17 photos of Edinburgh's lost Woolworths stores only locals of a certain age will remember

By Gary Flockhart

Live Editor

Published 23rd Aug 2026, 11:55 BST

Here we take a nostalgic look at Edinburgh’s beloved Woolworths stores from years gone by.

Woolworths was a high street institution loved by generations of Edinburghers – and especially children, who would flock there on weekends to spend their pocket money on those famous Pick ‘n’ Mix sweets

Take a look through our photo gallery to see 17 imagesof Edinburgh’s lost Woolworths stores – and tell us your own memories of Woolies in the comments section before you go.

Children at the pick 'n' mix aisle on the last day of the Woolworths store at Leith before it closed for good in 2008.

1. Pick 'n' mix

Children at the pick 'n' mix aisle on the last day of the Woolworths store at Leith before it closed for good in 2008. Photo: JON SAVAGE S

The Woolworths store in the Almondvale centre Livingston prior to closure in 2008.

2. Woolworths, Livingston

The Woolworths store in the Almondvale centre Livingston prior to closure in 2008. Photo: Ian Rutherford

Woolworths at Foot of Leith Walk pictured shortly before it closed for good in 2008.

3. Woolworths, Foot of Leith Walk

Woolworths at Foot of Leith Walk pictured shortly before it closed for good in 2008. Photo: MICHELLE LOGAN

Woolworths in Portobello High Street, 1962.

4. Woolworths, Portobello

Woolworths in Portobello High Street, 1962. Photo: UNKNOWN

Woolworths Edinburgh