#OldEdinburgh
LightNews LightNews
scottishinsider.org
End of Princes Street, 1955
#EdinburghHistory #PrincesStreet #edinburgh #OldEdinburgh #HistoricScotland #VintagePhotography 🪬🧿
A 1955 color photograph of Princes Street in Edinburgh, featuring classic cars, tram tracks, and pedestrians crossing the cobbled street. In the background, Calton Hill and the National Monument stand against the skyline.
March 3, 2025 at 10:15 AM
scottishinsider.org
Old photo of Tollcross, Edinburgh. The year is unknown, but the charm is timeless.

#EdinburghHistory #Tollcross #VintageScotland #OldEdinburgh #ScottishHistory #TramLife #oldedinburgh
A historical black-and-white photograph of Tollcross, Edinburgh, featuring an old double-decker tram labeled “Tollcross” with passengers boarding. The street is busy with people in period clothing waiting at the stop, vintage cars in the background, and a clock standing prominently near a small kiosk. The atmosphere captures a bygone era of Edinburgh’s transport and daily life.
February 16, 2025 at 3:08 PM
scottishinsider.org
Edinburgh, Calton Hill view towards the west, Mary Stewart, 1822.

#Edinburgh #CaltonHill #HistoricScotland #ScottishHistory #Scotland #OldEdinburgh
A historical view of Edinburgh from Calton Hill looking west, created by Mary Stewart in 1822.
February 17, 2025 at 10:05 AM
scottishinsider.org
Postcard of Edinburgh Castle from 1881 🙂

#EdinburghCastle #ScotlandHistory #VintagePostcard #HistoricScotland #OldEdinburgh #ScottishHeritage #CastleViews
A vintage 1881 postcard featuring an old engraving of Edinburgh Castle. The image depicts the castle atop its rocky hill, surrounded by fortified walls, with a moody sky in the background. The historic illustration captures the grandeur of Scotland’s most iconic stronghold.
February 16, 2025 at 1:55 PM
scottishinsider.org
Perfect old-school view - from St Anthony’s Chapel #Edinburgh #Scotland #History #VintageScotland #ArthurSeat #StAnthonysChapel #CaltonHill #OldEdinburgh #HistoricView #TimeCapsule 🪬🧿
Engraving-style historical illustration showing a sweeping view of Edinburgh from the ruins of St Anthony’s Chapel, with the city skyline in the distance including Edinburgh Castle and Calton Hill, surrounded by dramatic clouds and pastoral foreground with sheep grazing and rocky terrain.
April 7, 2025 at 5:47 PM
scottishinsider.org
Edinburgh’s Royal Mile as seen in 1796, was painted by Barker. sourced from the New York Public Library Digital Collections.

#Edinburgh #RoyalMile #History #HistoricScotland #OldEdinburgh
A historical painting of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile from 1796 by Barker. The artwork depicts the city’s old buildings lining the mile, with Edinburgh Castle standing in the background. The scene captures daily life with figures walking along the streets, horse-drawn carriages, and long shadows cast by the afternoon sun.
February 20, 2025 at 11:14 AM
scottishinsider.org
Grassmarket and Edinburgh Castle, as depicted in a Wills’s Cigarettes card from the 1850s
#EdinburghCastle #Grassmarket #ScottishHistory #OldEdinburgh #VintageScotland #HistoricalScotland #edinburgh 🪬🧿
A vintage Wills’s Cigarettes card illustration of Edinburgh Castle overlooking the Grassmarket in the 1850s. The scene features old buildings, people walking, and a horse-drawn hay cart, capturing a historic view of Scotland’s capital.
February 23, 2025 at 2:10 PM
scottishinsider.org
🪬🧿 A glimpse into the life in old Edinburgh :) #oldedinburgh #edinburgh #scotland #painting #history
Framed painting that depicts Edinburgh's old town. The foreground features children playing with a dog and a cage of small animals. In the background, people are gathered along a street. The painting is in a wooden frame.
August 21, 2025 at 7:13 PM
scottishinsider.org
Edinburgh Cowgate - Cardinal Beaton's house, 1868

