The sands, Portobello

Category

Library Item

Item no

4253

Title

The sands, Portobello

Description

An image of the sands at Portobello, Edinburgh. The coloured image shows the beach full of people wading in the sea and relaxing on the beach. In the background a row of buildings lines the edge of the promenade including the indoor swimming pool. The Union Jack is flying from a building near the beach.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1905

Size

8.8 x 13.9 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 subjects

Places > Edinburgh areas > Portobello

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Sport and leisure > Activities > Paddling

Sport and leisure > Sports and recreation facilities > Beaches

Transport > Infrastructure > Walkways