Edinburgh retro: 17 incredible photo memories of Edinburgh’s iconic Lothian Road from down the decades

By Gary Flockhart

Lifestyle Editor

Published 23rd Nov 2022, 14:14 BST

Updated 9th Aug 2023, 13:39 BST

Lothian Road, which joins the West End of Princes Street with Tollcross, has seen it all – from royal visits, strikes, shoppers queuing out on the pavements and even a famous visitor or two.

Take a look at our photo gallery to see how this iconic city centre street has changed – and see what’s remained the same – down the decades.

In October 1962, Queen Elizabeth II and King Olav of Norway make their way up Lothian Road in the Royal Coach during the state visit to Scotland.

. Queen Elizabeth II visit

In October 1962, Queen Elizabeth II and King Olav of Norway make their way up Lothian Road in the Royal Coach during the state visit to Scotland. Photo: Queen Elizabeth II visit

Traffic was disrupted on 23 January 1979 when the Edinburgh South District hospital branch of NUPE (National Union of Public Employees) marched up Lothian Road during the Day of Action strike

. National Union of Public Employees strike

Traffic was disrupted on 23 January 1979 when the Edinburgh South District hospital branch of NUPE (National Union of Public Employees) marched up Lothian Road during the Day of Action strike Photo: National Union of Public Employees strike

Eager shoppers can be seen queuing early for the anticipated sale at Jeffreys. 24 February 1959

. The sale at Jeffreys

Eager shoppers can be seen queuing early for the anticipated sale at Jeffreys. 24 February 1959 Photo: The sale at Jeffreys

The ship building and engineering unions one day token strike, with demonstrators marching along Lothian Road. 7 February 1962

. Ship building and engineering union strike

The ship building and engineering unions one day token strike, with demonstrators marching along Lothian Road. 7 February 1962 Photo: Ship building and engineering union strike

Shoppers queue up outside of Wonderland on Lothian Road, hoping to get their hands on a Furbee that’s just gone on sale. 23 December 1998

. Furbees go on sale

Shoppers queue up outside of Wonderland on Lothian Road, hoping to get their hands on a Furbee that’s just gone on sale. 23 December 1998 Photo: Furbees go on sale

Activists from Extinction Rebellion Scotland blocked Lothian Road in an environmental protest. 17 June 2019

. Extinction Rebellion

Activists from Extinction Rebellion Scotland blocked Lothian Road in an environmental protest. 17 June 2019 Photo: Extinction Rebellion

Bennets was a wallpaper and paint shop that could be found on Lothian Road. 27 July 1965

. Bennets of Lothian Road

Bennets was a wallpaper and paint shop that could be found on Lothian Road. 27 July 1965 Photo: Bennets of Lothian Road

In October 1962, Queen Elizabeth II and King Olav of Norway make their way up Lothian Road in the Royal Coach during the state visit to Scotland.

1. Queen Elizabeth II visit

In October 1962, Queen Elizabeth II and King Olav of Norway make their way up Lothian Road in the Royal Coach during the state visit to Scotland. Photo: Queen Elizabeth II visit

Traffic was disrupted on 23 January 1979 when the Edinburgh South District hospital branch of NUPE (National Union of Public Employees) marched up Lothian Road during the Day of Action strike

2. National Union of Public Employees strike

Traffic was disrupted on 23 January 1979 when the Edinburgh South District hospital branch of NUPE (National Union of Public Employees) marched up Lothian Road during the Day of Action strike Photo: National Union of Public Employees strike

Eager shoppers can be seen queuing early for the anticipated sale at Jeffreys. 24 February 1959

3. The sale at Jeffreys

Eager shoppers can be seen queuing early for the anticipated sale at Jeffreys. 24 February 1959 Photo: The sale at Jeffreys

The ship building and engineering unions one day token strike, with demonstrators marching along Lothian Road. 7 February 1962

4. Ship building and engineering union strike

The ship building and engineering unions one day token strike, with demonstrators marching along Lothian Road. 7 February 1962 Photo: Ship building and engineering union strike

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