Imagine, if you will, the wonderful sight which greeted the backpacker. heading from Edinburgh to Berwick. Having decided to avoid the dangers of the turnpike road with its highwaymen and vagabonds, he struck across the fields from Holyrood, down through the Craigentinny meadows and the Figgate whins when suddenly before him stretched a magnificent bay, curving in a golden crescent from Leith to Fisherrow. More than a mile of perfectly smooth sand, free from stones and danders, with clear, sparkling water and not a soul in sight. Who wouldn't be tempted to strip off and plunge in?
That at least was the thinking of John Cairns when, on 11 June 1795 he decided to exploit this idyllic spot and respectfully informed the readers of the Edinburgh Courant that he had erected bathing machines of the best construction and employed steady horses and careful drivers to haul the discerning bathers out into the surf.
Portobello never looked back.
On The Beach
On The Beach
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
By 1802, the beach was being used regularly by the Edinburgh Light Horse as a place to exercise and drill the cavalry.
That year the quartermaster to the regiment was Walter Scott.
Scott regularly took off by himself in the intervals between exercises, walking his powerful black horse up and down the sands through the edge of the surf. He also had the unfortunate habit of suddenly pushing the horse into a gallop and racing along the length of the beach to Joppa and back. During one of these reckless charges he got into difficulties, and received a kick from the horse which confined him for three days to his lodgings.
It was during that enforced rest that he decided to start writing a poem and by the time he returned to the regiment on the beach, he had completed the first canto of The Lay Of The Last Minstrel.
That year the quartermaster to the regiment was Walter Scott.
Scott regularly took off by himself in the intervals between exercises, walking his powerful black horse up and down the sands through the edge of the surf. He also had the unfortunate habit of suddenly pushing the horse into a gallop and racing along the length of the beach to Joppa and back. During one of these reckless charges he got into difficulties, and received a kick from the horse which confined him for three days to his lodgings.
It was during that enforced rest that he decided to start writing a poem and by the time he returned to the regiment on the beach, he had completed the first canto of The Lay Of The Last Minstrel.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
John Cairns' bathing coaches were evidently successful and in 1804 a company was formed to erect public baths on the beach at a cost of £4,000, a very hefty sum for the time. The prime mover behind the project, and other innovative intiatives in Portobello, was William Jamieson. Jamieson was more than once Convenor of Trades in Edinburgh and described by his contemporaries as "the Father of Portobello".
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
So popular did the new baths on the beach prove to be that in Forsyth's Beauties of Scotland, published the following year, Mr. Forsyth noted that Portobello was now being much resorted to in the summer months by the citizens of Edinburgh and that a number of elegant houses had recently been built there and gardens laid out for the benefit of the residents.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
By 1806 the Baths had become so popular that it was decided to call the extension of the Duddingston Road which ran from the cross roads to the beach Bath Street (perhaps to make it really easy for people to find their way there).
It was on January 9 1806 on the beach at the foot of Bath Street that Major Tulloch and Captain Mackay decided to resolve their differences. Both were serving members of the 10th Inverness Regiment of Militia and had seriously fallen out. The ensuing duel was won by Captain Mackay, Major Tulloch receiving a bullet in his thigh which nearly proved fatal.
It was on January 9 1806 on the beach at the foot of Bath Street that Major Tulloch and Captain Mackay decided to resolve their differences. Both were serving members of the 10th Inverness Regiment of Militia and had seriously fallen out. The ensuing duel was won by Captain Mackay, Major Tulloch receiving a bullet in his thigh which nearly proved fatal.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
Walter Scott kept up his visits to Portobello beach and kept up the writing. By 1820 he was a baronet and by 1822 contrived to bring the largest crowd ever to the beach.
Scott had been appointed (perhaps self-appointed) to co-ordinate the visit of George IV to Edinburgh and as part of the celebrations, he organised a military tattoo on the beach.
In the course of the event on 23 August 1822, the King reviewed 3,000 yeomanry and regular cavalry who were assembled on the sands. Several companies of Highlanders were present, each clan having its own standard, badge and piper. After the march past, His Majesty expressed his satisfaction with the general appearance, discipline and steadiness of the troops.
The King, mounted on a light grey horse, received an ovation from the assembled crowd, which was estimated to be in excess of 50,000 people.
Scott had been appointed (perhaps self-appointed) to co-ordinate the visit of George IV to Edinburgh and as part of the celebrations, he organised a military tattoo on the beach.
In the course of the event on 23 August 1822, the King reviewed 3,000 yeomanry and regular cavalry who were assembled on the sands. Several companies of Highlanders were present, each clan having its own standard, badge and piper. After the march past, His Majesty expressed his satisfaction with the general appearance, discipline and steadiness of the troops.
The King, mounted on a light grey horse, received an ovation from the assembled crowd, which was estimated to be in excess of 50,000 people.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
For the next sixty years the beach was used regularly for troop reviews and by disgruntled officers engaged in "affairs of honour".
Most of the regiments involved were stationed at Piershill Barracks and the marches down Portobello Road to the beach were popular features in the social calendar and drew immense crowds. The events were advertised in the local and national newspapers. The spectators, both on the route of the march and on the beach itself were numerous and fashionable.
Over the years, most of the British regiments took part, including the Midlothian Yeomanry, the Dragoon Guards, The Enniskillen Dragoons and the Scots Greys.
Usually the troops were reviewed by senior military figures such as the Commander of Forces in Scotland. The appropriate General would appear on the sands about half past ten and be received by the Regiment in line, the band playing the national anthem. He would then minutely examine the troops. The Regiment then passed the General in slow and quick marching order, the band playing favourite marches. After going through sword exercises and mock skirmishes, the General, placing himself at their head, would then lead the troops in charges along the sands to Joppa and back at full gallop.
This didn't always go off without a hitch. On 21 July, 1841, for example, during a review of the 6th Dragoon Guards,two unfortunate accidents occurred. In one of the charges by squadrons, a horse fell and threw his rider and one of soldier's feet getting entangled in the stirrup, the horse, in rising, pulled him a considerable way before he was extricated. The man lay apparently insensible but was soon raised by troopers and others who ran to his assistance and was able, with support, to walk from the beach to the house of one of the bathing machine keepers. He was found to be bruised, and though no bones were broken, he seemed very faint and considerably shaken. After examination by the surgeons present he was taken back to the barracks in one of the Portobello coaches. The other accident was in the general charge at the end of the review when another horse fell with such great violence on his head that he dislocated his neck and was killed on the spot. The rider luckily was little hurt.
The spectacle would go on all day, terminating only when the tide came in.
Most of the regiments involved were stationed at Piershill Barracks and the marches down Portobello Road to the beach were popular features in the social calendar and drew immense crowds. The events were advertised in the local and national newspapers. The spectators, both on the route of the march and on the beach itself were numerous and fashionable.
Over the years, most of the British regiments took part, including the Midlothian Yeomanry, the Dragoon Guards, The Enniskillen Dragoons and the Scots Greys.
Usually the troops were reviewed by senior military figures such as the Commander of Forces in Scotland. The appropriate General would appear on the sands about half past ten and be received by the Regiment in line, the band playing the national anthem. He would then minutely examine the troops. The Regiment then passed the General in slow and quick marching order, the band playing favourite marches. After going through sword exercises and mock skirmishes, the General, placing himself at their head, would then lead the troops in charges along the sands to Joppa and back at full gallop.
This didn't always go off without a hitch. On 21 July, 1841, for example, during a review of the 6th Dragoon Guards,two unfortunate accidents occurred. In one of the charges by squadrons, a horse fell and threw his rider and one of soldier's feet getting entangled in the stirrup, the horse, in rising, pulled him a considerable way before he was extricated. The man lay apparently insensible but was soon raised by troopers and others who ran to his assistance and was able, with support, to walk from the beach to the house of one of the bathing machine keepers. He was found to be bruised, and though no bones were broken, he seemed very faint and considerably shaken. After examination by the surgeons present he was taken back to the barracks in one of the Portobello coaches. The other accident was in the general charge at the end of the review when another horse fell with such great violence on his head that he dislocated his neck and was killed on the spot. The rider luckily was little hurt.
