Library Item

5002

View of the corner of Fountainbridge and Lothian Road

1920

10.5 x 16 cm

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The full title reads 'View of the corner of Fountainbridge and Lothian Road showing the buildings surrounding Port Hopetoun the Edinburgh terminus of the Union Canal. Photograph taken before the demolition of the buildings'

Port Hopetoun was the Edinburgh terminus of the Union Canal. It was closed, along with Port Hamilton in 1922 as canal trade declined. The site was later developed as Lothian House.

The Union Canal was opened in 1822. It ran from Tollcross in Edinburgh to meet the Forth and Clyde Canal at Falkirk, thus linking the capital to Glasgow. After extensive renovation in the 1990's the Canal is now a popular area for recreation, with non-commercial craft using the waterway and many cyclists, walkers and runners using the towpath.