Such crowds also brought temptation: pickpocketing was rife.
Some felons went a little further. On 23 July 1930, for stealing an automatic cigarette machine from the wall of an ice-cream kiosk on Portobello Promenade William Gordon, a 24 year old miner of Ashglen, Portobello, was fined £2 with the option of 20 days imprisonment.
It was stated that the machine was valued at £4 15s and that Gordon had told the police that he threw it down a deep disused well from which it was practically irrecoverable.
On The Beach
Perhaps also in response to the numbers turning up each summer at Portobello beach, the Coty Architect, E.J. Macrae ARIBA designed a number of bathing coaches for use on the beach.
The Corporation went out to tender for the coaches in December 1929, and on 21 January 1930 decided that 15 of the coaches should be located at the west end of the beach, near Kings Road.
The old horse bathing coaches had been withdrawn from Portobello sands so as to discourage bathing in the open sea due to the problem with effluent. That problem had not gone away. Especially along the Joppa shore, the water was frequently heavily polluted. It was estimated that the outlet pipe at Seafield needed to be extended at least a further mile out from the shore to avoid the currents which carried the sewage back on to the beach.
The same Committee considered the construction of a bathing pool at Joppa, at a cost of £50,000. Because of the effluent problem, it was decided that the Joppa pool is to be constructed above high water mark and the sea water pumped in by very costly means and filtered.
The Corporation went out to tender for the coaches in December 1929, and on 21 January 1930 decided that 15 of the coaches should be located at the west end of the beach, near Kings Road.
The old horse bathing coaches had been withdrawn from Portobello sands so as to discourage bathing in the open sea due to the problem with effluent. That problem had not gone away. Especially along the Joppa shore, the water was frequently heavily polluted. It was estimated that the outlet pipe at Seafield needed to be extended at least a further mile out from the shore to avoid the currents which carried the sewage back on to the beach.
The same Committee considered the construction of a bathing pool at Joppa, at a cost of £50,000. Because of the effluent problem, it was decided that the Joppa pool is to be constructed above high water mark and the sea water pumped in by very costly means and filtered.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
On 8 May 1931 a young gunner stationed at Piershill Barracks decided to take his horse for a canter on Portobello beach
At about 11 o'clock he was trotting along the sands in front of Bridge Street when a dog suddenly ran in front of the horse. The animal took flight and bolted and the young soldier lost control.
A little boy of three and a girl aged two were seated on the sands with their older brother. The horse stampeded into them. The little boy was struck by the horses hoofs and had to be taken to the Sick Children's Hospital suffering from laceration wounds to the forehead.
The unfortunate soldier was taken in front of the Magistrates.
However, the charge was not that of injuring the boy through losing control of the horse, but the fact that he was riding on the beach at all. Under the local bylaws, no person was allowed to ride or exercise a horse on the beach after 10 o'clock in the morning between 1 May and 31 October.
Baillie Nelson admonished the accused.
At about 11 o'clock he was trotting along the sands in front of Bridge Street when a dog suddenly ran in front of the horse. The animal took flight and bolted and the young soldier lost control.
A little boy of three and a girl aged two were seated on the sands with their older brother. The horse stampeded into them. The little boy was struck by the horses hoofs and had to be taken to the Sick Children's Hospital suffering from laceration wounds to the forehead.
The unfortunate soldier was taken in front of the Magistrates.
However, the charge was not that of injuring the boy through losing control of the horse, but the fact that he was riding on the beach at all. Under the local bylaws, no person was allowed to ride or exercise a horse on the beach after 10 o'clock in the morning between 1 May and 31 October.
Baillie Nelson admonished the accused.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
16 July 1931 saw overcrowding on the beach taken to the extreme.
The good weather had drawn great numbers to the beach, but the tide was abnormally high and at its height a large part of the beach was inaccesible, some of it only habitable by a single row of people who, in the most literal sense, defied the approaching waves with their backs to the wall.
From the foot of Bath Street eastward for a quarter of a mile or so the crowd on the beach crammed into a strip from about six feet to fifteen feet wide, depending on the distance from the retaining wall to the water and the outer ones had their toes in the Firth of Forth.
Contented mothers, who had paid for the hire of deck chairs sat in those chairs gazing calm eyed at the water lapping round their shoes and knitted while their offspring got cheerfully wet.
A disabled man, who had spent some time in arranging a model fort in the sand by way of earning a few coppers, stood anxiously beside the retaining wall watching the waves washing further and further up the seaward border of his fort, threatening its destruction and he looked relieved when, after one wave had very nearly carried away the entire barracks and some of the attendant soldiery, succeeding waves gradually fell back.
Motor boats and rowing boats were popular but donkey rides were out of the question owing to the fact that there was no room anywhere for a donkey to find standing room not to mention room to trot about. Theonkeys and ponies were therefore tethered in odd corners of Portobello away from the promenade and enjoyed a holiday, like everyone else.
The good weather had drawn great numbers to the beach, but the tide was abnormally high and at its height a large part of the beach was inaccesible, some of it only habitable by a single row of people who, in the most literal sense, defied the approaching waves with their backs to the wall.
From the foot of Bath Street eastward for a quarter of a mile or so the crowd on the beach crammed into a strip from about six feet to fifteen feet wide, depending on the distance from the retaining wall to the water and the outer ones had their toes in the Firth of Forth.
Contented mothers, who had paid for the hire of deck chairs sat in those chairs gazing calm eyed at the water lapping round their shoes and knitted while their offspring got cheerfully wet.
A disabled man, who had spent some time in arranging a model fort in the sand by way of earning a few coppers, stood anxiously beside the retaining wall watching the waves washing further and further up the seaward border of his fort, threatening its destruction and he looked relieved when, after one wave had very nearly carried away the entire barracks and some of the attendant soldiery, succeeding waves gradually fell back.
Motor boats and rowing boats were popular but donkey rides were out of the question owing to the fact that there was no room anywhere for a donkey to find standing room not to mention room to trot about. Theonkeys and ponies were therefore tethered in odd corners of Portobello away from the promenade and enjoyed a holiday, like everyone else.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
And again on the Spring Bank Holiday in 1932 the shore was heavily lined with sun drinking human beings.
Portobello beach was packed from end to end.
As the tide receded it left a large expanse of comparatively sparsely populated sand but it was soon covered with men, women and children just as completely as before.
