As part of our celebrations to mark 150 years of the Edinburgh Evening News, we’ve taken a look back at the big events that shaped Edinburgh since our publication was founded in 1873.
So many landmark moments have taken place in the Capital since then, including the creation of Edinburgh’s two premier football clubs Hearts and Hibs, the Cowgate fire in 2002, two Papal visits, Hearts players fighting in the First World War, the restoration of the Scottish Parliament and the signing of the Edinburgh Agreement in 2012 for the terms of the 2014 Scottish Independence Referendum.
Other iconic events include the opening of Central Library in 1890, the Zeppelin bombing of the city in 1916, Potobello joining Edinburgh in 1896 and Leith following in 1920, despite locals voting against it. The city has also welcomed the Commonwealth Games twice, in 1970 and 1986.
17. Portobello joins Edinburgh
Edinburgh's very own 'Costa Del Porty' joined Edinburgh in 1896. In 1833 the town was made a burgh, and jointly with Leith and Musselburgh, it was represented by one member of Parliament. Then in 1896 Portobello was incorporated into Edinburgh by Act of Parliament. The Scotsman in 1912 noted that "It was by the provisions of the Edinburgh Extension Act of 1895 under which Portobello was amalgamated with the city, that Edinburgh gave an undertaking to build and maintain the town hall in Portobello, and in February of this year the Corporation decided to implement the bargain". Photo: Toby Williams
18. Eleanor McLaughlin
Eleanor McLaughlin was the first female Lord Provost of Edinburgh, remaining in the role from 1988 to 1992. She was only the third member of the Labour Party ever to hold the office. She was also the first Roman Catholic to hold the post since the Reformation. Eleanor McLaughlin is pictured being presented with her chain of office when she became Edinburgh Lord Provost in May 1988. Photo: Stan Warburton
19. Central Library
Central Library in Edinburgh opened in 1890, and was the first public library building in the city. Edinburgh Central library comprises six libraries: Lending, Reference, Music, Art and Design, Edinburgh and Scottish and the Children's Library. The creation of Central Library was funded with £50,000 by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.Washington Browne's design was the winning entry in the architectural competition for the new library and was selected from 37 submissions.His grand building stands three levels tall above George IV Bridge and reaches down to the Cowgate below, spanning the disjointed streets of Edinburgh's Old Town. Above the main door is the motto, "Let there be Light" which Carnegie insisted was placed above the entrance to every library he funded. The facade of Central Library is also decorated with stone carvings depicting the coat of arms of the City of Edinburgh, Coat of Arms of Scotland and the Royal Arms. Photo: Ian Georgeson
20. Ross Bandstand
Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens has been a great place for Edinburgh people to enjoy some al fresco entertainment in the city centre in the shadow of Edinburgh Castle for many years, with top performers still appearing there in the summer months and of course for the Edinburgh Hogmanay party. The original bandstand was created in 1877, four years after the Evening News, and is often thought to have been the gift of William Henry Ross, chairman of the Distillers Company Ltd, to the city. Since William Henry would have been 15 at the time, that seems unlikely. He was, however, at least partly responsible for its replacement. In 1935 he donated £8,000 towards the cost of a new bandstand, which was subsequently named after him. In recent years the bandstand has become tired and in need of renovation, with many plans submitted for work or even a replacement on the site, but as yet the old bandstand stays where it is. Photo: Rob McDougall