#edinburgh #oldedinburgh #oldphoto
Narrow cobbled street curving gently away, its surface wet and uneven, with a shallow gutter running down the centre. Tall, grimy stone tenements rise tightly on both sides, their walls stained and rough, windows small and irregular, some with broken panes. To the left, a squat, jutting tower of Cardinal Beaton’s house leans over the street, its upper window protruding like a watchful eye. Doorways and shopfronts sit directly on the pavement, signs jutting out on metal arms above them. In the distance, the street narrows into a hazy, bright opening, the upper storeys fading into smoke or mist, giving a sense of depth and gloom.
February 27, 2026 at 12:26 PM
scottishinsider.org
There’s something special about old photos of Edinburgh—this gem is from the 1960s! 🏴 The charm of horse-drawn deliveries and the iconic North British Hotel (now The Balmoral) overlooking Waverley Station. #edinburgh #oldedinburgh #oldphoto #history #balmoral
A 1960s photograph of Edinburgh featuring a horse-drawn Usher’s Brewery wagon delivering barrels near Waverley Station. The North British Hotel (now The Balmoral) stands grand in the background, its clock overlooking the city. The cobbled street, vintage cars, and traditional signage capture a moment frozen in time.
February 14, 2025 at 8:09 PM
scottishinsider.org
Picture of the Scott Monument from 1870 source: NYC Public Library online collection

#Edinburgh #ScottMonument #Victorian #HistoricalPhotography #OldEdinburgh #ScottishHistory
A historical photograph from 1870 showcasing the Scott Monument in Edinburgh, surrounded by the intricate landscaped gardens of Waverley Market. To the right, Princes Street is lined with Victorian-era buildings, horse-drawn carriages, and bustling pedestrians. In the background, Edinburgh Castle and the National Gallery can be seen perched on the rocky hill, overlooking the city.
February 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM
scottishinsider.org
A rare historical photograph capturing the construction of the Scott Monument in Edinburgh. Photo Courtesy of HES

#ScottMonument #EdinburghHistory #VictorianArchitecture #scotland #edinburgh #HistoricScotland #OldEdinburgh #ScotlandPast 🪬🧿
A sepia-toned historical photograph showing the early stages of construction of the Scott Monument in Edinburgh. The gothic spire is partially built, with scaffolding visible on the lower section. Surrounding the monument are 19th-century buildings and a dirt path leading to the site.
February 23, 2025 at 7:45 PM
scottishinsider.org
Edinburgh, 1949. The chaos and charm of the junction between Princes Street and North Bridge 🪬🧿

#Edinburgh #Throwback #1940s #PrincesStreet #NorthBridge #VintageScotland #HistoryLover #OldEdinburgh #StreetLife #ScottishInsider
A black and white historical photograph of the busy intersection between Princes Street and North Bridge in Edinburgh, taken in 1949. The street is packed with people crossing in every direction, early 20th-century cars navigating the tight corners, and two large double-decker trams running along the tracks in the center. Crowds line the sidewalks, and vintage lampposts frame the scene, capturing the bustling urban atmosphere of post-war Edinburgh.
March 25, 2025 at 6:52 PM
scottishinsider.org
Lothian Road, Edinburgh 1950 and now #scotland #Edinburgh #oldies #oldedinburgh
A side-by-side "then and now" comparison of the Usher Hall on Lothian Road, Edinburgh. The left side is a black-and-white photograph labeled "1950," showing the grand, circular Beaux-Arts building behind a cluttered foreground of vintage trucks, wooden crates, and trailers. The street appears industrial and busy with mid-century vehicles. The right side is a color photograph labeled "2025," taken from a similar angle. The Usher Hall remains the central focus, its sandstone masonry and copper dome now appearing cleaned and well-maintained. The foreground is a modern, clean paved sidewalk and a multi-lane road with clear markings. Modern street furniture, like digital information kiosks and a black bin, replaces the old crates. The sky in the 2025 photo is bright teal with soft white clouds, contrasting with the hazy, gray sky of the 1950s. The text "Lothian Road" is written in a stylized white font across the top center of the split image.
December 24, 2025 at 1:45 PM
scottishinsider.org
Old-school Leith - Trinity Road as it once was. 🪬🧿