Along the sea wall many picnic fires were lit and each of the several thousand family parties had its claim staked out on a few square feet of sand, although in many parts one could, quite literally, only conclude from previous knowledge that there was sand there.
There were not many people bathing, although quite a number were in bathing costumes, absorbing ultra violet rays with more madness than method. Some of them looked as though they were destined for a sleepless night.
Among such thick crowds there was opportunity.
There was opportunity for the missionary, for example, and several beach services were in progress here and there.
There was also opportunity for the political propagandist and one observed a man distributing literature on "Russia Today", possibly quite harmless documents. In any case, if a violent agitator had arrived on the scene it was rather too warm and sleepy a day for thorough going agitation.
Near at hand a band of drums and fifes organised by the National Unemployed Workers’ Movement was giving a passable rendering of The Road To The Isles.
Among the throng was ten year old William Millar of 8 Stanhope Place, Edinburgh, who had been been missing since leaving home for school on the previous Wednesday morning. A description of the youth had been broadcast and a Portobello shopkeeper reported to the police that he had observed in the neighbourhood of his premises a lad whom he believed to be the missing boy. A search by the police among the crowds on the beach resulted in the boy being found a few hours later.
Portobello beach was packed from end to end.
As the tide receded it left a large expanse of comparatively sparsely populated sand but it was soon covered with men, women and children just as completely as before.
Along the sea wall many picnic fires were lit and each of the several thousand family parties had its claim staked out on a few square feet of sand, although in many parts one could, quite literally, only conclude from previous knowledge that there was sand there.
There were not many people bathing, although quite a number were in bathing costumes, absorbing ultra violet rays with more madness than method. Some of them looked as though they were destined for a sleepless night.
Among such thick crowds there was opportunity.
There was opportunity for the missionary, for example, and several beach services were in progress here and there.
There was also opportunity for the political propagandist and one observed a man distributing literature on "Russia Today", possibly quite harmless documents. In any case, if a violent agitator had arrived on the scene it was rather too warm and sleepy a day for thorough going agitation.
Near at hand a band of drums and fifes organised by the National Unemployed Workers’ Movement was giving a passable rendering of The Road To The Isles.
Among the throng was ten year old William Millar of 8 Stanhope Place, Edinburgh, who had been been missing since leaving home for school on the previous Wednesday morning. A description of the youth had been broadcast and a Portobello shopkeeper reported to the police that he had observed in the neighbourhood of his premises a lad whom he believed to be the missing boy. A search by the police among the crowds on the beach resulted in the boy being found a few hours later.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
The Fourth of July 1933 was Edinburgh’s hottest day since 1911.
The maximum shade temperature at the City Observatory, Calton Hill was 83.5 degrees recorded between 3 and 4 o’clock. In the sun the temperature went up to 135 degrees and there were 14.4 hours of bright sunshine.
Edinburgh took to the sea. There were moments, in fact, when the Firth of Forth appeared hardly equal to accommodating all who wished to enter it.
Portobello was uncomfortably crowded by seven o’clock, although the rush had hardly begun. At that hour bathers, old and young, were coming down the road in a solid phalanx, more like a procession than a collection of independent groups. It was almost as if people were fleeing the city before an invading army. With the mercury at the remarkably high figure of 77 degs in the shade at nine o’clock and the water at a kindly temperature, evening bathing was most enjoyable.
Hardly an inch of sand could be seen and so numerous were the bathers that it was difficult to know where dry land ended and sea began. “Like the embankment at Tyncastle at a cup tieâ€
The maximum shade temperature at the City Observatory, Calton Hill was 83.5 degrees recorded between 3 and 4 o’clock. In the sun the temperature went up to 135 degrees and there were 14.4 hours of bright sunshine.
Edinburgh took to the sea. There were moments, in fact, when the Firth of Forth appeared hardly equal to accommodating all who wished to enter it.
Portobello was uncomfortably crowded by seven o’clock, although the rush had hardly begun. At that hour bathers, old and young, were coming down the road in a solid phalanx, more like a procession than a collection of independent groups. It was almost as if people were fleeing the city before an invading army. With the mercury at the remarkably high figure of 77 degs in the shade at nine o’clock and the water at a kindly temperature, evening bathing was most enjoyable.
Hardly an inch of sand could be seen and so numerous were the bathers that it was difficult to know where dry land ended and sea began. “Like the embankment at Tyncastle at a cup tieâ€
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
A fortnight later, Kenneth Forbes, an apprentice engineer with the firm of Brown Brothers, Roseburn Works, crossed the Firth of Forth on a pedal-propelled boat in 3 hours 55 minutes.
The direct line from Kinghorn, where he started, to Portobello beach, where he landed, is eight and a half miles, but he took a longer course by half a mile.
There was a great crowd to see him take the water at a fine stretch of beach at the back of the pierrots’ pitch at Kinghorn. The crowd was so dense that the people were crushed against the boat and it looked as though it would be damaged.
When at last he got away at 12:50 p.m. he took a course to the west of Inchkeith and got a passing salute from the light house keepers and returned their waved signals.
When he had gone about half a mile west he took a course towards Prestonpans. A strong breeze got up from the east and the flowing tide was against him.
When half way across he passed a steamer so close that he got the wash off it and had to head into the swell produced. A cheering blast was blown by the steamer.
When still a good way out from the south shore opposite Portobello he began to get among the rowing boats. Then the motor passenger launches came out to him and kept circling round with those on board taking photographs.
The last mile of the trip was the worst, for his legs were tired and as the tide was half out he waited. The sea was as calm as a mill pond. To counteract the cold he had put on long trousers tied round the ankles.
He landed at 4:45 p.m. and had a good reception, a lunch basket was brought down by his bother and thereafter the boat was placed on its little trolley and towed home by means of a pedal cycle.
The direct line from Kinghorn, where he started, to Portobello beach, where he landed, is eight and a half miles, but he took a longer course by half a mile.
There was a great crowd to see him take the water at a fine stretch of beach at the back of the pierrots’ pitch at Kinghorn. The crowd was so dense that the people were crushed against the boat and it looked as though it would be damaged.
When at last he got away at 12:50 p.m. he took a course to the west of Inchkeith and got a passing salute from the light house keepers and returned their waved signals.
When he had gone about half a mile west he took a course towards Prestonpans. A strong breeze got up from the east and the flowing tide was against him.
When half way across he passed a steamer so close that he got the wash off it and had to head into the swell produced. A cheering blast was blown by the steamer.