The spectacle would go on all day, terminating only when the tide came in.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
By the summer of 1846 bathing on the beach was becoming problematic. Numerous letter were written to the press regarding the scandal of Portobello beach.
It appears that young ladies had deliberately taken to walking the beach while gentlemen were bathing. This, inevitably, caused consternation among the gentlemen whose modesty was being outraged, leading to a very unpleasant, if not perilous situation.
Similarly, there were reported incidents of young gentlemen standing gazing at ladies who were attempting to take the waters.
The obvious solution would be to designate separate bathing spaces for gentlemen and for ladies, perhaps even separated by a few yards of judiciously placed flannel.
Perhaps there was just not enough flannel to go round, but the segregated bathing spots did not materialise.
It appears that young ladies had deliberately taken to walking the beach while gentlemen were bathing. This, inevitably, caused consternation among the gentlemen whose modesty was being outraged, leading to a very unpleasant, if not perilous situation.
Similarly, there were reported incidents of young gentlemen standing gazing at ladies who were attempting to take the waters.
The obvious solution would be to designate separate bathing spaces for gentlemen and for ladies, perhaps even separated by a few yards of judiciously placed flannel.
Perhaps there was just not enough flannel to go round, but the segregated bathing spots did not materialise.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
20 May 1853 saw the successful holding of horse racing on the beach. The Portobello Races were not really competition for the much older Musselburgh events, but were well attended.
The Tradesman’s Plate (prize four sovereigns) was won by Mr. Watson’s Luxury by a length. The Inkeeper’s Plate (three sovereigns) was won by Mr. Baxter’s Sir Walter Scott at a canter.
The big race was the Portobello Stakes over a mile and a half, (prize one sovereign for each horse competing plus an additional seven sovereigns added). It was won by Mr. Fraser’s Etona. Mr. Watson’s Luxury came second and Mr. Thrift’s Miss West was third.
Unfortunately, on passing the stand after coming in from the race, Miss West stumbled and fell into the crowd injuring a man and a boy. The man was so badly hurt that he had to be carried from the beach and conveyed to the infirmary.
The Tradesman’s Plate (prize four sovereigns) was won by Mr. Watson’s Luxury by a length. The Inkeeper’s Plate (three sovereigns) was won by Mr. Baxter’s Sir Walter Scott at a canter.
The big race was the Portobello Stakes over a mile and a half, (prize one sovereign for each horse competing plus an additional seven sovereigns added). It was won by Mr. Fraser’s Etona. Mr. Watson’s Luxury came second and Mr. Thrift’s Miss West was third.
Unfortunately, on passing the stand after coming in from the race, Miss West stumbled and fell into the crowd injuring a man and a boy. The man was so badly hurt that he had to be carried from the beach and conveyed to the infirmary.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
Inevitably, as the beach became popular, it became a regular feature of the lost and found columns in the local newspapers.
On 21 July 1859 Mr. Cotton, who was a tobacconist with premises in Princes Street lost a silver and platinum snuffbox which had been made in Russia. He offered a reward. On 28 August someone from the Laboratory, Lasswade, found a brooch.
On 27 September, 1860, some workmen engaged in drainage work at the east end of the beach, came upon something altogether more interesting.
They were laying new drainage pipes out across the sand. About four feet down they came across a roughly made timber box. It was lying due east and west and was very decayed. On breaking open one end of it, they found it half filled with sand, from amongst which they pulled out a bone, a shoe and a piece of felt.
Not knowing what else to do, they sent for a doctor. Dr. Littlejohn, and his colleague Dr. Hill duly arrived and the box was carfefully cleared of sand to disclose a full skeleton.
Along with the body were found a comb, the remains of woolen cloth and the other shoe. This one contained the bones of the foot, implying that the man was buried with his shoes on. There was no evidence of fractures in the skeleton and no weapons were found in the box or nearby.
The two doctors said that in their opinion, from the state of the skeleton, the person had been dead at least fifty years and it was concluded that it was that of some sailor, probably of a foreign vessel judging by the fact that the body had been placed with the head towards the east. He had presumably died near the coast and his companions had buried him here at a time when the neighbouring grounds and the greater part of the site of Portobello consisted of sand dunes and whin bushes.
It is to be assumed that the man was given a christian burial in one of the Portobello graveyards, though which one is not recorded.
On 21 July 1859 Mr. Cotton, who was a tobacconist with premises in Princes Street lost a silver and platinum snuffbox which had been made in Russia. He offered a reward. On 28 August someone from the Laboratory, Lasswade, found a brooch.
On 27 September, 1860, some workmen engaged in drainage work at the east end of the beach, came upon something altogether more interesting.
They were laying new drainage pipes out across the sand. About four feet down they came across a roughly made timber box. It was lying due east and west and was very decayed. On breaking open one end of it, they found it half filled with sand, from amongst which they pulled out a bone, a shoe and a piece of felt.
Not knowing what else to do, they sent for a doctor. Dr. Littlejohn, and his colleague Dr. Hill duly arrived and the box was carfefully cleared of sand to disclose a full skeleton.
Along with the body were found a comb, the remains of woolen cloth and the other shoe. This one contained the bones of the foot, implying that the man was buried with his shoes on. There was no evidence of fractures in the skeleton and no weapons were found in the box or nearby.
The two doctors said that in their opinion, from the state of the skeleton, the person had been dead at least fifty years and it was concluded that it was that of some sailor, probably of a foreign vessel judging by the fact that the body had been placed with the head towards the east. He had presumably died near the coast and his companions had buried him here at a time when the neighbouring grounds and the greater part of the site of Portobello consisted of sand dunes and whin bushes.
It is to be assumed that the man was given a christian burial in one of the Portobello graveyards, though which one is not recorded.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
1867 saw the start of the back lash which inevitably had to follow the growth in popularity of Portobello as a seaside resort.
The catalyst was the Bottle Works which had been built beside the Figgate burn. Some visitors, and some tradesmen complained that it was not in keeping with the concept of the town as a resort. Others responded that the bottle works were situated at the western extremity of the town and that end of the beach was far away from the Promenade. Besides, it was rarely frequented by visitors or their children. In fact, it was hardly Portobello at all..... more like Craigentinny, or even the start of Leith.
The whole thing became very political, with people taking pops at the municipal authorities and operating along party lines. On 11 May 1868, Thomas Wood, the Provost of Portobello, was even taken to task by Mr. Taylor, the Postmaster, for not calling a public meeting to consider the issue.
The accusation against Wood was that he was in collusion with the owners of the bottleworks and was permitting them, daily, to remove sand from the beach. More than that, Provost Wood was also carting away sand from the beach himself, for use in his own business.
The Postmaster's concern was that if the sand continued to be removed at this rate, the beach would soon become nothing but coarse stones and shingle.
It was to be an issue which would not go away.
The catalyst was the Bottle Works which had been built beside the Figgate burn. Some visitors, and some tradesmen complained that it was not in keeping with the concept of the town as a resort. Others responded that the bottle works were situated at the western extremity of the town and that end of the beach was far away from the Promenade. Besides, it was rarely frequented by visitors or their children. In fact, it was hardly Portobello at all..... more like Craigentinny, or even the start of Leith.
The whole thing became very political, with people taking pops at the municipal authorities and operating along party lines. On 11 May 1868, Thomas Wood, the Provost of Portobello, was even taken to task by Mr. Taylor, the Postmaster, for not calling a public meeting to consider the issue.
The accusation against Wood was that he was in collusion with the owners of the bottleworks and was permitting them, daily, to remove sand from the beach. More than that, Provost Wood was also carting away sand from the beach himself, for use in his own business.
The Postmaster's concern was that if the sand continued to be removed at this rate, the beach would soon become nothing but coarse stones and shingle.
It was to be an issue which would not go away.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
Up until the 1840s Portobello had a small harbour with a quay. It was allowed to go into decay and finally to ruin. For a while the remains could be seen in the sand at low tide and then they too disappeared. At that time Portobello was hardly a manufacturing or trading town and, despite the seasonal visitors, presumably the traffic to and from the settlement was not sufficient to make the upkeep of the quay viable.
