A 'kinetic sculpture', one of Edinburgh's first examples of community art, was installed in the middle of the roundabout at Picardy Place, at the top of Leith Walk, in November 1973. The 80ft tall scaffold structure was made up of fluorescent tubes, which were supposed to light up and change colour according to wind speed and direction. But it rarely worked and after ten years it was taken down in 1983.A 'kinetic sculpture', one of Edinburgh's first examples of community art, was installed in the middle of the roundabout at Picardy Place, at the top of Leith Walk, in November 1973. The 80ft tall scaffold structure was made up of fluorescent tubes, which were supposed to light up and change colour according to wind speed and direction. But it rarely worked and after ten years it was taken down in 1983.
A 'kinetic sculpture', one of Edinburgh's first examples of community art, was installed in the middle of the roundabout at Picardy Place, at the top of Leith Walk, in November 1973. The 80ft tall scaffold structure was made up of fluorescent tubes, which were supposed to light up and change colour according to wind speed and direction. But it rarely worked and after ten years it was taken down in 1983.

29 amazing pictures of Edinburgh in 1973 from visit by Paul McCartney to demolition of Waverley Market

By Ian Swanson
Published 5th Nov 2023, 04:45 BST
Updated 7th Nov 2023, 08:45 BST
Take a look at what was happening in Edinburgh 50 years ago

It was the year when Edinburgh installed a controversial “kinetic sculpture” in the middle of a very different looking Picardy Place roundabout, Margo MacDonald got elected to Westminster and 7:84 Theatre Company produced its legendary The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil.

Other notable events in the Capital in 1973 included the demolition of Waverley Market, Hibs’ 7-0 victory over Hearts in the New Year derby and Wings appearing in concert at the Odeon, not to mention the Evening News celebrating its 100th birthday.

Ted Heath was prime minister, Richard Nixon president of the United States and Britain joined what was then the European Economic Community (EEC).

Scroll through these pictures to get a glimpse of what was going on in Edinburgh 50 years ago.

Ted Heath was prime minister, Richard Nixon president of the United States and Britain joined what was then the European Economic Community (EEC).

The old Waverley fruit market had occupied the site on Princes Street next to Waverley Bridge since 1869 and was roofed over in 1874. But in the 1950s most of the traders had switched to Market Street and the lower level of the market was then used for fairs and exhibitions. It was demolished in February 1973 and was eventually replaced by the current shopping centre.

5. Demolition of Waverley Market

The old Waverley fruit market had occupied the site on Princes Street next to Waverley Bridge since 1869 and was roofed over in 1874. But in the 1950s most of the traders had switched to Market Street and the lower level of the market was then used for fairs and exhibitions. It was demolished in February 1973 and was eventually replaced by the current shopping centre. Photo: TSPL

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The Misses Lyall and Hall running the sweet counter at Edinburgh's Playhouse theatre in November 1973 - before popcorn and Coca-Cola took over.

6. Playhouse confectionery stall

The Misses Lyall and Hall running the sweet counter at Edinburgh's Playhouse theatre in November 1973 - before popcorn and Coca-Cola took over. Photo: George Smith

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On January 1, 1973 Hibs recorded arguably their greatest ever result, winning the Edinburgh Derby 7-0 at rivals Hearts' Tynecastle Park stadium. 'Turnbull's Tornadoes' ran riot that day, leading 5-0 at half time before two more strikes in the second half.

7. Hibs win New Year's Day derby 7-0

On January 1, 1973 Hibs recorded arguably their greatest ever result, winning the Edinburgh Derby 7-0 at rivals Hearts' Tynecastle Park stadium. 'Turnbull's Tornadoes' ran riot that day, leading 5-0 at half time before two more strikes in the second half. Photo: TSPL

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Edinburgh boxing hero Ken Buchanan fights Jim Watt in a British lightweight boxing match in Glasgow in 1973. It was a gruelling 15 round contest which Buchanan won. The referee was George Smith of Leith.

8. Ken Buchanan v Jim Watt

Edinburgh boxing hero Ken Buchanan fights Jim Watt in a British lightweight boxing match in Glasgow in 1973. It was a gruelling 15 round contest which Buchanan won. The referee was George Smith of Leith. Photo: Alan Ledgerwood

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