Fifteen Strollers met up for an historic walk at Portobello led by our guides Karen and Helen. Starting at Harry Lauders birthplace, we made our way down to the prom learning about the harbour that was used for the movement of pottery from the large works that existed there. The Portobello Heritage Trust is rebuilding the kilns.
There was also
the large open air swimming pool with its artificial waves now long gone.
Moving along past the brightly painted public toilets and past the amusement
arcade we looked at the tower built in the late 18th century using stones
salvaged from demolished buildings in Edinburgh, allegedly including the Mercat
cross, as well as gargoyles from the cathedral in St Andrews. Passing Windsor
Mansions, where Ned Barnie who swam the English Channel 3 times lived, we came
back down to the prom passing the swimming baths and Turkish baths to learn
about the pier that used to be here at the turn of the 19th/20th century but
was demolished in 1917.
On then to the
Coade stone pillars which used to stand in the gardens of Argyle House in
Portobello High Street. They are the same design as the chimneys on Dalmeny
House. From here it was back to the High Street to finish the walk.
This is just a
quick summary of what we heard and saw on the walk. Too much to write here!
Our thanks to
Karen and Helen for a very interesting walk on what turned out to be a nice day
contrary to the forecast.