When still a good way out from the south shore opposite Portobello he began to get among the rowing boats. Then the motor passenger launches came out to him and kept circling round with those on board taking photographs.
The last mile of the trip was the worst, for his legs were tired and as the tide was half out he waited. The sea was as calm as a mill pond. To counteract the cold he had put on long trousers tied round the ankles.
He landed at 4:45 p.m. and had a good reception, a lunch basket was brought down by his bother and thereafter the boat was placed on its little trolley and towed home by means of a pedal cycle.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
On 31 July 1934 a mile handicap was held on a course off Portobello Promenade. The swim was half a mile east and then return with short legs out from the beach to start and finish.
Eleven men swam and W.E. Barnie, who was at scratch, conceded starts up to 14 minutes.
The handicapping favoured the slower men and though Ned Barnie finished in 28 mins. 28 secs, he was only placed third. The winner was A. Forsyth in 36 mins 27 secs with a 12 mins handicap.
Eleven men swam and W.E. Barnie, who was at scratch, conceded starts up to 14 minutes.
The handicapping favoured the slower men and though Ned Barnie finished in 28 mins. 28 secs, he was only placed third. The winner was A. Forsyth in 36 mins 27 secs with a 12 mins handicap.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
9 August 1934 was not the day for getting on your bike.
A man and four youths were admonished at Edinburgh Burgh Court for cycling on Portobello Promenade. The police had had a number of complaints from visitors and others of danger and obstruction of the Prom by cyclists and the cases had been brought as a warning. Notices prohibiting cycling had been put up on the Promenade drawing attention to the fact that it was an offence under the bye laws.
Three young men were also admonished when they admitted trading on Portobello beach without special permits. Two had been selling gooseberries in penny bags and the other had been selling newspapers. They pleaded ignorance of the bye laws and were dismissed with a warning.
A man and four youths were admonished at Edinburgh Burgh Court for cycling on Portobello Promenade. The police had had a number of complaints from visitors and others of danger and obstruction of the Prom by cyclists and the cases had been brought as a warning. Notices prohibiting cycling had been put up on the Promenade drawing attention to the fact that it was an offence under the bye laws.
Three young men were also admonished when they admitted trading on Portobello beach without special permits. Two had been selling gooseberries in penny bags and the other had been selling newspapers. They pleaded ignorance of the bye laws and were dismissed with a warning.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
Once again the winter gales caught the Promenade.
On 20 December 1934 considerable damage was done to the sea wall and foreshore, the portion chiefly affected being between John Street and Melville Street where the beach was lowered to such an extent that the foundation of the sea wall was exposed.
As a result water got below and behind the wall and though the wall had not given way a considerable mount of sand and gravel had been removed from under the Promenade.
Further to the east damage had been caused probably by some earlier tidal action to the sewer between Bedford Terrace and Morton Street.
The sand on the beach appeared to be shifting westwards with the result that the Joppa end of the Promenade was being denuded so as to endanger the sea walls there.
While in view of the urgency of the matter temporary measures had been taken to protect the Promenade, it would be necessary to carry out repairs of considerable magnitude and it might be found necessary also to construct a series of groynes to prevent further shifting of the sand. The total cost of the work was £3870
On 20 December 1934 considerable damage was done to the sea wall and foreshore, the portion chiefly affected being between John Street and Melville Street where the beach was lowered to such an extent that the foundation of the sea wall was exposed.
As a result water got below and behind the wall and though the wall had not given way a considerable mount of sand and gravel had been removed from under the Promenade.
Further to the east damage had been caused probably by some earlier tidal action to the sewer between Bedford Terrace and Morton Street.
The sand on the beach appeared to be shifting westwards with the result that the Joppa end of the Promenade was being denuded so as to endanger the sea walls there.
While in view of the urgency of the matter temporary measures had been taken to protect the Promenade, it would be necessary to carry out repairs of considerable magnitude and it might be found necessary also to construct a series of groynes to prevent further shifting of the sand. The total cost of the work was £3870
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
During the severe blizzard which swept the east coast of Scotland on 24 February 1935, seven Auxiliary Airforce aeroplanes were compelled to make forced landings.
With visibility practically nil and the snow covered ground making it extremely difficult to locate safe landing ground, two machines ultimately got down after encircling Portobello.
One landed on the beach and the other in a ploughed field at Milton Road. The latter machine damaged a propeller.
With the help of the police and members of the public, the aeroplane which landed on the beach was manhandled out of reach of the tide and later, when the weather had improved, the bomber took off again from the sands after filling up with petrol. A large crowd watched the machine leave.
With visibility practically nil and the snow covered ground making it extremely difficult to locate safe landing ground, two machines ultimately got down after encircling Portobello.
One landed on the beach and the other in a ploughed field at Milton Road. The latter machine damaged a propeller.
With the help of the police and members of the public, the aeroplane which landed on the beach was manhandled out of reach of the tide and later, when the weather had improved, the bomber took off again from the sands after filling up with petrol. A large crowd watched the machine leave.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
At 2 o'clock on the afternoon of Monday 22 April 1935 the world land speed record was smashed on Portobello sands.
The attempt on the record was made by Sir Malcolm Campbell's "Eurabird". At the end of his triumph, the driver fainted, overcome by the effects of the exhaust fumes.
The event was watched by crowds of Glasgow visitors, who contributed generously to the charity collection and cheered the mocked up baby Austin on its way back to Edinburgh.
The attempt on the record was made by Sir Malcolm Campbell's "Eurabird". At the end of his triumph, the driver fainted, overcome by the effects of the exhaust fumes.
The event was watched by crowds of Glasgow visitors, who contributed generously to the charity collection and cheered the mocked up baby Austin on its way back to Edinburgh.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
The continuing large summer crowds began to pose a real problem when it came to lost children. The numbers had grown so large that the police authorities found that they really had not adequate or suitable accommodation themselves to cope with it.
On the first Saturday of July 1935 alone, 78 children were reported lost.
A refuge was opened in the Portobello Nursery School in Tower street. There they were received, washed, fed and comforted and, if need be, put to bed by Mrs. Anderson, the nurse who was on duty there from ten in the morning until nine at night.
If she still had an unclaimed child on her hands at closing time she would take it to the police station, from where it would be transferred to the children's refuge at the Pleasaunce where someone was on duty all night.
The vast majority of children were soon run to earth by their anxious parents. It was when the tide was out, Mrs Anderson found, that children were more apt to stray. They would go in to wade and wander further along the shore than they realised.
