Picture-postcard Auld Reekie attracts plenty of praise for the breathtaking architecture of both the historic Old Town and the classical Georgian New Town –both designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Nevertheless, many stunning buildings have been lost down the decades – and once they’re gone, well, they’re gone.
Take a look through our photo gallery for 17 examples of lost Edinburgh buildings that many locals wish were still standing today – and let us know your own thoughts in the comments section before you go.
1. New Club, Princes Street
The neoclassical New Club on Princes Street was demolished for a brand new building in 1967. Photo: Unknown
2. St James Square
Dating from the Georgian era, St James Square vanished in stages after 1965. The St James shopping centre was constructed on the site in the early 1970s. Photo: Unknown
3. Leith Street Terrace
Looking down Leith Street in Edinburgh towards Picardy Place in 1958. Picture shows (left hand side) the Top Deck restaurant, John Collier menswear and Timpson's shoe shop. All these shops were demolished to make way for St James Centre and King James Hotel in 1969. Photo: Unknown
4. George Square
Built a decade before the American War of Independence, the south side of George Square was demolished in the early 1960s to make way for a new library for Edinburgh University. Photo: Unknown