The pier, Portobello

Category

Library Item

Item no

4264

Title

The pier, Portobello

Description

A view of the metal pier at Portobello, Edinburgh. Steps lead up to a small ticket booth. Billboards advertise concerts and sailings to Elie and North Berwick. Several people are sitting and standing on the pier and the sand below.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1909

Size

8.7 x 13.5 cm

Type

Photograph; Postcard

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 images

Related subjects

Landscape > Water > Rivers and streams

Places > Edinburgh areas > Portobello

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Sport and leisure > Sports and recreation facilities > Beaches

Sport and leisure > Sports and recreation facilities > Seaside piers