibited designs for the furnishing and restoration of two Norfolk churches at the Royal Scottish Academy. Further collaborative designs were exhibited in 1911 and 1919, but the association between Davidson and MacRae appears to have been a loose one, as there is no evidence of a formal partnership having existed. He made additional tours of Paris in 1909, York in 1911, Norfolk in 1912 and Normandy in 1913. Surviving notes from this time show MacRae's interest in ecclesiastical architecture.
MacRae was admitted LRIBA in the mass intake of 20 July 1911, proposed by James Bow Dunn and the Edinburgh Architectural Association; but with characteristic determination he passed the qualifying exam in 1914 and was admitted ARIBA late that year, his proposers this time being Macpherson, John Watson, one of the teachers at the School of Applied Art and at Edinburgh College of Art and Alexander Lorne Campbell.
In the First World War MacRae served with the Royal Engineers. He returned to the City Architect's Office in 1918, becoming Depute City Architect at some time prior to 1925 and succeeding Williamson as City Architect in July of the latter year. He was admitted FRIBA in 1934, proposed by Thomas Forbes Maclennan. Later that year he and Wilson were members of the Department of Health fact-finding team led by the Permanent Secretary John Highton which toured the continental housing estates in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, Berlin, Frankfurt, Prague, Vienna and Paris. He compiled much of the analysis that appeared in the subsequent report which had a profound influence on local authority housing in the late 1930s.
MacRae was sympathetic to conservation, and would have perhaps reconditioned more buildings for housing if the subsidies available under the 1919 Act had continued. He renovated a number of Old Town buildings and where that was not practicable he rebuilt several facades in something similar to their original form. In his survey of the Old Town he was assisted by a newly qualified planner, William Dey, later of Gordon & Dey, and produced a policy report; and from that he proceeded to produce another policy document, 'The Heritage of Greater Edinburgh', which listed all the traditional buildings in the city which were worthy of retention, very much in parallel with the Marquess of Bute's lists for the country as a whole. A large collection of related papers is preserved in Edinburgh Central Library. His interest also extended to historic statuary, and he published an essay on the 'Lead Equestrian Statue of Charles II' in the Book of the Old Edinburgh Club.
MacRae retired in July 1946, but continued to be influential in a variety of fields, remaining a member of the RIAS Council until 1950. He had a particular interest in the Edinburgh Cripple and Invalid Children's Aid Society to which he gave generously of his time and money and was ornithologist, photographer and watercolourist, exhibiting at the RSA from 1915 until 1940. Several of the subjects record his travels in France c.1914 and Germany c.1930. John Ross McKay wrote of him that 'as an official he was easy of approach. His innate courtesy and charm of manner made it a pleasure to visit him...he was always ready to assist and never adopted the reserve of the official'.
He died on 15 January 1951 at the Deaconess hospital, Edinburgh, his home address then being Taprobane, Ratho. His wiife, Dorothy Craigie, survived him. | Private and Business AddressesThe following private or business addresses are associated with this : | | Address | Type | Date from | Date to | Notes | ![Item 1 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | 9, Albert Terrace, Edinburgh, Scotland | Private | | After 1948 | | ![Item 2 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | 17, Braid Terrace Crescent, Edinburgh, Scotland | Private | 1911 * | | | ![Item 3 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | Royal Exchange, Edinburgh, Scotland | Business | 1930 or 1931 * | 1939 or after 1940 | | ![Item 4 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | 64, Frederick Street, Edinburgh, Scotland | Private | 1934 * | | | ![Item 5 of 5](images/table_item.gif) | Taprobane, Ratho, Midlothian, Scotland | Private | 1950 * | | |
* earliest date known from documented sources.
Employment and TrainingEmployersEmployees or Pupils* earliest date known from documented sources.