She kept a record of every child brought to her, its name, address, age, description, by whom brought, how long unclaimed and by whom finally retrieved.
“The mothers are often surprised to find the children quite happily playing with the toys hereâ€
On the first Saturday of July 1935 alone, 78 children were reported lost.
A refuge was opened in the Portobello Nursery School in Tower street. There they were received, washed, fed and comforted and, if need be, put to bed by Mrs. Anderson, the nurse who was on duty there from ten in the morning until nine at night.
If she still had an unclaimed child on her hands at closing time she would take it to the police station, from where it would be transferred to the children's refuge at the Pleasaunce where someone was on duty all night.
The vast majority of children were soon run to earth by their anxious parents. It was when the tide was out, Mrs Anderson found, that children were more apt to stray. They would go in to wade and wander further along the shore than they realised.
She kept a record of every child brought to her, its name, address, age, description, by whom brought, how long unclaimed and by whom finally retrieved.
“The mothers are often surprised to find the children quite happily playing with the toys hereâ€
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
For the second year running Ned Barnie challenged the swimming fraternity to a one mile handicap race at Portobello.
Barnie was at scratch and the limit man with 14 minutes start was nearly a quarter mile on the journey before the Edinburgh schoolmaster entered the water on what seemed a futile task.
The middle markers were nearly up to the limit man at the half way point when D. Black came out of that group and, swimming strongly, went on to win by nearly 200 yards.
Black had 9 mins start and his actual time was 34 mins 40 secs. Barnie’s time was 30 mins 36 secs.
Barnie was at scratch and the limit man with 14 minutes start was nearly a quarter mile on the journey before the Edinburgh schoolmaster entered the water on what seemed a futile task.
The middle markers were nearly up to the limit man at the half way point when D. Black came out of that group and, swimming strongly, went on to win by nearly 200 yards.
Black had 9 mins start and his actual time was 34 mins 40 secs. Barnie’s time was 30 mins 36 secs.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
A meeting of subscribers to the Portobello Pier Promotion Committee was held in Bath Street Hall Portobello on 25 October 1935.
The question of a new pier for Portobello had been discussed for many years and in 1927 the Council had obtained parliamentary powers for the erection of one. Nothing, however, was done and those powers were repealed in 1933.
It accordingly became apparent that no progress would be made unless supporters of the proposal organised themselves to concentrate attention on the project. That led to the formation of the Portobello Pier Promotion Committee.
The committee expressed its approval of plans for a pier and concert hall prepared by Mr. J. S. Pirie C.E. It also investigated the probable revenue and expenditure of the undertaking.
The question of a new pier for Portobello had been discussed for many years and in 1927 the Council had obtained parliamentary powers for the erection of one. Nothing, however, was done and those powers were repealed in 1933.
It accordingly became apparent that no progress would be made unless supporters of the proposal organised themselves to concentrate attention on the project. That led to the formation of the Portobello Pier Promotion Committee.
The committee expressed its approval of plans for a pier and concert hall prepared by Mr. J. S. Pirie C.E. It also investigated the probable revenue and expenditure of the undertaking.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
Owing to strong north east winds and spring tides on 10 January 1936 considerable damage was done to the sea wall and foreshore where the beach was lowered to such an extent that the foundation of the sea wall was exposed.
The sand on the beach was gradually shifting westwards and that had resulted in the Joppa end of the Promenade being so denuded as to endanger the sea walls there.
With a view to preventing the shifting of the sand on the beach the Corporation decided, as an experiment, to construct a timber groyne at a cost of £1000. If it was found that the construction of groynes was likely to be successful the question of providing others at additional points would be considered.
The sand on the beach was gradually shifting westwards and that had resulted in the Joppa end of the Promenade being so denuded as to endanger the sea walls there.
With a view to preventing the shifting of the sand on the beach the Corporation decided, as an experiment, to construct a timber groyne at a cost of £1000. If it was found that the construction of groynes was likely to be successful the question of providing others at additional points would be considered.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
At the end of February 1936 a big sewage scheme at Seafield, estimated to cost £120,000 was approved by the Streets and Buildings Committee of Edinburgh Corporation.
The attention of the Streets and Buildings Committee had been directed on several ocassions to the sewage outfalls at Seafield and that these were responsible for the deposit of undesirable matter on the Portobello beach under certain conditions of wind and tide.
About two years before a scheme for dealing with the outfalls between Leith Docks and Granton Harbour introduced a new feature in the use of rotary scrteens and disintegrators. If this idea were applied to the Seafield outfalls, the Portobello beach would be free from nuisance in the future. However, coal dust and debris from steamers and from certain places lying to the east might still remain a cause of complaint.
It was proposed to abandon the two Seafield outfalls and to intercept the four trunk sewers and lead them to a central chamber, which had been provisionally located between Fillyside Farm and the London and North Eastern railway lines. In this central chamber, which would be an ‘l’ shaped building approximately 112 feet by 69 feet, the Salamander Street and Pipe Street sewage would be raised by pumping and the whole of the sewage flow through metal screens. The screenings would then be passed through disintegrators and thereafter returned into the inlet channel of the screening chamber.
From this central chamber it was proposed to take a new outfall, 84 inches in diameter, into the estuary of the Forth. This outfall would discharge about 32,000 cubic feet per minute, at a point 2100 feet below high water mark, or 1200 feet below low water mark. The outfall would be of steel and the end would lie in 12 feet of water at low water.
Provision had been made in the central chamber and in the outfall for dealing with sewage from the duplication of the Powburn sewer from Duddingston crossroads, but the cost of the duplication was not included in the estimate.
This scheme was the latest development in the policy of the Corporation to ensure that the waters within the City’s boundary should be kept as pure as could be reasonably expected. The Seafield scheme was the largest of the undertakings. When all of the work was completed it was expected that the waters along the city foreshore would be very much improved and the many complaints which had been made in recent years should not be repeated.
The attention of the Streets and Buildings Committee had been directed on several ocassions to the sewage outfalls at Seafield and that these were responsible for the deposit of undesirable matter on the Portobello beach under certain conditions of wind and tide.
About two years before a scheme for dealing with the outfalls between Leith Docks and Granton Harbour introduced a new feature in the use of rotary scrteens and disintegrators. If this idea were applied to the Seafield outfalls, the Portobello beach would be free from nuisance in the future. However, coal dust and debris from steamers and from certain places lying to the east might still remain a cause of complaint.
