Meadowbank developed extensively during the Victorian era as Edinburgh expanded eastwards. Meadowbank lodge is a Category C listed lodge, built in 1858, that borders the park and Meadowbank.
The area is best known for Meadowbank Stadium, a multi-purpose sports facility that opened as an international sports stadium in 1970. The stadium closed in 2017 and was redeveloped as a local sports and athletics facility that was officially opened in November, 2022.
We found lots of great photos of the old stadium, showing its changes over the years, as well as the two Commonwealth Games held there, in 1970 and 1986.
13. Champions
John Blane, ex-manager of then Meadowbank Thistle now Livingston FC, pictured at Meadowbank in February, 2000, with a trophy from when Meadowbank Thistle won the old Second Division title. | TSPL Photo: Sandy Young
14. Demolition
A mechanical digger cuts through the old terracing at Meadowbank as construction begins on the new Commonwealth Games stadium in Edinburgh, January 1968. | TSPL Photo: Iconic Media
15. Sumo
Seven-year-old Tony Scott came face to face with sumo wrestler Eiiti Tanaka in June, 2001.The Japanese Sumo wrestlers were visiting Scotland for the first time, and wrestled with some children from the audience after a demonstration at Meadowbank Stadium. | TSPL Photo: Neil Hanna
16. Bienvenu
French visitors in national costume travelled from Paris in an old bus to Edinburgh for the Bastille Day celebrations in July 1971. They were greeted by a piper at Meadowbank stadium. | TSPL Photo: Iconic Media