Travel to Portobello, Edinburgh Map
Portobello, Edinburgh tourist guide map of landmarks & destinations by Walkfo
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Portobello, Edinburgh history
Early years
The area was originally known as Figgate Muir, an expanse of moorland with a broad sandy beach on the Firth of Forth. The name “Figgate” has been thought to come from an Old English term for “cow’s ditch”
1700s
By the 18th century the area had become a haunt of seamen and smugglers. A cottage was built in 1742 on what is now the High Street by a seaman called George Hamilton. It remained intact until 1851, when it became a hostelry for travellers known as the Shepherd’s Ha.
1800s
Portobello became industrialized in the 19th century, manufacturing bricks, glass, lead, paper, pottery, soap and mustard. A formidable red-brick power station was built in 1923 at the west end of the beach. The actor Sean Connery once worked there as a lifeguard.
1900s
In 1901 Portobello Baths were opened on The Promenade overlooking the beach. The Edinburgh Marine Gardens laid out north of Kings Road in 1908–1909 included an open-air theatre, an industrial hall, a ballroom (later a skating rink) and a speedway track. It fell out of use in the First World War and never recovered, although the speedway remained in use until the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939.
2000s
The 21st century has seen the emergence of community activities, some focused on the Promenade. The beach hosts regular beach volleyball, including Olympic beach-volleyball qualifiers, and the annual Big Beach Busk event. In 2019 Portobello was voted the best neighbourhood in the UK at the 2020 Urbanism Awards.
Portobello, Edinburgh map & travel guide with history & landmarks to explore
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| Travel Location: Travel Area: | Portobello, Edinburgh [zonearea] | Audio spots: Physical plaques: | 103 17 | Population: | [zonesize] |
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Tourist Guide to Portobello, Edinburgh Map
Portobello, Edinburgh map historic spot | Portobello, Edinburgh map tourist destination | Portobello, Edinburgh map plaque | Portobello, Edinburgh map geographic feature |
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