It was proposed to abandon the two Seafield outfalls and to intercept the four trunk sewers and lead them to a central chamber, which had been provisionally located between Fillyside Farm and the London and North Eastern railway lines. In this central chamber, which would be an ‘l’ shaped building approximately 112 feet by 69 feet, the Salamander Street and Pipe Street sewage would be raised by pumping and the whole of the sewage flow through metal screens. The screenings would then be passed through disintegrators and thereafter returned into the inlet channel of the screening chamber.
From this central chamber it was proposed to take a new outfall, 84 inches in diameter, into the estuary of the Forth. This outfall would discharge about 32,000 cubic feet per minute, at a point 2100 feet below high water mark, or 1200 feet below low water mark. The outfall would be of steel and the end would lie in 12 feet of water at low water.
Provision had been made in the central chamber and in the outfall for dealing with sewage from the duplication of the Powburn sewer from Duddingston crossroads, but the cost of the duplication was not included in the estimate.
This scheme was the latest development in the policy of the Corporation to ensure that the waters within the City’s boundary should be kept as pure as could be reasonably expected. The Seafield scheme was the largest of the undertakings. When all of the work was completed it was expected that the waters along the city foreshore would be very much improved and the many complaints which had been made in recent years should not be repeated.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
At the beginning of April 1936, the Corporation decided to divide the beach up into seven sectors and invited tenders for the let of stances for deckchairs.
The seven sectors were:
Opposite 16 Promenade
Opposite 41 Promenade
Opposite 51 Promenade
Opposite Bath Street
Opposite Wellington Street
Opposite Melville Street
Opposite 100 yards west of Kings Road
The seven sectors were:
Opposite 16 Promenade
Opposite 41 Promenade
Opposite 51 Promenade
Opposite Bath Street
Opposite Wellington Street
Opposite Melville Street
Opposite 100 yards west of Kings Road
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
On 8 October 1936 a basking shark, over 20 feet in length was washed up on the Joppa end of Portobello beach.
The shark was shot after being left by the receding tide.
After being cut into pieces by men of the City Engineer’s Department, it was removed to the works of the Edinburgh Chemical Company Ltd., Loanhead. The firm found it would not be worth while to secure the byproducts and the shark was used to make manure.
It weighed approximately two tons.
The shark was shot after being left by the receding tide.
After being cut into pieces by men of the City Engineer’s Department, it was removed to the works of the Edinburgh Chemical Company Ltd., Loanhead. The firm found it would not be worth while to secure the byproducts and the shark was used to make manure.
It weighed approximately two tons.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
The City Engineer reported that on January 30 1937, a portion of the foundation of the Portobello Promenade west of Melville Street was undermined by heavy seas which caused the wall to subside for a distance of approximately 60 yards.
A portion had been protected with steel sheet piling and the remainder with bags.
The cost of the repair would be £450.
With regard to the improvement of the beach the first groyne seemed to be working very efficiently . The second groyne was two thirds completed and it was proposed that a further sum of £750 should be set aside for a third groyne. The work could be started before the summer season commenced.
A portion had been protected with steel sheet piling and the remainder with bags.
The cost of the repair would be £450.
With regard to the improvement of the beach the first groyne seemed to be working very efficiently . The second groyne was two thirds completed and it was proposed that a further sum of £750 should be set aside for a third groyne. The work could be started before the summer season commenced.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
At the beginning of May 1937 one of the shelters on the Portobello Promenade was taken over and converted into a completely new and spacious dressing room for women.
In this building there were 386 lockers while in two club rooms there were to be additional lockers numbering 96. Special alterations were also been going on over at the men’s side
As the Scotsman noted: no-one should be disappointed that season at Portobello.
In this building there were 386 lockers while in two club rooms there were to be additional lockers numbering 96. Special alterations were also been going on over at the men’s side
As the Scotsman noted: no-one should be disappointed that season at Portobello.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
Close racing was witnessed off Portobello Promenade on 29 May when an inter club race promoted by the Portobello ARC took place for the Portobello trophy.
Racing was by jolly boats over a course of approximately one mile.
The Portobello crew were strongly fancied to win the trophy once they had qualified for the final with a good win over the Eastern ARC as Stirling ARC had won their heat against North British ARC in much slower time.
There was a surprise in the final however. The crews were practically level to the half distance where Portobello appeared to gain a slight lead rounding the buoys. Portobello held on until Stirling came away strongly in the last 50 yards to win by about one third of a length.
Racing was by jolly boats over a course of approximately one mile.
The Portobello crew were strongly fancied to win the trophy once they had qualified for the final with a good win over the Eastern ARC as Stirling ARC had won their heat against North British ARC in much slower time.
There was a surprise in the final however. The crews were practically level to the half distance where Portobello appeared to gain a slight lead rounding the buoys. Portobello held on until Stirling came away strongly in the last 50 yards to win by about one third of a length.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
By the summer of 1937 the level of the sand was once again causing concern.
There was now a sheer drop of ten feet from the top of the sea wall to the sand between Bath Street and Joppa, and numerous boulders, of an unsightly and dangerous description, were uncovered. Between John Street and Pitt street the drop was 15 feet.
On average six carts were employed in carting the sand away, and on some days as many as twelve had been observed.
Letters protesting at the wholesale destruction of the shore appeared in the papers, but the Corporation seemed inclined to do nothing about it. Their response was that the matter was "under observation".
There was now a sheer drop of ten feet from the top of the sea wall to the sand between Bath Street and Joppa, and numerous boulders, of an unsightly and dangerous description, were uncovered. Between John Street and Pitt street the drop was 15 feet.
On average six carts were employed in carting the sand away, and on some days as many as twelve had been observed.
Letters protesting at the wholesale destruction of the shore appeared in the papers, but the Corporation seemed inclined to do nothing about it. Their response was that the matter was "under observation".
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
28 August 1937 saw the annual handicap sea swimming race off Portobello beach.
By now a special cup, sponsored by the Sunday Mail, and a gold medal were awarded to the winner.
This year some 3,000 spectators lined the Promenade to watch the competitors swim 40 yards out and then follow the course for half a mile east from the Baths and back again.
Despite a three and three quarter minutes handicap, Walter Chisholm, who finished third in the previous year's race, came home comfortably the winner.
He was presented with the cup and the medal on the steps of the Baths by Ned Barnie.