#Leith #Edinburgh #Scotland #HistoricalScotland #OldEdinburgh #VintagePostcard #ScottishHistory #LeithWalk #Tramways #EdinburghStreets
A vintage black-and-white postcard of Trinity Road in Leith, Edinburgh, showing an early 20th-century street scene. In the foreground, the old Starbank Arms pub, with a classic stone facade, stands at the corner. A group of children and adults are gathered near an early tramcar, which is moving along the tracks. Tall wooden telegraph poles line the street, adding to the period feel. The background reveals rows of Victorian tenements and buildings, stretching into the distance, with an overcast sky. The image has signs of wear, giving it an authentic aged look.
March 20, 2025 at 5:55 PM
wisdompedlars.bsky.social
OLD EDINBURGH 1879 DRUMMOND 97 Lithographs ELEPHANT FOLIO Ltd Edn Scotland

#books #antiquarian #history #architecture #Edinburgh #Scotland #LtdEdn #lithographs #huge #oldedinburgh #Lothian #Victorian #medieval #ElephantFolio #bookauction
bit.ly/4bRkA0U
April 3, 2026 at 2:29 PM
scottishinsider.org
Victoria street, Edinburgh - 1961 - 2025
Historical Photo Courtesy of Scotsman Publications LTD.

#scotland #edinburgh #oldphoto #oldedinburgh #history
A striking split-image comparison of Victoria Street in Edinburgh's Old Town captures the street's timeless charm across six decades. On the left, a black-and-white photograph from 1961 shows a quaint, narrow cobblestone road curving uphill amid tall, austere stone tenements with arched windows and plain facades. Vintage cars—boxy sedans and vans—line the misty street, with sparse pedestrians in coats strolling under overcast skies, evoking mid-20th-century Scotland's subdued vibe. The right side bursts into vibrant color from 2025 at sunset: the same buildings now painted in whimsical pastels—deep pink, sky blue, lavender, and mustard yellow—with ornate gables, turrets, and flower boxes. Tourists in modern attire wander the lively thoroughfare, boutique shops glow warmly, and a dramatic orange-pink sky bathes the scene in golden light. Bold white text overlays read "Victoria Street, Edinburgh" top-center, "1961" bottom-left, and "2025" bottom-right, with credits "facebook.com/Dominik.Smrek.Scottish.Insider." This visual evolution highlights the street's transformation from gritty historic lane to Instagram-famous Harry Potter-inspired wonder.
December 29, 2025 at 2:47 PM
scottishinsider.org
Stumbled upon this Victorian-era gem from circa 1850—a glimpse into life on the Royal Mile. Horse carts, elegant dresses, and a whole different Edinburgh. Author is unknown #Edinburgh #History #VictorianEra #Photography #RoyalMile #Scotland #Vintage #oldedinburgh
A rare Victorian-era photograph from circa 1850, capturing a moment on the Royal Mile, Edinburgh. In the foreground, a woman in a long Victorian dress and hat walks down the street, while two men ride a wooden cart carrying a barrel. To the left, a working-class woman struggles with a huge wicker bundle on her back, holding onto what looks like laundry or goods. The street is bustling, filled with horse-drawn carts, merchants, and pedestrians, giving us a real sense of the everyday grind in 19th-century Edinburgh. The buildings are lined with hanging laundry and shopfronts, adding to the atmosphere of a city that was always alive and moving. The photographer is unknown, but this image is a time capsule—a peek into the way Edinburgh once was, raw and unfiltered.
February 15, 2025 at 2:36 PM
scottishinsider.org
1870 photo of a baker and probably his son – Musselburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland.

