Porty: Portobello in photographs

Covering almost 100 years of Portobello's history, these images from 1872-1971 provide a unique portrait of the changing face of one of Edinburgh's favourite communities. Iconic structures such as Portobello Power Station, Outdoor Pool and the Marine Gardens are brought back to life along with the brickworks and pottery chimneys and the pier. These buildings defined the character of Portobello both as a centre of industry and as a seaside resort. It is in the residential and commercial heart of the community however that continuity remains, with the images of the High Street being largely unchanged today.

These images represent a small number of the many images of Portobello held by Edinburgh City Libraries. For other examples please see the Images of Portobello online exhibition.

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.