By now a special cup, sponsored by the Sunday Mail, and a gold medal were awarded to the winner.
This year some 3,000 spectators lined the Promenade to watch the competitors swim 40 yards out and then follow the course for half a mile east from the Baths and back again.
Despite a three and three quarter minutes handicap, Walter Chisholm, who finished third in the previous year's race, came home comfortably the winner.
He was presented with the cup and the medal on the steps of the Baths by Ned Barnie.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
27 November saw the return of the tenders for the new Seafield Sewer Scheme.
The lowest tender was that submitted by Sir Robert MacAlpine and Company at £113,634. When other items including £2913 for pumping plant and £6366 for screening and disintegrating plant were added on, this gave a total of £124,413. That compared very favourably with the estimate of £120,000.
The City Engineer said that steel and cast iron prices had risen nearly 50% since the estimate was made and it was satisfactory that the increase was so small on a job of that size.
In his report he said that it was hoped that by the introduction of this sewer Portobello beach would be free from nuisance in future.
The lowest tender was that submitted by Sir Robert MacAlpine and Company at £113,634. When other items including £2913 for pumping plant and £6366 for screening and disintegrating plant were added on, this gave a total of £124,413. That compared very favourably with the estimate of £120,000.
The City Engineer said that steel and cast iron prices had risen nearly 50% since the estimate was made and it was satisfactory that the increase was so small on a job of that size.
In his report he said that it was hoped that by the introduction of this sewer Portobello beach would be free from nuisance in future.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
On October 29 1938, Mr. John Hay, one of the oldest members of the Town Council, was seeking re-election in Portobello.
In his election literature, Mr. Hay did not claim to have put the salt in the sea but he had done something in the way of retaining the sand on the shore as a result of a scheme for introducing groynes at a cost of about £6000.
In his election literature, Mr. Hay did not claim to have put the salt in the sea but he had done something in the way of retaining the sand on the shore as a result of a scheme for introducing groynes at a cost of about £6000.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
The summer of 1939 was a hot one.
The 4th of June was Edinburgh’s hottest day for many years. The highest temperature in the shade was 83.4 degrees, and it was a record for June so far as the Royal Observatory records could tell. (The highest shade temperature ever recorded in Edinburgh was 84.5 in September 1906.)
One of the coolest places in Edinburgh was the open air pool at Portobello to which several thousand swimmer resorted to escape from the heat for a while. Spectators who also attended in their hundreds found it a cooling and refreshing experience even to look on.
Seabathers, too were out in battalions and during the afternoon particularly the Portobello beach was particularly crowded. Bathing suits were on sale in the Promenade shops at prices ranging from 6d to 5s.
Extra tramcars and buses had been put into service to convey the crowds to Portobello.
The Promenade was so packed that movement along it was like standing in a slow queue. In the adjoining streets ice cream barrows competed with winkle carts and out on the sea rowing boats and motor boats were doing a busy trade.
On a sartorial note, the Scotsman's fashion correspondent noted that
women still preferred to holiday in a frock, though some of the bolder spirits sported slacks. The men stuck to flannels and a striped pullover.
The 4th of June was Edinburgh’s hottest day for many years. The highest temperature in the shade was 83.4 degrees, and it was a record for June so far as the Royal Observatory records could tell. (The highest shade temperature ever recorded in Edinburgh was 84.5 in September 1906.)
One of the coolest places in Edinburgh was the open air pool at Portobello to which several thousand swimmer resorted to escape from the heat for a while. Spectators who also attended in their hundreds found it a cooling and refreshing experience even to look on.
Seabathers, too were out in battalions and during the afternoon particularly the Portobello beach was particularly crowded. Bathing suits were on sale in the Promenade shops at prices ranging from 6d to 5s.
Extra tramcars and buses had been put into service to convey the crowds to Portobello.
The Promenade was so packed that movement along it was like standing in a slow queue. In the adjoining streets ice cream barrows competed with winkle carts and out on the sea rowing boats and motor boats were doing a busy trade.
On a sartorial note, the Scotsman's fashion correspondent noted that
women still preferred to holiday in a frock, though some of the bolder spirits sported slacks. The men stuck to flannels and a striped pullover.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
Despite the outbreak of war, the Corporation invited tenders for the let of stances for the hire of deck chairs on Portobello beach during the summer months of 1940.
As the Scotsman pointed out, there was something curiously comforting about the advertisement. It calls up a picture of carefree jostling crowds, of clamourously happy families and leisurely hours spent staring out to sea.
A tidal waves might put an end to Portobello beach, but a war, no.
As the Scotsman pointed out, there was something curiously comforting about the advertisement. It calls up a picture of carefree jostling crowds, of clamourously happy families and leisurely hours spent staring out to sea.
A tidal waves might put an end to Portobello beach, but a war, no.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
1941 was much the same.
Getting away for a few days was obviously a welcome relief not only for allowing freedom for some hours from the necessary strain of war conditions, but also as an opportunity to visit the coast after the protracted and severe winter.
The Portobello esplanade was crowded, but unfortunately many accidents were reported due to broken glass on the beach and the authorities appealed for greater care in the interests of bathers and child paddlers.
Evidently some picnic parties on the sands threw away the bottles when they finished the lemonade (or other liquid refreshment) instead of carrying them away and when mischievous boys thereafter pitched the bottles into the sea as targets for stone throwing the sands became dangerous. The cases of cut feet which had to be attended to that summer were exceptionally numerous.
The holiday interest was not, of course, allowed to cut across the ARP fire watching and other essential duties.
Getting away for a few days was obviously a welcome relief not only for allowing freedom for some hours from the necessary strain of war conditions, but also as an opportunity to visit the coast after the protracted and severe winter.
The Portobello esplanade was crowded, but unfortunately many accidents were reported due to broken glass on the beach and the authorities appealed for greater care in the interests of bathers and child paddlers.
Evidently some picnic parties on the sands threw away the bottles when they finished the lemonade (or other liquid refreshment) instead of carrying them away and when mischievous boys thereafter pitched the bottles into the sea as targets for stone throwing the sands became dangerous. The cases of cut feet which had to be attended to that summer were exceptionally numerous.
The holiday interest was not, of course, allowed to cut across the ARP fire watching and other essential duties.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
Nor did the war stop the Corporation making plans:
On 27 October 1943 they recommended the replanning of the whole Forth foreshore front eastwards from Leith Docks and the construction of an attractive promenade with dwelling houses, hotels, tea rooms and recreational facilities.