Which makes it curious that on 19 December 1868 a bill was put forward before Parliament to authorise the construction of a pier for the embarking and landing of passengers and for the recreation of the inhabitants and visitors to the town.
The pier would commence at a point on the foreshore seventy five feet north west of the north corner of Portobello Baths, situated at the foot of Bath Street, and extend into the sea in a north easterly direction for a distance of 1,250 feet.
The proposal was the idea of the redoubtable Provost Thomas Wood, who formed a company with James Balgarnie, David Craig, John Crawford and George Kedalie. They set up the Company with capital of £6,000, divided into six hundred shares of £10 each.
Not everyone was happy with the proposal, pointing out that Portobello depended for its existence on the almost unrivalled sweep of its beach and that the unsightliness and inconvenience caused by a pier cutting across the sand would deprive the town of its only source of attraction.
Besides, why spend £6,000 when for a matter of £5 you could put in place a couple of floating timber landing stages?
Which makes it curious that on 19 December 1868 a bill was put forward before Parliament to authorise the construction of a pier for the embarking and landing of passengers and for the recreation of the inhabitants and visitors to the town.
The pier would commence at a point on the foreshore seventy five feet north west of the north corner of Portobello Baths, situated at the foot of Bath Street, and extend into the sea in a north easterly direction for a distance of 1,250 feet.
The proposal was the idea of the redoubtable Provost Thomas Wood, who formed a company with James Balgarnie, David Craig, John Crawford and George Kedalie. They set up the Company with capital of £6,000, divided into six hundred shares of £10 each.
Not everyone was happy with the proposal, pointing out that Portobello depended for its existence on the almost unrivalled sweep of its beach and that the unsightliness and inconvenience caused by a pier cutting across the sand would deprive the town of its only source of attraction.
Besides, why spend £6,000 when for a matter of £5 you could put in place a couple of floating timber landing stages?
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
Provost Wood's ambitions didn't stop at the pier, he wanted to build a grand esplanade or promenade along the entire length of the seafront.
The problem was one of ownership: if you owned land along the seafront, you also owned the beach as far as the low water mark. In order to make his dream come true, the Provost would have to persuade each of the many landowners to donate their strip of beach above the high tide level in order to ensure a continuous walkway. To finance the project, he suggested that each landowner paid for the stretch of promenade in front of his property, on the basis that the final work could only enhance the value of the land. Not everyone was convinced.
Undaunted, Wood set up a committee of the Portobello great and good and began negotiations in February 1869. Within a few months they had acquired a considerable sum of money towards the project, which they intended to use to reduce the cost to each of the landowners in proportion to the rateable value of their frontages.
Most of the landowners joined the scheme and it was decided to go ahead, omitting those portions where the proprietors were unwilling to pay their fair share. It was hoped by this to shame the recalcitrants into coming on board.
It was much regretted by the committee that the Duke of Abercorn, who owned most of the land at the Joppa end and undoubtedly earned the largest income from his feus of any landowner involved, was not inclined to join in. Perhaps in time, they thought, he would see the value of protecting and improving his property and the potential there was for rendering a large tract of his land even more valuable in terms of feuing and rents.
It was hoped that work on the new esplanade could start soon and that Portobello Marine Parade would be one of the finest and most attractive in the country.
The problem was one of ownership: if you owned land along the seafront, you also owned the beach as far as the low water mark. In order to make his dream come true, the Provost would have to persuade each of the many landowners to donate their strip of beach above the high tide level in order to ensure a continuous walkway. To finance the project, he suggested that each landowner paid for the stretch of promenade in front of his property, on the basis that the final work could only enhance the value of the land. Not everyone was convinced.
Undaunted, Wood set up a committee of the Portobello great and good and began negotiations in February 1869. Within a few months they had acquired a considerable sum of money towards the project, which they intended to use to reduce the cost to each of the landowners in proportion to the rateable value of their frontages.
Most of the landowners joined the scheme and it was decided to go ahead, omitting those portions where the proprietors were unwilling to pay their fair share. It was hoped by this to shame the recalcitrants into coming on board.
It was much regretted by the committee that the Duke of Abercorn, who owned most of the land at the Joppa end and undoubtedly earned the largest income from his feus of any landowner involved, was not inclined to join in. Perhaps in time, they thought, he would see the value of protecting and improving his property and the potential there was for rendering a large tract of his land even more valuable in terms of feuing and rents.
It was hoped that work on the new esplanade could start soon and that Portobello Marine Parade would be one of the finest and most attractive in the country.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
On 8 April 1869 the Portobello Pier Bill was presented and passed its first reading in the House of Lords and Provost Wood and his fellow directors looked forward to building their anticipated money spinner.
Within a week, the God fearing community of Portobello was mobilised. On 15 April a well attended public meeting was held in the Town Hall to protest against the possibility of Sunday passenger traffic on the proposed pier. The establishment of Sunday steamers and other pleasure boats plying their trade to and from the pier would be a breach of Divine law and potentially a serious blow to the prosperity and welfare of the town. If Sunday traffic was allowed it would have the effect of drawing an inferior class of visitor to Portobello, and on the Sabbath at that.
It was agreed that the Town Council had a duty to see that Provost Wood and his cronies did whatever they could to insert a clause in the Bill to ban use of the pier on a Sunday.
Provost Wood conceded and a clause was drafted declaring that the Company’s regulations as to the times of opening and closing and the manner of use of the pier on Sundays should be subject to the approval of the Magistrates and the Council.
This clause was passed by the House of Commons, but the Lords threw it out on 20 June on the basis that it formed an inconvenient precedent which could be used to close every pier on a Sunday (and many other facilities besides).
After a brief period of protest, the Council conceded defeat and the Bill became law without the Sunday prohibition clause. Inevitably, this then led to attacks on the Council, with the good citizens of the town demanding to know who was going to pay the expenses which had been run up trying to get the clause inserted in the first place. Provost Wood defused that row by announcing that the costs would be met by the new Portobello Pier Company.
By 13 October the specifications for the work of constructing the pier were drawn up and tenders sought.
The first Ordinary Meeting of the Portobello Pier Company, incorporated by the Portobello Pier Act 1869, was held at 7 p.m. on Monday 8 November 1869 in the Town Hall.
Within a week, the God fearing community of Portobello was mobilised. On 15 April a well attended public meeting was held in the Town Hall to protest against the possibility of Sunday passenger traffic on the proposed pier. The establishment of Sunday steamers and other pleasure boats plying their trade to and from the pier would be a breach of Divine law and potentially a serious blow to the prosperity and welfare of the town. If Sunday traffic was allowed it would have the effect of drawing an inferior class of visitor to Portobello, and on the Sabbath at that.
It was agreed that the Town Council had a duty to see that Provost Wood and his cronies did whatever they could to insert a clause in the Bill to ban use of the pier on a Sunday.
Provost Wood conceded and a clause was drafted declaring that the Company’s regulations as to the times of opening and closing and the manner of use of the pier on Sundays should be subject to the approval of the Magistrates and the Council.
This clause was passed by the House of Commons, but the Lords threw it out on 20 June on the basis that it formed an inconvenient precedent which could be used to close every pier on a Sunday (and many other facilities besides).
After a brief period of protest, the Council conceded defeat and the Bill became law without the Sunday prohibition clause. Inevitably, this then led to attacks on the Council, with the good citizens of the town demanding to know who was going to pay the expenses which had been run up trying to get the clause inserted in the first place. Provost Wood defused that row by announcing that the costs would be met by the new Portobello Pier Company.
By 13 October the specifications for the work of constructing the pier were drawn up and tenders sought.
The first Ordinary Meeting of the Portobello Pier Company, incorporated by the Portobello Pier Act 1869, was held at 7 p.m. on Monday 8 November 1869 in the Town Hall.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
14 January 1870 saw the unveiling of the final plans for both the Pier and the Promenade. Both were designed by Mr. Thomas Bouch.