#Musselburgh #Edinburgh #Scotland #History #VictorianEra #Heritage #oldedinburgh #vintage
A historical photograph from 1870 showing a horse-drawn bakery cart in Musselburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland. The cart, labeled “David Black, Baker, Musselburgh,” is attached to a well-groomed horse. A man, likely the baker, sits on the driver’s seat holding the reins, while a young boy sits on the back of the cart. A woman stands in a doorway in the background, watching. The cobbled street and stone buildings capture the Victorian-era atmosphere of a working bakery delivery service.
February 18, 2025 at 10:12 AM
scottishinsider.org
Milnes Court - Edinburgh

In 1671, work began on Holyrood Palace under the orders of King Charles II. Mylne drew up the plans and was appointed master mason and contractor in charge. His name appears on a pillar in the north‑west corner of the courtyard.
#edinburgh #history #oldedinburgh
Milnes Court – Edinburgh The home of Robert Mylne and John Mylne, Masters of Craft of Edinburgh. Robert Mylne was the last Master of Craft for the Scottish Crown, a post he held from 1668 until his death. He was responsible for projects such as John Wood’s Hospital, the new Mercat Cross in Perth, the extension of Wemyss Castle, and Drumlanrig Castle. During the years 1662, 1677, and 1685, he also oversaw repairs to Edinburgh Castle. In 1671, work began on Holyrood Palace under the orders of King Charles II. Mylne drew up the plans and was appointed master mason and contractor in charge of the works. His name appears on a pillar in the north‑west corner of the internal courtyard. At the same time, Mylne worked under Bruce at Thirlestane Castle, home of the Duke of Lauderdale, who served as Secretary of State for Scotland. Mylne was also a master of Lodge Mary's Chapel No.1. #edinburgh #history #oldedinburgh
March 6, 2026 at 5:45 PM
scottishinsider.org
A 1742 city plan of Edinburgh, including the infamous. Once a defensive moat, then a dumping ground, and eventually transformed into one of the city’s most scenic spots. Imagine the smell back then! #EdinburghHistory #edinburgh #OldEdinburgh #HistoricMaps #ScottishHistory 🪬🧿
A historic black-and-white map of Edinburgh from 1742, showing detailed street layouts and landmarks. The Nor Loch, a large body of water once used for defense and waste disposal, is prominently displayed north of the Old Town. Edinburgh Castle is visible on the left, overlooking the city’s dense medieval streets. The map is highly detailed, with ornate coats of arms and decorative typography at the top.
February 25, 2025 at 12:16 PM
oldedinburghclub.bsky.social
Jean Guild Grant Awardee Naomi Wells, tells us about her research project to find out more about the South Bridge, the history of it's buildings and the people who lived and worked there. This is a good one! https://buff.ly/41wuCz6 #oldedinburgh #southbridge #robertadam #thetron #edinburghpeople
February 25, 2025 at 10:40 AM
oldedinburghclub.bsky.social
We asked our members what they thought about the Club, and here are the headlines. The full survey report is on our website. oldedinburghclub.org.uk/about/steeri... Thinking about joining in - our membership year starts on the 1st September. #edinburghhistoryclub #oldedinburgh #edinhistorylectures
August 20, 2025 at 5:45 PM
oldedinburghclub.bsky.social
The latest edition of the Book of the Old Edinburgh Club, our annual journal for members, is out now. Check out what this edition has to offer on our website. #edinburghhistory #annualjournal #oldedinburgh #joinus #localhistory
BOEC New Series Volume 21, 2025 - The Old Edinburgh Club
BOEC Volume 21, Book of the Old Edinburgh Club 2025. Articles on the Café Royal, Colinton Bridge, 18C engravings and 17C supernatural belief
buff.ly
March 27, 2026 at 12:42 PM
brimcrob.bsky.social
Edinburgh
I was searching my photo archive trying to find a specific photo that I want to use for something that I would like to write about and found this old photo. One of the last shots of the inferior of St James Shopping Centre. 2016. Just before it closed and knocked down.
#OldEdinburgh
The enteriror of the deserted shopping centre St James Centre 2016. All the shops have been vacated and it is deserted. Short time later was closed and demolished for the newer St James Quarter.
August 7, 2026 at 1:35 PM