Edinburgh retro: 18 photos from when Edinburgh was an industrial powerhouse famed for its beer and biscuits

Time was when Edinburgh manufactured a multitude of different goods and services.

By Gary Flockhart

Published 28th Apr 2020, 12:51 BST

Updated 29th Aug 2023, 16:44 BST

Scotland’s capital was once a city of industry, with tens of thousands of people employed by major firms in the manufacturing of everything from beer, biscuits and hot water bottles to huge cargo ships, power station transformers and essential components for the aeronautics industry.

In certain areas, such as printing and map-making, Edinburgh was a world-leader and the envy of many a nation.

Take a look through our gallery to see 18 photos of the city’s industrial past.

Making chocolate twists at W & M Duncan's famous chocolate factory at Beaverhall Road, 1958.

1. Duncan's chocolate factory

Making chocolate twists at W & M Duncan's famous chocolate factory at Beaverhall Road, 1958. Photo: TSPL

Lady Haig's Poppy Factory - Canongate - Earl Haig during his tour watching the making of wreaths .

2. Lady Haig's Poppy Factory

Lady Haig's Poppy Factory - Canongate - Earl Haig during his tour watching the making of wreaths . Photo: TSPL

Staff running out of the factory at the end of the shift.

3. North British Rubber Company employees head for home

Staff running out of the factory at the end of the shift. Photo: TSPL

Electrical engineering firm Ferranti had a factory at Crewe Toll. Here, Ms K Johnston is pictured working with transistors.

4. Ferranti's

Electrical engineering firm Ferranti had a factory at Crewe Toll. Here, Ms K Johnston is pictured working with transistors. Photo: Joe Steele

Edinburgh Scotland