The pier was to be erected almost immediately opposite the end of Bath Street, commencing at a point above the high water mark, and would be 1250 feet long. The platform would be supported by cast iron columns 9 inches in diameter, rising 16 feet 9 inches above the water at high tide. The columns would be 30 feet apart and the pier base 20 feet wide. At the extreme end would be a jetty 60 feet wide by 180 feet long on which would be constructed a saloon 66 feet by 30 feet, fitted out with refreshment rooms and designed to accommodate 2,000 people. On either side of the jetty there were to be tidal landing stages for steamers and pleasure boats. An admission office and a small house for the pier keeper were intended at the shore end.
Work was progressing on the Promenade. It had begun in earnest the previous July when the section opposite Melville House was begun, being constructed on the patent concrete principle developed by Mr. Tall of London. Mr. Stewart of Melville House not only paid for the construction of the portion of sea wall opposite his own house, but he also donated £20 towards the general fund.
The Marquis of Abercorn had finally been persuaded to contribute £100 towards the scheme while Mr. Macfie and Mr. Miller of Manderston had each contributed £50. It was estimated that at least another £700 was needed to complete the work.
The pier was to be erected almost immediately opposite the end of Bath Street, commencing at a point above the high water mark, and would be 1250 feet long. The platform would be supported by cast iron columns 9 inches in diameter, rising 16 feet 9 inches above the water at high tide. The columns would be 30 feet apart and the pier base 20 feet wide. At the extreme end would be a jetty 60 feet wide by 180 feet long on which would be constructed a saloon 66 feet by 30 feet, fitted out with refreshment rooms and designed to accommodate 2,000 people. On either side of the jetty there were to be tidal landing stages for steamers and pleasure boats. An admission office and a small house for the pier keeper were intended at the shore end.
Work was progressing on the Promenade. It had begun in earnest the previous July when the section opposite Melville House was begun, being constructed on the patent concrete principle developed by Mr. Tall of London. Mr. Stewart of Melville House not only paid for the construction of the portion of sea wall opposite his own house, but he also donated £20 towards the general fund.
The Marquis of Abercorn had finally been persuaded to contribute £100 towards the scheme while Mr. Macfie and Mr. Miller of Manderston had each contributed £50. It was estimated that at least another £700 was needed to complete the work.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
The Council found itself with a dilemma in April 1870.
The Government had introduced excise duties on coaches and carriages. If the vehicle had four wheels, weighed 4 cwt or upwards and was drawn by a horse or a mule, then it needed an excise licence.
The bathing coaches on Portobello beach had four wheels, weighed over 4cwt and were pulled by horses. It seemed that they were subject to the tax. They Council would have to make up its mind about whether it should impose the levy or not before the start of the bathing season in June.
Inevitably, the debate widened. Local residents began to question the whole subject of bathing on Portobello beach. Arguments raged about the distance of the bathing coaches from the new pier. How were the sexes to be kept separate when bathing in order to maintain modesty? What was the most appropriate form of costume to ensure decorum?
Reckoning half a year as the average time the coaches were in use for bathing, the tax would amount to 3d per day. Of course, the question of paying for the licence would inevitably have to be passed on to the bather through increase in the hire charges, which would ultimately affect trade and bring down the whole economy of the town. Despite that dire consequence, the tax was imposed.
Users complained that if they were going to be asked to pay more then there would have to be some improvements made to the coaches themselves. The current ones seemed to vie with each other in how badly they were constructed. New taxes demanded new coaches, or at the very least two tiers of payment to represent the first and second class machines.
In all the fuss Mrs Crichton lost her gold mourning brooch on the sands. A reward was offered if the brooch was handed in to the Post Office. There is no mention of Mrs Crichton having to forego a session in the bathing coaches as a consequence.
The Government had introduced excise duties on coaches and carriages. If the vehicle had four wheels, weighed 4 cwt or upwards and was drawn by a horse or a mule, then it needed an excise licence.
The bathing coaches on Portobello beach had four wheels, weighed over 4cwt and were pulled by horses. It seemed that they were subject to the tax. They Council would have to make up its mind about whether it should impose the levy or not before the start of the bathing season in June.
Inevitably, the debate widened. Local residents began to question the whole subject of bathing on Portobello beach. Arguments raged about the distance of the bathing coaches from the new pier. How were the sexes to be kept separate when bathing in order to maintain modesty? What was the most appropriate form of costume to ensure decorum?
Reckoning half a year as the average time the coaches were in use for bathing, the tax would amount to 3d per day. Of course, the question of paying for the licence would inevitably have to be passed on to the bather through increase in the hire charges, which would ultimately affect trade and bring down the whole economy of the town. Despite that dire consequence, the tax was imposed.
Users complained that if they were going to be asked to pay more then there would have to be some improvements made to the coaches themselves. The current ones seemed to vie with each other in how badly they were constructed. New taxes demanded new coaches, or at the very least two tiers of payment to represent the first and second class machines.
In all the fuss Mrs Crichton lost her gold mourning brooch on the sands. A reward was offered if the brooch was handed in to the Post Office. There is no mention of Mrs Crichton having to forego a session in the bathing coaches as a consequence.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
On 1 March 1871 the Portobello Pier company announced that the pier was now rapidly approaching completion and they expected it to be opened in May.
It was their intention to make the daily admissions and the prices of season tickets as cheap as they could in order to make it possible for all members of the public to take advantage of the pier for promenading, bathing, boating or taking pleasure trips.
As far as the last was concerned, they were glad to say that they were in negotiations with the Alloa Steamboat Company, whose vessels would regularly call at the pier during the summer months.
Contrary to the belief of some sceptics, the construction of the pier did not stop the use of the beach by the military. For eight days in April, the Cavalry of the Royal Midlothian Yeomanry drilled and practiced their manouevres on the sands.
It was their intention to make the daily admissions and the prices of season tickets as cheap as they could in order to make it possible for all members of the public to take advantage of the pier for promenading, bathing, boating or taking pleasure trips.
As far as the last was concerned, they were glad to say that they were in negotiations with the Alloa Steamboat Company, whose vessels would regularly call at the pier during the summer months.
Contrary to the belief of some sceptics, the construction of the pier did not stop the use of the beach by the military. For eight days in April, the Cavalry of the Royal Midlothian Yeomanry drilled and practiced their manouevres on the sands.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
The Pier formally opened on Tuesday 23 May 1871. The Great and the Good and those who had put up the money, assembled in the Town Hall at noon and then, led by the band of the Royal Scots Greys, they progressed down Bath Street to the Pier. The inaugural steamer excursion took place at 12.30 and, after a performance by the band, luncheon was served in the saloon at the end of the pier at 2.30 p.m.
Tickets for the opening (including lunch) were 7s 6d each. Admission to the pier thereafter was 3d. The Company also made income from renting out advertising spaces on the pier.
The regular steamers from the pier were The Prince Of Wales and Lord Aberdour, which travelled back and forth to Stirling and Alloa every Wednesday during the summer season and arrangements were also being made for a daily service to and from Leith.
It wasn't long, however, before controversy struck.
It had been assumed by some Portobello residents that the Saloon on the pier would simply be a restaurant. Within weeks it had developed a reputation for fine fish dinners and the wine list was well remarked on.
They were dismayed, therefore, when it became apparant that the management intended that it be used as a dance hall. Such activity would attract roughs to the pier and the mingling of the higher classes with working men was fraught with danger. As usual, the battle was fought out in the letters columns of the newspapers, and also, as usual, the proprietors of the pier ignored the controversy.
Tickets for the opening (including lunch) were 7s 6d each. Admission to the pier thereafter was 3d. The Company also made income from renting out advertising spaces on the pier.
The regular steamers from the pier were The Prince Of Wales and Lord Aberdour, which travelled back and forth to Stirling and Alloa every Wednesday during the summer season and arrangements were also being made for a daily service to and from Leith.
It wasn't long, however, before controversy struck.
It had been assumed by some Portobello residents that the Saloon on the pier would simply be a restaurant. Within weeks it had developed a reputation for fine fish dinners and the wine list was well remarked on.
