Portobello Beach, Assessment of Condition

Category

Library Item

Item no

4237

Title

Portobello Beach, assessment of condition

Description

A man walks along the beach towards a large rock at Portobello, Edinburgh. He is wearing a suit and hat. A seawall and jetty leads off into the sea in the background.

Artist / maker

McKean, John

Date

1891

Size

24 x 29.6 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Portobello developed around a cottage built in the mid 18th century. The sailor who occupied the cottage had fought at Puerto Bello, a port in Panama captured by the British in 1739, and named his home after the battle. With its long beach the town became an increasingly popular leisure destination. It boasted a pier between 1871-1917 and an outdoor swimming pool between 1936-1979. Holidaymakers and day-trippers could also visit the Marine Gardens or the fun fair, both now demolished. The town has been part of Edinburgh since 1896.

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Related subjects

People > Health and safety > Environmental inspectors

Places > Edinburgh areas > Portobello

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Sport and leisure > Sports and recreation facilities > Beaches

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