The Eastern Motor Co. Ltd sold Austin and Morris cars from their showroom in George Street in 1964.The Eastern Motor Co. Ltd sold Austin and Morris cars from their showroom in George Street in 1964.
The Eastern Motor Co. Ltd sold Austin and Morris cars from their showroom in George Street in 1964.

Edinburgh's George Street: 21 images of one the Capital's most prestigious shopping streets in the 1960s

Connecting St Andrew Square in the east with Charlotte Square in the west, George Street is one of Edinburgh’s best-known thoroughfares – and in the 1960s it was home to a wide range of shops that would sell you everything from a toaster to a car.

Taking its name from King George III, George Street is part of the first New Town of Edinburgh, which was planned and built in the 18th century by James Craig.

The street was constructed in 1767 and was originally intended to be a residential area, but by Victorian times the houses were replaced by shops, businesses, banks, small department stores and hotels.

Statues at the various junctions of George Street include prominent churchman Thomas Chalmers, British prime minister William Pitt the Younger, King George IV, and the Scottish scientist James Clerk Maxwell.

Today the street is home to a wide range of bars, restaurants and cafes – along with a selection of fashionable clothing stores.

In the 1960s Edinburgh residents flocked to the street for a range of shops and services.

Here are some pictures to take you back to those times.

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