Some of Edinburgh’s busiest roads have seen major changes over the years, so we took a look into our photo archive to see how much they have changed.
While some of the city’s roads like Princes Street and St John’s Road in Corstorphine have remained almost unchanged in terms of the surrounding architecture for generations, others such as Lothian Road and Gorgie Road have seen big changes.
While we also take a look back at the site of the start of the West Approach Road just before it was built, linking the city centre with Gorgie and Roseburn, despite the dual carriageway being originally proposed to reach as far as the M8 on the western edge of Edinburgh.
9. Leith Walk then
The foot of Leith Walk in October, 1977, showing the old railway bridge, which is no longer there. The old Leith Central Station, pictured bottom left is now gone and was replaced by the former Leith Water World building, which is now a softplay centre, and a Tesco supermarket and car park. | TSPL Photo: National World
10. Leith Walk now
The bottom of Leith Walk has seen some major changes in recent years, most noticeably with the re-introduction of trams in Edinburgh and the recent extension through Leith down to Newhaven, with tram tracks along the entire length of the landmark street linking the old port with Edinburgh city centre. The construction work caused major upheaval for Leithers, with some shops having to shut due to a lack of footfall. | Google Maps
11. Lothian Road then
The Usher Hall at Lothian Road seen from the old Caledonian Railway Station across the road in 1964. The street and the entire area has seen some major changes in the six decades since, with the 1914 concert hall transformed thanks a recent renovation project. | TSPL Photo: National World
12. Lothian Road now
The Sheraton Grand hotel now stands on the former Caledonian Railway site from where the these then and now photos were taken, with the renovated Usher Hall standing tall between the Traverse and Lyceum theatres either side. | Google Maps