It was recognised that Portobello sands had a tourist attraction and that full advantage should be taken of this. The promotion of a steamer service in the Firth of Forth for summer visitors would enhance Portobello and its potential as a seaside resort.
On 27 October 1943 they recommended the replanning of the whole Forth foreshore front eastwards from Leith Docks and the construction of an attractive promenade with dwelling houses, hotels, tea rooms and recreational facilities.
It was recognised that Portobello sands had a tourist attraction and that full advantage should be taken of this. The promotion of a steamer service in the Firth of Forth for summer visitors would enhance Portobello and its potential as a seaside resort.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
People walking along the Seafield end of the Promenade on 26 February 1944 noticed a small bird, close inshore, and obviously in difficulties. As they approached, they recognised it as a Little Auk.
It was making frantic efforts to clean its wings with its bill. It had obviously picked up oil, possibly discharged from the naval traffic to and from Rosyth.
Each little wave washed it further in shore until it landed on the sand. On land its actions were ludicrously clumsy and contrasted sharply with the normal speed and power of the Auk on the wing. Its attempts to walk on the sand almost overbalanced it.
Then another wave washed it out to sea again.
It was at this point that some boys armed with stones arrived on the scene and began taking shots at trying to hit it. The bird managed to keep out of their way by paddling hard against the waves. The boys soon tired and moved on.
Perhaps by way of divine retribution, that night the combination of a high tide and a strong north easterly wind caused some damage to Portobello Promenade, portions of which were broken away at two points. The waves were washing right up against the garden walls along the front and in the morning the wholke Promenade was littered from end to end with seaweed, pieces of wood, stones and hundreds of pieces of orange peel.
It was making frantic efforts to clean its wings with its bill. It had obviously picked up oil, possibly discharged from the naval traffic to and from Rosyth.
Each little wave washed it further in shore until it landed on the sand. On land its actions were ludicrously clumsy and contrasted sharply with the normal speed and power of the Auk on the wing. Its attempts to walk on the sand almost overbalanced it.
Then another wave washed it out to sea again.
It was at this point that some boys armed with stones arrived on the scene and began taking shots at trying to hit it. The bird managed to keep out of their way by paddling hard against the waves. The boys soon tired and moved on.
Perhaps by way of divine retribution, that night the combination of a high tide and a strong north easterly wind caused some damage to Portobello Promenade, portions of which were broken away at two points. The waves were washing right up against the garden walls along the front and in the morning the wholke Promenade was littered from end to end with seaweed, pieces of wood, stones and hundreds of pieces of orange peel.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
By the summer of 1944 it was as if the war hadn't happened:
People thronged to the beach. The sands stretched out to the sea and brown skinned children built castles there, searched for crabs and paddled out beyond the grasp of harassed mothers who would herd them in for meals.
Tired men and women sprawled on deck chairs, some reading, some sleeping, some keeping half an eye on a brood of children playing at their feet.
Picnic meals were the thing and nobody seemed to mind the noise or crowding. There was even a queue for the pony rides.
On the Prom, for a trifle people could buy an earring made of silver wire, try their fortune at a revolving lucky dip, play darts or join some game of chance.
The Dodgems were particularly popular where the little cars were bumping into one another, all notices to the contrary notwithstanding. Passengers paid 6d a ride if there were two together, double fare if they travelled singly.
The din drew a group of American soldiers. The dodgems looked alright to them. At the next changeover they were stuffing their long legs delightedly into the cars, paying their fare, refusing the change. Whether the two pretty girls who were having a second turn were so nearly missed so often by accident or design is not recorded.
There was even a fishwife with the cockles and mussels. She was well patronised as usual. Twenty years or more ago her predecessor was seen wiping the teaspoon on her apron before handing it to the next customer. Now the niceties were better observed. Saucer and teaspoon were dipped decently in a basin of water between each serving.
But the war was not far away. There was the whirr of an aeroplane overhead. Men in blue with khaki overcoats and caps strolled by and a woman in NFS uniform walked briskly along pushing a pram before her.
People thronged to the beach. The sands stretched out to the sea and brown skinned children built castles there, searched for crabs and paddled out beyond the grasp of harassed mothers who would herd them in for meals.
Tired men and women sprawled on deck chairs, some reading, some sleeping, some keeping half an eye on a brood of children playing at their feet.
Picnic meals were the thing and nobody seemed to mind the noise or crowding. There was even a queue for the pony rides.
On the Prom, for a trifle people could buy an earring made of silver wire, try their fortune at a revolving lucky dip, play darts or join some game of chance.
The Dodgems were particularly popular where the little cars were bumping into one another, all notices to the contrary notwithstanding. Passengers paid 6d a ride if there were two together, double fare if they travelled singly.
The din drew a group of American soldiers. The dodgems looked alright to them. At the next changeover they were stuffing their long legs delightedly into the cars, paying their fare, refusing the change. Whether the two pretty girls who were having a second turn were so nearly missed so often by accident or design is not recorded.
There was even a fishwife with the cockles and mussels. She was well patronised as usual. Twenty years or more ago her predecessor was seen wiping the teaspoon on her apron before handing it to the next customer. Now the niceties were better observed. Saucer and teaspoon were dipped decently in a basin of water between each serving.
But the war was not far away. There was the whirr of an aeroplane overhead. Men in blue with khaki overcoats and caps strolled by and a woman in NFS uniform walked briskly along pushing a pram before her.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
And by the summer of 1945 the war in Europe was over.
It became obvious during the night of Friday/Saturday that the first Fair Week since the war ended in Europe was going to see Portobello regain its pre-war popularity. More Glasgow Fair Week holidaymakers arrived in Portobello than Portobello could accommodate, and some of the visitors from the west spent Saturday night sleeping in a shelter on the Promenade.
Lorries laden with advance luggage were coming into the town all night. It was as if Portobello was going to be occupied by an invading army.
Moving among Americans, Canadians, Norwegians, Poles and the rest of the cosmopolitan population which Scotland’s capital had housed for these last few years, the Glasgow holidaymakers were happy, bringing with them the warm good nature of the west. With them there were some of those men in new suits whose numbers were increasing as the months went by - sunburnt, fit looking men not yet quite accustomed to civvy street, but liking it.
Beach and Promenade were packed. The Fun City and other promenade amusements drew their crowds of patrons and hawkers of paper windmills did a roaring trade among children.
