11 cinemas around Edinburgh's Southside from yesteryear
Edinburgh’s Southside and adjacent areas were once full of cinemas, and despite there being so many, there would be long queues to get in.
Now there are sadly none, although there is some promise of the former New Victoria on Clerk Street, which is currently owned by the G1 Group, being reopened to include a cinema.
Southsider Lisa Sibbald, the author of a new book: Edinburgh’s Southside – History, People, Memories, takes us on a tour of the district's lost film houses.
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5. The Star
Situated on St Mary's Street in a former public hall, The Star opened in 1914 and closed in 1927. Photo: Unknown
6. The Empire Palace Theatre of Varieties
Today we know it as the Festival Theatre, but this spot in Nicolson Street originally housed the Empire Palace Theatre of Varieties. The theatre opened in 1892 and Edinburgh's first cinema show took place here in 1896. Photo: Unknown
7. Abbey Picture House
Situated on North Richmond Street, the Abbey opened in 1920 in a former synagogue, and closed around 1932. Youngsters called it "the Scabby". Photo: Contributed
8. The Waverley Picture House
The Waverley opened in Infirmary Street before 1911 in a former church, and closed in 1922. The building now belongs to the University of Edinburgh. Photo: Google