They were dismayed, therefore, when it became apparant that the management intended that it be used as a dance hall. Such activity would attract roughs to the pier and the mingling of the higher classes with working men was fraught with danger. As usual, the battle was fought out in the letters columns of the newspapers, and also, as usual, the proprietors of the pier ignored the controversy.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
Hardly had the first season on the Pier got underway when, on August 29, Oliver Flood, the Piermaster resigned following differences of opinion between the Chairman of the Pier Company and himself.
Rumours immediately began to circulate that he had been dismissed for dipping his hand into the till. William Muirhead, the Secretary of the Company, had to go on record to set the matter straight.
Allegations had been made that Mr. Flood had not been keeping a record of the takings. That was untrue. For the first thirteen days after the opening of the pier, there had been no ledger, but the money taken at the turnstile had been counted in the presence of Mr. Muirhead and an accountant from the bank, who took possession of it on the pier and deposited it in the bank. On each of these occassions a note of the amount taken at the turnstile was matched to the takings as counted in the presence of Mr. Muirhead. From 5 June a proper ledger, with printed headings, was maintained by Mr. Flood, which was checked regularly and reconciled with the takings.
There had also been a story circulating that Mr. Muirhead had been in the habit of taking the money to the bank himself and that on one occassion he had dropped the bag outside the Commercial Hotel spilling the coins over the pavement and leading to a regular scramble as children fought to pick them up.
What had actually happened was that he had once had to take the money home with him as the bank had closed. As he was going up Bath Street a shilling packet of coppers fell out the bag and burst on the pavement. There were no children about, there was no scramble and a gentleman who was passing helped him to pick up the twelve pence.
Mr. Flood's resignation was because he had failed to carry out instructions which had been issued to him regarding charging half price for children on the day of the Regatta. He was replaced as Piermaster by Mr. McLaren.
Rumours immediately began to circulate that he had been dismissed for dipping his hand into the till. William Muirhead, the Secretary of the Company, had to go on record to set the matter straight.
Allegations had been made that Mr. Flood had not been keeping a record of the takings. That was untrue. For the first thirteen days after the opening of the pier, there had been no ledger, but the money taken at the turnstile had been counted in the presence of Mr. Muirhead and an accountant from the bank, who took possession of it on the pier and deposited it in the bank. On each of these occassions a note of the amount taken at the turnstile was matched to the takings as counted in the presence of Mr. Muirhead. From 5 June a proper ledger, with printed headings, was maintained by Mr. Flood, which was checked regularly and reconciled with the takings.
There had also been a story circulating that Mr. Muirhead had been in the habit of taking the money to the bank himself and that on one occassion he had dropped the bag outside the Commercial Hotel spilling the coins over the pavement and leading to a regular scramble as children fought to pick them up.
What had actually happened was that he had once had to take the money home with him as the bank had closed. As he was going up Bath Street a shilling packet of coppers fell out the bag and burst on the pavement. There were no children about, there was no scramble and a gentleman who was passing helped him to pick up the twelve pence.
Mr. Flood's resignation was because he had failed to carry out instructions which had been issued to him regarding charging half price for children on the day of the Regatta. He was replaced as Piermaster by Mr. McLaren.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
In the Pier's first season 134,587 people paid the turnstile charges and came on to the pier and season ticket holders availed themselves of its attractions nearly 100,000 times.
The statement of accounts shows a total revenue of £1050 9s 7d and running costs of £446 12s 6d giving a profit for the first year of £603 27s 1d. Of that profit, £100 was put towards paying off the bank loan and the remaining £503 17s 1d was divided among the shareholders as a dividend.
The 1872 season, however, got off to a bad start. The weather was unpropitious. The bad weather was to last from March through to August and attendance on the pier was not large.
The statement of accounts shows a total revenue of £1050 9s 7d and running costs of £446 12s 6d giving a profit for the first year of £603 27s 1d. Of that profit, £100 was put towards paying off the bank loan and the remaining £503 17s 1d was divided among the shareholders as a dividend.
The 1872 season, however, got off to a bad start. The weather was unpropitious. The bad weather was to last from March through to August and attendance on the pier was not large.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
In August 1872 the Town Council began to get complaints about rubbish being deposited on the beach near the Figgate burn. Inspector White of the local constabulary was charged with investigating and sorting out the complaint.
He had to report that there was nothing he could do. The stretch of beach in question was owned by Messrs. Gray and Buchan, whose factory was further up on the banks of the burn, and it was they who were depositing their industrial waste on the sands. Unfortunately there was no law against them dumping rubbish on their own land and the company intended to keep on doing it.
The Town Clerk was instructed to write to the Board of Trade to see if they could intervene.
He had to report that there was nothing he could do. The stretch of beach in question was owned by Messrs. Gray and Buchan, whose factory was further up on the banks of the burn, and it was they who were depositing their industrial waste on the sands. Unfortunately there was no law against them dumping rubbish on their own land and the company intended to keep on doing it.
The Town Clerk was instructed to write to the Board of Trade to see if they could intervene.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
While the Pier itself continued to turn a profit, George Scott, who had the lease on the Saloon, wasn't doing so well. Overheads exceeded income and in September 1873 he appealed against the assessed rateable value of the saloon. His argument was that his place of business was only occupied for four months of the year so why should he have to pay a full year's rates. The Court took the view that the fact that he was closed for any part of the year was his affair and was not a sufficient reason in law to merit a reduction in his valuation.
George Scott went bankrupt on 2 April 1874.
The furniture, fixtures and fittings of the Pier Sallon were sold at public auction.
There was a handsome pedestal sideboard with mirrored back; square, loo and side tables; 27 chairs in haircloth; mantelpiece and pier mirrors; a large size Brussels carpet; Window hangings; Sun blinds; Eight day and hall clocks; Hall tables and hatstands; Large ornamental vases with screens; a 'capital' ice chest; Spirit casks; tea trays; cut crystal decanters; Glasses; Cruet stands etc. Even the gas meter was included in the sale.
Scott rounded off his exit by suing the Pier Company for £200 compensation because of alleged damages to the refreshement room caused by the defective state of the roof.
The Company used the claim as a justification to raise the admission price to the pier from 1d to 2d, which they considered was not at all unjustifiable when it was remembered that the Company had permanently engaged a fine band for the amusement of visitors and were otherwise catering for their convenience and comfort.
George Scott went bankrupt on 2 April 1874.
The furniture, fixtures and fittings of the Pier Sallon were sold at public auction.
There was a handsome pedestal sideboard with mirrored back; square, loo and side tables; 27 chairs in haircloth; mantelpiece and pier mirrors; a large size Brussels carpet; Window hangings; Sun blinds; Eight day and hall clocks; Hall tables and hatstands; Large ornamental vases with screens; a 'capital' ice chest; Spirit casks; tea trays; cut crystal decanters; Glasses; Cruet stands etc. Even the gas meter was included in the sale.
Scott rounded off his exit by suing the Pier Company for £200 compensation because of alleged damages to the refreshement room caused by the defective state of the roof.
The Company used the claim as a justification to raise the admission price to the pier from 1d to 2d, which they considered was not at all unjustifiable when it was remembered that the Company had permanently engaged a fine band for the amusement of visitors and were otherwise catering for their convenience and comfort.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
The removal of sand for the bottle works which had begun in 1867 was by now having a noticeable effect.
The Town Council, who had no direct jurisdiction over the beach, wrote to the Commissioners of Woods and Forests who, despite their title, were the national custodians of sea beaches and foreshores.
The Council pointed out the very serious injury that was being done to the beach by the carting away of sand and gravel and also by the dumping of ashes and rubbish by Messrs Gray and Buchan. The Council's concern was that this erosion would have a detrimental effect on the town as a holiday resort.
The Commissioners were asked what could be done. The reply was hardly helpful.
If there were no prohibitory notices exhibited, then they could be posted by the Council, but it should be made quite clear that the prohibition related only to the shore below high water mark. Any sand and gravel above that point was the property of the owner of that stretch of beach, to do with as they saw fit.