Moving among the family parties you would have heard laughter, occasional howls from the baby, once in a while a hot argument breaking out, to give way to laughter again when the hatchet was buried. You would have heard mother complaining that she was tired, and forgetting all about her complaint a moment later in stopping Wee Wullie from trying to make the baby take a mouthful of sand. You would have heard father remarking that it was hot and that he was going for a pint.
And late on Saturday evening, as some of them were going to bed and some were preparing to stay out in the open and as some of the younger men and younger women were saying goodnight, you would have seen Portobello roof tops and chimneys silhouetted against pink clouds and a blue sky in much the same way as the roofs of Clapham were silhouetted against the sky in Noel Coward’s picture of This Happy Breed.
It became obvious during the night of Friday/Saturday that the first Fair Week since the war ended in Europe was going to see Portobello regain its pre-war popularity. More Glasgow Fair Week holidaymakers arrived in Portobello than Portobello could accommodate, and some of the visitors from the west spent Saturday night sleeping in a shelter on the Promenade.
Lorries laden with advance luggage were coming into the town all night. It was as if Portobello was going to be occupied by an invading army.
Moving among Americans, Canadians, Norwegians, Poles and the rest of the cosmopolitan population which Scotland’s capital had housed for these last few years, the Glasgow holidaymakers were happy, bringing with them the warm good nature of the west. With them there were some of those men in new suits whose numbers were increasing as the months went by - sunburnt, fit looking men not yet quite accustomed to civvy street, but liking it.
Beach and Promenade were packed. The Fun City and other promenade amusements drew their crowds of patrons and hawkers of paper windmills did a roaring trade among children.
Moving among the family parties you would have heard laughter, occasional howls from the baby, once in a while a hot argument breaking out, to give way to laughter again when the hatchet was buried. You would have heard mother complaining that she was tired, and forgetting all about her complaint a moment later in stopping Wee Wullie from trying to make the baby take a mouthful of sand. You would have heard father remarking that it was hot and that he was going for a pint.
And late on Saturday evening, as some of them were going to bed and some were preparing to stay out in the open and as some of the younger men and younger women were saying goodnight, you would have seen Portobello roof tops and chimneys silhouetted against pink clouds and a blue sky in much the same way as the roofs of Clapham were silhouetted against the sky in Noel Coward’s picture of This Happy Breed.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
Though the morning of 17 February 1946 was bright with sunshine, the weather was cold with a blustery westerly wind when a party of boys belonging to No. 288 Bellevue ATC Squadron arrived at Portobello shortly after lunch to engage in dinghy practice.
Two dinghies, one of British make and one German put out to sea which at that time was rather choppy. Three boys were in each dinghy and as a safety precaution all were wearing Mae West lifebelts. The dinghies were connected with a rope.
After some time people on the Promenade noticed that the dinghies appeared to be getting out of control.
A civilian put out in a skiff and in another skiff went Anthony Carlyle (22) who was the instructor of 288 Squadron. Carlyle was seen to disappear. Then, from the shore, a boy in one of the dinghies was seen to jump into the sea. He attempted to swim ashore but apparantly finding it too much, turned back.
By this time the dinghies were some distance from the shore. The Air Sea Rescue and Naval authorities were warned and were about to set out when a fishing boat which had left Fisherrow harbour a short time before was seen circling round the spot where the dinghies were. It returned later to the harbour with the six boys and the civilian on board.
The boy who had attempted to swim ashore, seventeen year old Leslie Ross, was picked out of the sea and although artificial respiration was tried on him, it proved unsuccessful. A search for the body of Carlyle continued until darkness fell.
Leslie Ross was an instrument maker and Carlyle a market gardener. The skipper of the fishing smack which picked up the boys and the civilian, The Harvester, was Robert Clarke, 24 Fisher’s Wynd, Fisherrow.
Carlyle’s empty skiff was found later.
Two dinghies, one of British make and one German put out to sea which at that time was rather choppy. Three boys were in each dinghy and as a safety precaution all were wearing Mae West lifebelts. The dinghies were connected with a rope.
After some time people on the Promenade noticed that the dinghies appeared to be getting out of control.
A civilian put out in a skiff and in another skiff went Anthony Carlyle (22) who was the instructor of 288 Squadron. Carlyle was seen to disappear. Then, from the shore, a boy in one of the dinghies was seen to jump into the sea. He attempted to swim ashore but apparantly finding it too much, turned back.
By this time the dinghies were some distance from the shore. The Air Sea Rescue and Naval authorities were warned and were about to set out when a fishing boat which had left Fisherrow harbour a short time before was seen circling round the spot where the dinghies were. It returned later to the harbour with the six boys and the civilian on board.
The boy who had attempted to swim ashore, seventeen year old Leslie Ross, was picked out of the sea and although artificial respiration was tried on him, it proved unsuccessful. A search for the body of Carlyle continued until darkness fell.
Leslie Ross was an instrument maker and Carlyle a market gardener. The skipper of the fishing smack which picked up the boys and the civilian, The Harvester, was Robert Clarke, 24 Fisher’s Wynd, Fisherrow.
Carlyle’s empty skiff was found later.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.
By 1947 it was business as usual on the beach.
Tenders for the let of stances for the hire of deck chairs during the summer had to be lodged at the City Chambers by noon on Saturday 12 April. (A plan of the stances could be examined at Portobello Police Station.)Pony Permits could also be applied for up until 12 April, as could Pleasure Boat licences.
If you wanted a licence for Puch and Judy shows or to take and sell photographs on the Promenade, then application had to be made to the Chief Constable.
The Corporation were also advertising for the post of Beach Rescuer. The working hours were 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week between the months of May and September. The wages were £90 per week (for an 104 hour week!) and the person appointed had to supply their own sea worthy motor boat with the necessary equipment for putting to sea.
Tenders for the let of stances for the hire of deck chairs during the summer had to be lodged at the City Chambers by noon on Saturday 12 April. (A plan of the stances could be examined at Portobello Police Station.)Pony Permits could also be applied for up until 12 April, as could Pleasure Boat licences.
If you wanted a licence for Puch and Judy shows or to take and sell photographs on the Promenade, then application had to be made to the Chief Constable.
The Corporation were also advertising for the post of Beach Rescuer. The working hours were 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week between the months of May and September. The wages were £90 per week (for an 104 hour week!) and the person appointed had to supply their own sea worthy motor boat with the necessary equipment for putting to sea.
I have nothing to say and I'm going to say it.