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

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

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

3. North British Rubber Company employees head for home
Staff running out of the factory at the end of the shift. Photo: TSPL

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