In addition, any costs would have to be met by the Council as the Government had no funds at their disposal for the purpose of printing and exhibiting prohibition notices or for prosecuting any offenders.
The Town Council, who had no direct jurisdiction over the beach, wrote to the Commissioners of Woods and Forests who, despite their title, were the national custodians of sea beaches and foreshores.
The Council pointed out the very serious injury that was being done to the beach by the carting away of sand and gravel and also by the dumping of ashes and rubbish by Messrs Gray and Buchan. The Council's concern was that this erosion would have a detrimental effect on the town as a holiday resort.
The Commissioners were asked what could be done. The reply was hardly helpful.
If there were no prohibitory notices exhibited, then they could be posted by the Council, but it should be made quite clear that the prohibition related only to the shore below high water mark. Any sand and gravel above that point was the property of the owner of that stretch of beach, to do with as they saw fit.
In addition, any costs would have to be met by the Council as the Government had no funds at their disposal for the purpose of printing and exhibiting prohibition notices or for prosecuting any offenders.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
There was a severe gale at the beginning of March 1875 and the following morning it was observed that there were a number of dead birds on the sands and on Joppa rocks.
It turned out that all of them were common auks. There were no dead gulls or other seabirds.
While there was no real explanation as to why that should be the case, one local resident put forward the theory that as Auks are diving birds, their wings are not designed for prolonged flight and in trying to battle against the high winds, they simply became exhausted, fell into the sea and drowned.
It turned out that all of them were common auks. There were no dead gulls or other seabirds.
While there was no real explanation as to why that should be the case, one local resident put forward the theory that as Auks are diving birds, their wings are not designed for prolonged flight and in trying to battle against the high winds, they simply became exhausted, fell into the sea and drowned.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
In the middle of July 1875 Mr. J.S. Levett of Edinburgh had his great adventure: swimming across the Forth with the aid of his patent safety life float.
The float consisted of a light framework of wood about a foot square which was fastened to his back by means of straps. Attached to the upper end on a level with his shoulders were a couple of flat pieces of wood. To these were attached two inflatable bladders which fitted under his arms and a third bladder was strapped across his chest.
Having announced the event, he was determined to go through with it, despite the fact that the weather was bad and his friends kept trying to dissuade him from being so foolhardy. So, about ten minutes to two on 19 July, he jumped overboard from a yacht anchored off Inchkeith and struck out manfully for Portobello, six miles away.
After he had been in the water about two hours, his friends sent a small boat out to see if he was alright. Levett told them that he was okay and to go away. Still concerned, his friends repeatedly sent the boat back and Levett repeatedly refused all aid.
Around seven o'clock, the crowd gathered at the end of Portobello pier could see him bobbing about, a mile or so off shore. He was easy to spot because he had attached small flags to each of his shoulders.
A few rowing boats put off to meet him and escorted him in to the pier, which he made an hour later to great applause. On coming out of the water he did not seem much the worse for his effort and the cheering crowd hurried him along to the saloon where towels and, doubtless a reviving refreshment, awaited him.
The float consisted of a light framework of wood about a foot square which was fastened to his back by means of straps. Attached to the upper end on a level with his shoulders were a couple of flat pieces of wood. To these were attached two inflatable bladders which fitted under his arms and a third bladder was strapped across his chest.
Having announced the event, he was determined to go through with it, despite the fact that the weather was bad and his friends kept trying to dissuade him from being so foolhardy. So, about ten minutes to two on 19 July, he jumped overboard from a yacht anchored off Inchkeith and struck out manfully for Portobello, six miles away.
After he had been in the water about two hours, his friends sent a small boat out to see if he was alright. Levett told them that he was okay and to go away. Still concerned, his friends repeatedly sent the boat back and Levett repeatedly refused all aid.
Around seven o'clock, the crowd gathered at the end of Portobello pier could see him bobbing about, a mile or so off shore. He was easy to spot because he had attached small flags to each of his shoulders.
A few rowing boats put off to meet him and escorted him in to the pier, which he made an hour later to great applause. On coming out of the water he did not seem much the worse for his effort and the cheering crowd hurried him along to the saloon where towels and, doubtless a reviving refreshment, awaited him.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
J.S.Levett wasn't the only one with aquatic safety on their mind. 1875 also saw Mr. Goudie demonstrate his Patent Life Saving Coat.
The coat looked like a simple waterproof mackintosh, but if, by accident, the wearer fell into deep water, all they had to do was inflate it by blowing into a belt which ran around the back and shoulders. When fully inflated this pushed up to the neck and held the head above the water. (According to some observers it looked a little like an elizabethan ruff.)
The capabilities of the coat were demonstrated by Goudie on Portobello Pier on the first Saturday in September.
While the band of the Queen's Edinburgh Rifle Brigade played, two Gentlemen in full walking costume donned their respective coats and jumped off the end of the pier.
Inflating the collars appeared to be reasonably straight forward and once the collars were inflated the men settled down to lunch. Food and drink were lowered to them in the water and despite the rise and fall of the waves, they were able to eat and drink with ease. Following their repast they both swam for a little and then returned to the pier.
Most who saw it agreed that the coat would be a ready means of keeping it's wearer's head above water should a sudden mishap occur at sea or in inland waters. No one mentioned the inconvenience of having to wear a mackintosh at all times and in all weathers.
The coat looked like a simple waterproof mackintosh, but if, by accident, the wearer fell into deep water, all they had to do was inflate it by blowing into a belt which ran around the back and shoulders. When fully inflated this pushed up to the neck and held the head above the water. (According to some observers it looked a little like an elizabethan ruff.)
The capabilities of the coat were demonstrated by Goudie on Portobello Pier on the first Saturday in September.
While the band of the Queen's Edinburgh Rifle Brigade played, two Gentlemen in full walking costume donned their respective coats and jumped off the end of the pier.
Inflating the collars appeared to be reasonably straight forward and once the collars were inflated the men settled down to lunch. Food and drink were lowered to them in the water and despite the rise and fall of the waves, they were able to eat and drink with ease. Following their repast they both swam for a little and then returned to the pier.
Most who saw it agreed that the coat would be a ready means of keeping it's wearer's head above water should a sudden mishap occur at sea or in inland waters. No one mentioned the inconvenience of having to wear a mackintosh at all times and in all weathers.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
It was high drama on the pier on 28 October.
While the band of the Dragoon Guards was playing the cry of FIRE went up. Immediately the pier officials dropped a bucket down into the sea and hauled up some water. They then rushed to the saloon end of the pier only to be told that the smoke was seen rising at the shore end.
Rushing to the other end, they dashed the water over the planks, through the interstices of which a small wreath of smoke was curling.
Because the tide was going out, they had to run all the way back to the saloon end to lower the bucket again.
On the way back to the shore end, they were greeted by the sight of the redoubtable Provost Wood running towards them, axe in hand, shouting "Fire! Fire! Help! Help!" and followed by a council official with a rope.
The Provost forced his way through the crowd which had gathered around the scene of the blaze and chipped away a bit of planking. A smouldering cigarette was revealed, which was quickly doused with the bucketful of sea water.
The band played on.
While the band of the Dragoon Guards was playing the cry of FIRE went up. Immediately the pier officials dropped a bucket down into the sea and hauled up some water. They then rushed to the saloon end of the pier only to be told that the smoke was seen rising at the shore end.
Rushing to the other end, they dashed the water over the planks, through the interstices of which a small wreath of smoke was curling.
Because the tide was going out, they had to run all the way back to the saloon end to lower the bucket again.
On the way back to the shore end, they were greeted by the sight of the redoubtable Provost Wood running towards them, axe in hand, shouting "Fire! Fire! Help! Help!" and followed by a council official with a rope.
The Provost forced his way through the crowd which had gathered around the scene of the blaze and chipped away a bit of planking. A smouldering cigarette was revealed, which was quickly doused with the bucketful of sea water.
The band played on.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
There was more high drama the following day.
Wee James Archibald had come down to the seaside with his mates from St. Patrick Square. They were larking about on steps up onto the pier when James fell off. The tide was in and he fell into the water and was pulled out to sea by the current.
