Edinburgh Wax Museum - Remembering one of the Capital's biggest tourist attractions

This picture was taken in 1985.This picture was taken in 1985.
This picture was taken in 1985.
At one time amongst the city's most popular tourist attraction, the Edinburgh Waxwork Museum welcomed 230,000 visitors a year at its peak.

The original Edinburgh Waxwork Museum opened its doors in 1976, and at the time was the only attraction of its kind in Scotland. It boasted realistic models of historical figures such as William Wallace, Mary Queen of Scots and Robert Burns, fictional characters such as Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel, and a gruesome chamber of horrors. Within a few years it was attracting more than 230,000 visitors a year, putting it up with Edinburgh Castle as one of Scotland's top tourist attractions. Over the years it acquired figures including Prince Charles and Princess Diana, ET and even Mr Spock. It was still extremely popular when it closed in March, 1989, after the owners decided to cash in on their investment by selling the area for offices. The waxwork models were bought by a property firm who donated some to the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre.

Preparations were put in place before the museum opened in 1976.Preparations were put in place before the museum opened in 1976.
Preparations were put in place before the museum opened in 1976.
The waxworks were on temporary loan to a London tourism trade fair.The waxworks were on temporary loan to a London tourism trade fair.
The waxworks were on temporary loan to a London tourism trade fair.
The staff had lots of fun.The staff had lots of fun.
The staff had lots of fun.
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