A byword for quality, the Rankin brand sold a mixture of home-grown produce and exotic items imported from the far flung corners of the globe.With branches in Princes Street, the West End, Tollcross, Leith, Corstorphine, and as far afield as Musselburgh, their shops were absolutely everywhere in the Capital in the 1950s and ‘60s, before a rise in car ownership and supermarkets saw profits suffer towards the end of the century.
The business was sold in 1985, but memories of the famous greengrocer chain remain strong in Edinburgh to this day.
5. Rankins at Tollcross 1978
Exterior of the Tollcross branch of Rankins' florist shop in Home Street Edinburgh, September 1978. Photo: Albert Jordan
6. Earl Grey Street 1973
A Hunter demolition sign was placed on the corner above Rankins fruit & veg shop on the east side of Early Grey Street, which was due to be demolished. Photo: Joe Steele
7. Princes Street counter
The counter at Rankin's shop on Princes Street, 1960. Photo: Unknown
8. Last day of the old fruit market
The Edinburgh Fruit Market at Market Street, Edinburgh, on the last day before it transferred to Gorgie. A Rankin's lorry is pictured. Photo: Denis Straughan