The screams of the other boys sttracted the notice of two medical students, Albert Thompson and Thomas Gray who happened to be passing by on the Promenade. Both men leapt into the water and succeeded in bringing the lad to the pier.
Artificial respiration was speedily applied with success and the boy was able to return home in the evening. Presumably his parents would have had something to say about his adventure, not least the skiving off school and the soggy state of his jumper.
Wee James Archibald had come down to the seaside with his mates from St. Patrick Square. They were larking about on steps up onto the pier when James fell off. The tide was in and he fell into the water and was pulled out to sea by the current.
The screams of the other boys sttracted the notice of two medical students, Albert Thompson and Thomas Gray who happened to be passing by on the Promenade. Both men leapt into the water and succeeded in bringing the lad to the pier.
Artificial respiration was speedily applied with success and the boy was able to return home in the evening. Presumably his parents would have had something to say about his adventure, not least the skiving off school and the soggy state of his jumper.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
There was a huge north easterly storm on 15 November 1875 which tore up sections of the Promenade. The extreme west end, between Ramsay Lane and the old harbour was destroyed. Ramsay Lane to the pier remained intact, as did the stretch between Bath Street and Pitt Street. Pitt Street to John Street sustained a lot of damage, but Hamilton Street along to the end of the Esplanade at Joppa was alright.
It appeared that at the sections which were damaged, the gale and high tide drew away the drift sand, laid bare the foundation of the sea wall and sucked the soft material out from under the terrace which, of course, fell in.
Inevitably people blamed the Town Council for having permitted tens of thousands of cart loads of sand to be taken away from the beach over the previous decade, if only through their inaction. It was also noted by the more cynical commentators that a number of the Councillors, among them Provost Wood, did require a little sand for their own businesses.
The eminent Professor Geikie, and a number of his students from Edinburgh University, paid a visit to the beach to assess the damage. The Professor immediately expressed his opinion that the damage had resulted from the removal of the sand. The sand acted as a barrier against the inroads of heavy waves and, if removed, left the promenade dangerously exposed.
A public meeting was called at the Town Hall Buildings with the purpose of forming an action group to prevent further removal of the sand. About 30 people turned up. The motion was put that: An association be formed with the object of preserving the amenity of the beach by preventing the removal of sand therefrom and the laying down of ashes or rubbish or any other impurity affecting the comfort of bathers and others. This was carried unanimously. It was agreed that the association should be called The Portobello Beach Protection Association and the annual subscription constituting membership should be 2s 6d.
The Council responded by pointing out that the carting away of the sand was not, and could not by any bylaws, be made a police offence and that they had no statutory powers to make bylaws respecting the beach, except as regarded the regulation of bathing.
The Association countered by commissioning George Stevenson, the engineer, to prepare a report on the condition of the beach. His report, in March 1876, confirmed Professor Geikie's opinion and concluded that the carting away of the sand was most detrimental to the beach. The Association therefore lodged objections with the Board of Trade against the businesses who were carting the sand, and against the Town Council itself.
It appeared that at the sections which were damaged, the gale and high tide drew away the drift sand, laid bare the foundation of the sea wall and sucked the soft material out from under the terrace which, of course, fell in.
Inevitably people blamed the Town Council for having permitted tens of thousands of cart loads of sand to be taken away from the beach over the previous decade, if only through their inaction. It was also noted by the more cynical commentators that a number of the Councillors, among them Provost Wood, did require a little sand for their own businesses.
The eminent Professor Geikie, and a number of his students from Edinburgh University, paid a visit to the beach to assess the damage. The Professor immediately expressed his opinion that the damage had resulted from the removal of the sand. The sand acted as a barrier against the inroads of heavy waves and, if removed, left the promenade dangerously exposed.
A public meeting was called at the Town Hall Buildings with the purpose of forming an action group to prevent further removal of the sand. About 30 people turned up. The motion was put that: An association be formed with the object of preserving the amenity of the beach by preventing the removal of sand therefrom and the laying down of ashes or rubbish or any other impurity affecting the comfort of bathers and others. This was carried unanimously. It was agreed that the association should be called The Portobello Beach Protection Association and the annual subscription constituting membership should be 2s 6d.
The Council responded by pointing out that the carting away of the sand was not, and could not by any bylaws, be made a police offence and that they had no statutory powers to make bylaws respecting the beach, except as regarded the regulation of bathing.
The Association countered by commissioning George Stevenson, the engineer, to prepare a report on the condition of the beach. His report, in March 1876, confirmed Professor Geikie's opinion and concluded that the carting away of the sand was most detrimental to the beach. The Association therefore lodged objections with the Board of Trade against the businesses who were carting the sand, and against the Town Council itself.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
May 1876 saw the start of salmon fishing as a commercial enterprise on Portobello beach.
Without the knowledge of the Town Council, the Board of Trade had given permission for the enterprise. The Town Council were not happy, but were unable to do anything about it other than grumble that it interfered with the use of the beach as a pleasure resort.
Two large stake nets were erected, one at the extreme west end and the other at the extreme east end of the Promenade. Over the first few weeks only sea trout (albeit of considerable size) were caught and it was not until June that salmon began to be taken in any quantity.
Without the knowledge of the Town Council, the Board of Trade had given permission for the enterprise. The Town Council were not happy, but were unable to do anything about it other than grumble that it interfered with the use of the beach as a pleasure resort.
Two large stake nets were erected, one at the extreme west end and the other at the extreme east end of the Promenade. Over the first few weeks only sea trout (albeit of considerable size) were caught and it was not until June that salmon began to be taken in any quantity.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
May also saw serious management issues at the Portobello Pier Company.
It had started the previous April when the company dismissed the Piermaster, John Scott and replaced him with Henry Clift.
On 11 May Scott took out an injunction prohibiting either Henry Clift or the Portobello Pier Company from keeping a public house and selling excisable liquors at the saloon on the seaward end of the pier, on the basis that he was the licencee. Despite the injunction, the Company went ahead with an application to have the licence assigned to Henry Clift and were succcessful.
Unfortunately, they also fell out with Mr. Clift and dismissed him from their service on 29 June. When they asked him to surrender the licence he, like John Scott, refused. The Company took him to Court, where he argued that under his contract he was entitled to a month's notice of dismissal, which he had not received, and that he should be protected in respect of any responsibility that rested with him as holder of the licence. The Court agreed and found against the Portobello Pier Company.
The Company immediately lodged an appeal. The Appeal Court overturned the earlier decision on the grounds that Henry Clift was a servant of the Company, employed by them at a salary of £1 10s a week, that he was bound by the nature of his employment to apply for and hold the licence, and that all costs in respect of the licence had been paid for by his employers. Consequently the de facto licence holders were the Company, not Mr. Clift.
Clift appealed to the House of Lords against the Appeal Court decision, but was unsuccessful.
All this time, the restaurant and saloon on the pier, the main revenue earner for the Company, remained closed.
On 6 October the Portobello Pier Company were granted a new licence to sell excisable liquors on the pier and awarded the contract to run the restaurant and saloon on their behalf to Henry Calder, who ran the grocer's shop in Portobello High Street.
It had started the previous April when the company dismissed the Piermaster, John Scott and replaced him with Henry Clift.
On 11 May Scott took out an injunction prohibiting either Henry Clift or the Portobello Pier Company from keeping a public house and selling excisable liquors at the saloon on the seaward end of the pier, on the basis that he was the licencee. Despite the injunction, the Company went ahead with an application to have the licence assigned to Henry Clift and were succcessful.
Unfortunately, they also fell out with Mr. Clift and dismissed him from their service on 29 June. When they asked him to surrender the licence he, like John Scott, refused. The Company took him to Court, where he argued that under his contract he was entitled to a month's notice of dismissal, which he had not received, and that he should be protected in respect of any responsibility that rested with him as holder of the licence. The Court agreed and found against the Portobello Pier Company.