RIBARIBA ProposersRIBA Proposals
Buildings and DesignsThis was involved with the following buildings or structures from the date specified (click on an item to view details): | | Date started | Building name | Town, district or village | Island | City or county | Country | Notes | ![Item 1 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1903 | Our Lady of Loretto and St Michael RC Church, presbytery and hall | Musselburgh | | Midlothian | Scotland | As assistant to Archibald Macpherson | ![Item 2 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1907 | Kirkwall Cathedral | Kirkwall | Mainland | Orkney | Scotland | Competition tender for restoration - as assistant to John Kinross | ![Item 3 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1909 | Church of St Agnes, rood screen | Cawston | | Norfolk | England | Design exhibited - in collaboration with William Davidson | ![Item 4 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1909 | Church of St Helen | Ranworth | | Norfolk | England | Designs for restoration - in collaboration with William Davidson | ![Item 5 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1909 | Gorgie Market, corn market, Corporation Slaughterhouse and police station | Gorgie | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As assistant to James Anderson Williamson in City Architect's Office | ![Item 6 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1921 | Kilcalmonell Churchyard, War Memorial Gateway | | | Argyll | Scotland | | ![Item 7 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1925 | Prestonfield Council Housing Scheme | Prestonfield | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 8 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1926 | Gorgie Market, corn market, Corporation Slaughterhouse and police station | Gorgie | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Alterations and Extension | ![Item 9 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1926 | Leith Public Washhouse, Junction Place | Leith, Edinburgh | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 10 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1926 | Tram Shelter | Leith | | Edinburgh | Scotland | City Architect | ![Item 11 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | 87-89 Grassmarket | Old Town | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Reconditioned tenement | ![Item 12 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | Lauriston Castle, Stable Court | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 13 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | Portobello High Street and Rosefield Ave Council housing | Portobello | | Edinburgh | | As City Architect | ![Item 14 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | Portobello Power Station | Portobello | | Edinburgh | Scotland | MacRae design built, absorbing first section by Williamson. (In 1931 workshops and stores added) | ![Item 15 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1927 | St Margaret's Park | Corstorphine | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Laid out park | ![Item 16 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1928 | 66 Grassmarket | | | Edinburgh | | Reconditioned tenement | ![Item 17 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1928 | Henderson Row Public Washhouse | Stockbridge | | Edinburgh | | As City Architect | ![Item 18 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1928 | Niddrie Mains Council housing | Niddrie Mains | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 19 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1929 | 15-19 Grassmarket | Old Town | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 20 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1929 | 40-42 Candlemaker Row | Old Town | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Restoration - as City Architect | ![Item 21 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1929 | 74-84 Grassmarket | Old Town | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Restoration | ![Item 22 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1929 | Block of buildings, Grassmarket | Old Town | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 23 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1929 | Houses, Plainstanes Close, Grassmarket | Old Town | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Restoration - as City Architect | ![Item 24 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1929 | Niddrie Housing Estate | Niddrie | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 25 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1929 | Old Harrow Inn | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Restoration | ![Item 26 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1929 | Public Library | Corstorphine | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 27 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1929 | Richmond Place, West Richmond Street | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 28 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1929 or 1930 | 46-48 Candlemaker Row | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Restoration - as City Architect | ![Item 29 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1930s | Warehouses, Dalry | Dalry | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 30 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1930s | Westfield Tramway | Gorgie | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 31 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | 100-110 Canongate | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 32 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | 204 Houses | Slateford | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 33 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | 221-229 Canongate | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 34 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | 24 Houses | Gilmerton | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 35 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | 25-29 Simon Square, 1-8 Howden Street and 55-59 East Crosscauseway | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Demolition and rebuilding | ![Item 36 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | 39-43 Candlemaker Row | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Restoration - interior renewed | ![Item 37 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | 74-96 West Bow | Old Town | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Restoration of Nos. 94-96 | ![Item 38 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | Arcade of St John's and St Cuthbert's churchyards | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 39 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | Canongate Improvement Scheme | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 40 