Edinburgh photos: 11 incredible photos of lost Princes Street shops from the 1960s to 1980s that you might remember

By Gary Flockhart

Lifestyle Editor

Published 4th Mar 2023, 05:55 GMT

Updated 4th Mar 2023, 10:44 GMT

Long before the internet, Edinburgh’s Princes Street was packed to the rafters with shoppers, and often you could hardly get moving on the near mile-long thoroughfare.

Many well-loved shops and cafes have come and gone over the years, and here are some Princes Street shops locals might remember from the 1960s to the 1980s. Take a look through our picture gallery for a nostalgic trip back in time.

The Woolworth department store which used to occupy the site at the corner of West Register Street and Princes Street.

. Woolworth department, 1982

The Woolworth department store which used to occupy the site at the corner of West Register Street and Princes Street. Photo: Ian Brand

Scottish band Wet Wet Wet signing records at the HMV shop in September 1987. L-R: Marti Pellow, Tommy Cunningham, Graeme Clark and Neil Mitchell.

. HMV, 1987

Scottish band Wet Wet Wet signing records at the HMV shop in September 1987. L-R: Marti Pellow, Tommy Cunningham, Graeme Clark and Neil Mitchell. Photo: TSPL

Inside Romanes and Paterson in Princes Street.

. Romanes and Paterson

Inside Romanes and Paterson in Princes Street. Photo: Unknown

The Caledonian Club and Liberal Club in April 1978 - it was planned for demolition and became the site of Debenham's department store.

. Caledonian Club and Liberal Club, 1978

The Caledonian Club and Liberal Club in April 1978 - it was planned for demolition and became the site of Debenham's department store. Photo: TSPL

The Woolworth department store which used to occupy the site at the corner of West Register Street and Princes Street.

1. Woolworth department, 1982

The Woolworth department store which used to occupy the site at the corner of West Register Street and Princes Street. Photo: Ian Brand

Scottish band Wet Wet Wet signing records at the HMV shop in September 1987. L-R: Marti Pellow, Tommy Cunningham, Graeme Clark and Neil Mitchell.

2. HMV, 1987

Scottish band Wet Wet Wet signing records at the HMV shop in September 1987. L-R: Marti Pellow, Tommy Cunningham, Graeme Clark and Neil Mitchell. Photo: TSPL

Inside Romanes and Paterson in Princes Street.

3. Romanes and Paterson

Inside Romanes and Paterson in Princes Street. Photo: Unknown

The Caledonian Club and Liberal Club in April 1978 - it was planned for demolition and became the site of Debenham's department store.

4. Caledonian Club and Liberal Club, 1978

The Caledonian Club and Liberal Club in April 1978 - it was planned for demolition and became the site of Debenham's department store. Photo: TSPL

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