Remember When: Portobello Beach at its best when the sun's out

IT is one of the Capital's most popular beaches '“ a hotspot for sun-seeking tourists and locals alike every summer.
Holidaymakers at Portobello beach in July 1958. Mr W Devon and Caroline Devon and Linda Gillespie enjoying toffee apples.Holidaymakers at Portobello beach in July 1958. Mr W Devon and Caroline Devon and Linda Gillespie enjoying toffee apples.
Holidaymakers at Portobello beach in July 1958. Mr W Devon and Caroline Devon and Linda Gillespie enjoying toffee apples.

But this week Portobello West was rated “poor” because of overflowing sewers. The ranking came after the introduction of much tighter quality standards from the European Union.

And the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has recommended that swimming in Portobello West – the stretch between the Seafield sewage works and Tumbles play centre – is avoided for up to two days after heavy rainfall because of the risk of illness.

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Portobello Central, including the popular beach itself and promenade as far as Joppa, was awarded a “sufficient quality” status.

Holidaymakers at Portobello beachHolidaymakers at Portobello beach
Holidaymakers at Portobello beach

As our pictures show, the report probably won’t stop families from frolicking on the sands over the next few months. In the summer of 1981, children were enjoying a ride on Shetland ponies along the beach.

A sun-kissed beach is always a good place for a snooze – and one couple were taking advantage of the opportunity to snatch 40 winks as their daughter played in June 1955.

A huge crowd of children gathered on the beach in July 1954 to take part in a sing-song by the sea.

And Mr W Devon, Caroline Devon and Linda Gillespie were eating toffee apples during the Edinburgh Trades holiday in July 1958.

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