The Company immediately lodged an appeal. The Appeal Court overturned the earlier decision on the grounds that Henry Clift was a servant of the Company, employed by them at a salary of £1 10s a week, that he was bound by the nature of his employment to apply for and hold the licence, and that all costs in respect of the licence had been paid for by his employers. Consequently the de facto licence holders were the Company, not Mr. Clift.
Clift appealed to the House of Lords against the Appeal Court decision, but was unsuccessful.
All this time, the restaurant and saloon on the pier, the main revenue earner for the Company, remained closed.
On 6 October the Portobello Pier Company were granted a new licence to sell excisable liquors on the pier and awarded the contract to run the restaurant and saloon on their behalf to Henry Calder, who ran the grocer's shop in Portobello High Street.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
The summer of 1876 saw the Portobello Beach Protection Association score a number of successes.
The breakthrough came when they recruited the services of Colonel Slade. The Colonel was of the opinion that Portobello beach was the only suitable place in the district for cavalry exercises, and was clearly able to demonstrate that such exercises had been taking place for at least a century. He was able to convince his fellow officers in both his own and other regiments that if the sand continued to be removed then the exercises would have to cease due to the potential danger to the horses.
The Scottish regiments raised the issue with the War Office who in turn raised it with the Board of Trade.
In response the Board of Trade made it clear that frontagers could prosecute people who removed sand from the stretches of the beach which the frontagers owned. They were also prepared to lease the overall jurisdiction over the beach to the Town Council. In the event that the Town Council did not want to accept that responsibility, then the Board of Trade was prepared to grant the lease to the Portobello Beach Protection Association itself.
While keen to take on the lease, the Association had concerns about its ability to carry out the necessary enforcement. Perhaps not without a vested interest, the Benhar Coal Company said that it was prepared to take on that role on the Association's behalf.
The breakthrough came when they recruited the services of Colonel Slade. The Colonel was of the opinion that Portobello beach was the only suitable place in the district for cavalry exercises, and was clearly able to demonstrate that such exercises had been taking place for at least a century. He was able to convince his fellow officers in both his own and other regiments that if the sand continued to be removed then the exercises would have to cease due to the potential danger to the horses.
The Scottish regiments raised the issue with the War Office who in turn raised it with the Board of Trade.
In response the Board of Trade made it clear that frontagers could prosecute people who removed sand from the stretches of the beach which the frontagers owned. They were also prepared to lease the overall jurisdiction over the beach to the Town Council. In the event that the Town Council did not want to accept that responsibility, then the Board of Trade was prepared to grant the lease to the Portobello Beach Protection Association itself.
While keen to take on the lease, the Association had concerns about its ability to carry out the necessary enforcement. Perhaps not without a vested interest, the Benhar Coal Company said that it was prepared to take on that role on the Association's behalf.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
The high tide on 27 June 1876 washed up the body of a man on to the beach.
The body was in an advanced state of decomposition and the features were unrecognisable. It appeared to be that of a person about 50 years of age, was 5 ft 8 in in height with dark hair and of ordinary build.
The man was wearing a dark vest, old patched trousers, tacketed boots and worsted stockings.
Despite the meagre description in the paper, his family recognised him and on the 29 June identified the body as that of Nicholas Wright, who had gone missing from his home in North Berwick on the 11th of the month.
The body was in an advanced state of decomposition and the features were unrecognisable. It appeared to be that of a person about 50 years of age, was 5 ft 8 in in height with dark hair and of ordinary build.
The man was wearing a dark vest, old patched trousers, tacketed boots and worsted stockings.
Despite the meagre description in the paper, his family recognised him and on the 29 June identified the body as that of Nicholas Wright, who had gone missing from his home in North Berwick on the 11th of the month.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
Another year. Another north-easterly. Another stretch of the Promenade washed away. This time, it was the stretch along the frontage of the Hamilton Lodge.
Once again the Town Council Promenade Committee had difficulty in getting the various owners to accept their responsibilities and to agree to their share of the expenses. The Committee had to resort to obtaining subscriptions from the general public in order to complete the work.
It had been recognised that a pattern was emerging in relation to damage to the Promenade, with this particular section seeming to bear the brunt every time. It was decided that this time, unlike the original construction of the Promenade, the new section should be made entirely of concrete, with the foundations taken right down to the boulder clay.
The total cost of the work was £228 8s 11d. Dr. Laing, whose practice fronted on to that section of the Promenade contributed £59 17s 5d. and the owners of Marine Villa, Sanson Lodge and Hamilton Lodge £54 14s 3d, £52 16s 3d and £61 1s respectively.
As all of the work was towards the Joppa end of the beach, there was no disruption of activity on the pier and the saloon steamer Lord Mar was able to continue its regular cruises. The excursions took the form of a trip up the south side of the Forth, passing Granton, Inchmickery, Cramond Island, Bambougle Castle, South Queensferry and Blackness Castle and returning down the north side passing Culross, Rosyth, Inchcolm and Aberdour. Luncheon and refreshments were available on board and a saxophone band played throughout. All this for 1s.
Once again the Town Council Promenade Committee had difficulty in getting the various owners to accept their responsibilities and to agree to their share of the expenses. The Committee had to resort to obtaining subscriptions from the general public in order to complete the work.
It had been recognised that a pattern was emerging in relation to damage to the Promenade, with this particular section seeming to bear the brunt every time. It was decided that this time, unlike the original construction of the Promenade, the new section should be made entirely of concrete, with the foundations taken right down to the boulder clay.
The total cost of the work was £228 8s 11d. Dr. Laing, whose practice fronted on to that section of the Promenade contributed £59 17s 5d. and the owners of Marine Villa, Sanson Lodge and Hamilton Lodge £54 14s 3d, £52 16s 3d and £61 1s respectively.
As all of the work was towards the Joppa end of the beach, there was no disruption of activity on the pier and the saloon steamer Lord Mar was able to continue its regular cruises. The excursions took the form of a trip up the south side of the Forth, passing Granton, Inchmickery, Cramond Island, Bambougle Castle, South Queensferry and Blackness Castle and returning down the north side passing Culross, Rosyth, Inchcolm and Aberdour. Luncheon and refreshments were available on board and a saxophone band played throughout. All this for 1s.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
March 1878 saw a major new development on the pier: the Pier Company granted permission for Mr. Parker, from Rothesay, to erect a museum and Aquarium on the roof of the refreshement room. It was to prove a popular attraction.
The accommodation for bathers was also increased by the erection of a commodious and well fitted changing room on the east side of the pier, near the steps. The floor was laid with cork and there were several private compartments for the use of gentlemen of a more modest disposition. The new changing rooms were a response to the large increase in the number of bathers using the pier.
During the summer the East Lothian Yeomanry commenced active training on the beach. After the exercises, Trooper J. Watt of No. 1 Troop sold his thoroughbred chestnut mare. She was a magnificent hack, standing at 15 hands, fully trained and perfect in harness. Hopefully he got a good price.
Less popular was William Anderson, who found himself in court for removing gravel from the seashore at Joppa. In his defence he said that in taking the gravel from Joppa, the carters were acting against his instructions. They had gone to the beach at Joppa in error, thinking that it was Fisherrow. Normally he sent his carts to Musselburgh where the gravel was better and was worth 1s 3d per cartload.
The accommodation for bathers was also increased by the erection of a commodious and well fitted changing room on the east side of the pier, near the steps. The floor was laid with cork and there were several private compartments for the use of gentlemen of a more modest disposition. The new changing rooms were a response to the large increase in the number of bathers using the pier.
During the summer the East Lothian Yeomanry commenced active training on the beach. After the exercises, Trooper J. Watt of No. 1 Troop sold his thoroughbred chestnut mare. She was a magnificent hack, standing at 15 hands, fully trained and perfect in harness. Hopefully he got a good price.
Less popular was William Anderson, who found himself in court for removing gravel from the seashore at Joppa. In his defence he said that in taking the gravel from Joppa, the carters were acting against his instructions. They had gone to the beach at Joppa in error, thinking that it was Fisherrow. Normally he sent his carts to Musselburgh where the gravel was better and was worth 1s 3d per cartload.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.