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | Clarebank School | Leith | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Pavilion | ![Item 41 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | Corstorphine Improvement Scheme | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 42 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | East Pilton Housing Estate, layout and phase 1 | East Pilton | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Edinburgh City Architect - responsible for layout | ![Item 43 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | Edinburgh Free Library | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Alterations | ![Item 44 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | Garage at Cleansing Depot | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 45 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | Greyfriars Hostel | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 46 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | Housing, Easter Road, Dickson Street and Marionville Road | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 47 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | Redbraes Council housing | Broughton, Edinburgh | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 48 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | Stenhouse Housing Scheme | Stenhouse | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 49 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1930 | Tollcross School | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Extension | ![Item 50 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1930(?) | 50-54 Candlemaker Row | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Shopfronts | ![Item 51 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | c. 1930 | Gorgie Housing Estate | Gorgie | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 52 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1930S | Gifford Park Council Housing | | | Edinburgh | | City Architect | ![Item 53 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1931 | 206-208 Canongate | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 54 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1931 | Bangour Village Hospital, Nurses' Home | Uphall | | West Lothian | Scotland | Extension | ![Item 55 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1931 | Edinburgh Police boxes | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 56 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1931 | Leith Academy and Technical College | Leith | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Alterations and additions | ![Item 57 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1931 | Leith Poorhouse | Leith | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Conversion to Eastern General Hospital - as City Architect | ![Item 58 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1931 | Pavilion and house at Ferry Road Recreation Ground | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 59 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1931 | Royston Mains Council Housing | | | Edinburgh | | | ![Item 60 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1931 | St Anne's RC School | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect - part restoration, part reconstruction | ![Item 61 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1931 | St Cuthbert's Public School | Gorgie | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Gym added - as City Architect | ![Item 62 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1931 | St Leonard's Nursery | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 63 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1931 | St Marks, Warriston Council housing | Warriston | | Edinburgh | | As City Architect | ![Item 64 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1931 | Tractor Shed, Balcarres Street Depot | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 65 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1931 | Traffic lamps for Edinburgh T-crossings | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 66 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1931 | Transformer House | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 67 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1931 | Transformer House | Newcraighall | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 68 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1931 | Washhouse | Leith | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 69 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1931 | Washhouse, Dumbiedykes | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 70 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1932 | 76 Morrison Street | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 71 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1932 | Balgreen Primary School | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 72 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1932 | Braidhills Golf Club, pavilion and tearooms | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 73 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1932 | Craigentinny Council Housing scheme | Craigentinny | | Edinburgh | Scotland | 1932 housing scheme by City Architect Ebenezer MacRae. 826 houses and 6 shops built in three phases bounded by Craigentinny Road, Loganlea Road and Restalrig Drive. A large Square at Loaning Crescent. Layout planned by George Clark Robb - Loganlea area. | ![Item 74 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1932 | Craigmillar School | Craigmillar | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 75 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1932 | Edinburgh City Chambers | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Extension of High Street frontage with W & E wings | ![Item 76 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1932 | Saughton Golf Course Housing Estate (Whitson) | Saughton | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 77 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1932 | School in Niddrie Mains Terrace | Niddrie Mains | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 78 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1932 | Washhouse, Dalry | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 79 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1932 | Watt Institution and School of Arts | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Extension - blocks fronting the Cowgate - as City Architect | ![Item 80 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1933 | Barony Street, block of council housing on north west | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 81 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1933 | Edinburgh Thistle Golf Club | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 82 