Edinburgh is widely considered to be among the most beautiful cities in the world – and won’t you get any argument from us on that score.
Scotland’s stunning capital is recognised globally for the breathtaking architecture of both the historic Old Town and the classical Georgian New Town. Both designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Be that as it may, many incredible buildings have been lost down the decades – and when they’re gone they’re gone.
Despite significant opposition, the stunning, pagoda-like Rockville, designed by Sir James Gowans, was demolished to make way for new flats in 1966. Photo: Unknown
Built a decade before the American War of Independence, the south side of George Square was demolished in the early 1960s to make way for a new library for Edinburgh University. Photo: Unknown
The stunning Palace Cinema (pictured left) on Princes Street was popular among film-goers for several decades, but bit the dust in 1955 for an extension to the adjacent Woolworths building. Photo: Unknown
Many of the buildings around Bristo Street in the Southside, including the striking, mock-Tudor Parkers department store, would disappear in an expansion of Edinburgh University in the late 1960s and early 70s. Photo: Alan Ledgerwood