The early human settlement in Edinburgh dates back to the early middle ages. By the first half of the 18th century, Edinburgh was one of the most densely populated towns in Europe. However, in 1821 Glasgow became the largest city in Scotland. In the mid-19th century the city centre between Princes Street and George Street became major commercial districts with the arrival of railways. The major slum clearance took place in 1960s and 1970s.
These stunning color photographs capture streets, towns, landmarks, and everyday life of Edinburgh in the 1960s. When there were different cars, roads look much better; there were beautiful old fashioned street lights. Vote your favorites and don’t forget to share.
Fashion has changed most dramatically!
The temporary barrier construction industry hasn’t emerged in 60 years.
For note the one captioned Archer Street, I’m pretty sure is actually Arthur Street (now New Arthur Place) in Dumbiedykes. Must have been taken very close to the time of the slum clearances and therefore a real rarity.
Happy to be corrected if I’m wrong
Wow, a great collection. I don’t remember Archer Street. Has it been renamed? Or is it gone? It looks like it should be off The Pleasance, or perhaps round Dumbiedykes area?
I think it’s part of the slums that were cleared to make Dumbiedykes, or at least the bit on the royal mile side of Holyrood Road.
Archer Street (and many others) were cleared to make way for the redevelopment of Dumbiedykes. City of Edinburgh libraries has an image collection that includes some of the old Dumbiedykes buildings and streets before they were demolished
Great collection. The roads and footpaths are all so well maintained. Smooth tarmac and no sunken cobbles.