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1933 | Portobello Outdoor Swimming Pool | Portobello | | Edinburgh | Scotland | 'Development of Pool and Shelter' | ![Item 83 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | After 1933 | Gogarburn Home for Mental Defectives | | | Midlothian | Scotland | Took over the project as City Architect and made additions including two children's villas (1936) | ![Item 84 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1934 | Bangour Village Asylum | Uphall | | West Lothian | Scotland | Extension | ![Item 85 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1934 | Hall for Edinburgh Exhibition Association | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Converted to garage | ![Item 86 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1934 | Pleasance and Richmond Place council housing | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Rebuilding - as City Architect | ![Item 87 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1935 | 49 Buccleuch Street | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 88 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1935 | Craigentinny Primary School | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 89 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1935 | South Sloan and Iona Street council tenements | Leith, Edinburgh | | | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 90 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1935 | St Leonards Street council housing | Edinburgh | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 91 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1936 | 28 West Port | Old Town | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 92 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1936 | Craigmillar Council Housing | Craigmillar, Edinburgh | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 93 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1936 | Crewe Road North, Crewe Road Gardens Housing | | | Edinburgh | | | ![Item 94 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1936 | Edinburgh City Chambers | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Internal alterations - vestibule and stairhall, with panelling and stained glass | ![Item 95 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1936 | Piershill Council Housing | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 96 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1936 | St Marks Council Housing, Warriston | Warriston, Edinburgh | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 97 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1936 | Tramway Depot Offices, Smith's Place | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 98 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1936 | West Pilton Housing Scheme | West Pilton | | Edinburgh | Scotland | In conjunction with Stewart Kaye | ![Item 99 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1937 | St Francis RC Primary School | Craigmillar | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Attribution in B of S - but this is an error | ![Item 100 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1938 | 110-124 Restalrig Road | Restalrig | | Edinburgh | | As City Architect | ![Item 101 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1938 | 3, 4, 5 St Patrick Street | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 102 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1938 | Crewe Road Gardens | Granton / Pilton | | Edinburgh | | As City Architect | ![Item 103 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1938 | Murrayburn Primary School | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 104 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1938 | Peffermill School | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | | ![Item 105 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1939 | City Poorhouse | Craiglockhart | | Edinburgh | Scotland | New additions | ![Item 106 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1939 | East Pilton housing estate, phase 2 | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | Macrae was the City Architect at the time of East Pilton's establishment. | ![Item 107 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1939 | Ferry Road Housing, Edinburgh Corporation | | | Edinburgh | | | ![Item 108 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1939 | Holy Cross Academy | Leith | | Edinburgh | Scotland | new building | ![Item 109 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1939 | Primary School | Tanfield | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 110 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 1939 | Tenement, 174-80 Morrison Street | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | As City Architect | ![Item 111 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | 9 April 1945 | Royal Mile Proposals | | | Edinburgh | | | ![Item 112 of 112](images/table_item.gif) | Early 1900s | Lamp standards, Great Stuart Street | | | Edinburgh | Scotland | |
ReferencesBibliographic ReferencesThe following books contain references to this : | | Author(s) | Date | Title | Part | Publisher | Notes | ![Item 1 of 4](images/table_item.gif) | Johnson, Jim and Rosenburg, Lou | 2010 | Renewing Old Edinburgh: the Enduring Legacy of Patrick Geddes | | Glendaruel: Argyll Publishing | p 151-157 | ![Item 2 of 4](images/table_item.gif) | RCAHMS | 1999 | Homebuilders: Mactaggart & Mickel and the Scottish housebuilding industry | | RCAHMS | p 73, 75, 78, 82 | ![Item 3 of 4](images/table_item.gif) | RIBA | 1950 | The RIBA Kalendar 1950-1951 | | London: Royal Institute of British Architects | | ![Item 4 of 4](images/table_item.gif) | Steven Robb | 2017 | Ebenezer MacRae and Interwar Housing in Edinburgh | Vol.13 | The Book of the Old Edinburgh Club | |
Periodical ReferencesThe following periodicals contain references to this : | | Periodical Name | Date | Edition | Publisher | Notes | ![Item 1 of 3](images/table_item.gif) | Building Industries | February 1951 | | | Obituary | ![Item 2 of 3](images/table_item.gif) | RIAS Quarterly | May 1951 | 84 | Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) | p56 Obituary | ![Item 3 of 3](images/table_item.gif) | RIBA Journal | July 1951 | | London: Royal Institute of British Architects | Obituary p370 |
Archive ReferencesThe following archives hold material relating to this : | | Source | Archive Name | Source Catalogue No. | Notes | ![Item 1 of 3](images/table_item.gif) | Courtesy of Christopher Gordon | Information sent to Dictionary | | Sent September 2011 | ![Item 2 of 3](images/table_item.gif) | H M Register House | Death Register | | | ![Item 3 of 3](images/table_item.gif) | RIBA Archive, Victoria & Albert Museum | RIBA Nomination Papers | | L v19 no1443; A v22 no2543 (microfilm reel 22); F no3192 (box 18) |
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