Ross Bandstand can take centre stage once again

SINCE making its arrival in the Capital back in 1877, it has become more than just a city centre landmark.

• Hundreds watch open-air dancing in 1956

The Ross Bandstand, in West Princes Street Gardens, has played host to countless open-air concerts, dances and theatre shows through the years, and therefore holds a fond place in the hearts of residents and visitors alike.

The Evening News revealed on Wednesday that city council chiefs are considering selling off the structure - gifted to the Capital by William Henry Ross, chairman of the Distillers Company Ltd - to a private company in the hope it could be turned into a year-round arts venue capable of attracting high-profile performers.

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It is a step that is likely to please fans of the structure who, at the moment, can only enjoy a small number of events on its stage during the warmer summer weather.

In the past, such events have included open-air dancing, as pictured here in July 1956, when the people of Edinburgh packed themselves into the Gardens to either participate, or watch the event.

In July 1970, the folk-singing duo The Corries took centre stage at the Ross Bandstand, watched on by hundreds of fans. The show was recorded and later screened at the Commonwealth Games.

Yet in the Christmas of 1964, as pictured, there was no dancing to be seen, rather Father Christmas, his reindeer and a fountain, all part of a magical display of more than 1000 lights, designed to bring an extra bit of sparkle to the Capital that year.

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