Edinburgh retro: 16 stunning pictures of Edinburgh’s picturesque Dean Village down the decades

Loctated just five minutes from Princes Street, Dean Village was the centre of a successful grain milling area for more than 800 years – and is often described as the most picturesque part of Edinburgh.

By Gary Flockhart

Published 1st Dec 2022, 14:27 GMT

Updated 9th Aug 2023, 13:28 GMT

Do you remember Dean Village when it used to look like this?

Take a look through or picture gallery see how it has changed – and stayed the same down the decades.

Belford Bridge was completed in 1887 and carries Belford Road over the Water of Leith. Year: 1944

1. Belford bridge

Belford Bridge was completed in 1887 and carries Belford Road over the Water of Leith. Year: 1944 Photo: TSPL

Dean Village and the Water of Leith, Edinburgh

2. Dean village

Dean Village and the Water of Leith, Edinburgh Photo: TSPL

Flames can be seen here rising from a fire that broke out at the warehouse of theatrical costumiers William Mutrie and Son at Bells Brae in Dean Village. Year: 1957

3. Warehouse fire

Flames can be seen here rising from a fire that broke out at the warehouse of theatrical costumiers William Mutrie and Son at Bells Brae in Dean Village. Year: 1957 Photo: TSPL

A village resident can be seen here hanging out her washing to dry. Year: 1960

4. Doing the washing

A village resident can be seen here hanging out her washing to dry. Year: 1960 Photo: TSPL

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