They say it was the decade that fashion forgot but for some, the 1970s would have been peak era Edinburgh.
It was the decade disco clashed with punk, and the wallpaper in people's homes clashed with everything else. Britain's music and culture seemed to be an escape - or a reaction - to hard-times, which saw endless strikes and the 'winter of discontent' in 1979.
It was also the decade which witnessed the release of some of the biggest movies of all time, including Star Wars (1977), Grease (1978), and Jaws (1975). And then there were the fashions, with long hair for men and flared trousers becoming the standard - while massive collars, hot pants and platform shoes also had their moment in the sun.
Here in Edinburgh, there was great change in the city. We welcomed the opening of the St James Centre and bid farewell to the old Waverley Market. You could still park your car on Princes Street and smokers could still happily puff away - not just in bars - but on public transport too. Utter madness.
Everything from the way we shopped, dressed and what we did for entertainment in the '70s was different. Sadly, some of the city's most fondly remembered places and attractions we enjoyed back then are now just a distant memory.
To celebrate Edinburgh in the 1970s, we've put together a list of 20 things you could do back then but can't do now. Of course, this isn't meant to be a complete list, but if you feel there is something we missed that needs to be included, let us know in the comments.
1. Go for a splash at Portobello outdoor pool
During the summer months there was nowhere kids in Edinburgh would rather be than Portobello Bathing Pool. The giant facility boasted an Olympic-sized main pool with a grandstand on one side, an art deco restaurant, lofty diving boards and a choice of chutes. Several times a day the artificial wave machine would be turned on and the raft brought out, much to the delight of local children. The popular complex sadly closed for good in 1979.
2. Shop till you drop at the St James Centre
Opened in 1973, the St James Centre was an exciting development for Edinburgh shoppers back in the day. Okay, it wasn't much to look at from the outside, but we'd never seen so many shops and restaurants all under one roof before.
3. Browse the LPs at Bruce's Record Shop
Started up by the music mogul Bruce Findlay, Bruce's Record Shop on Rose Street (and later Princes Street) was the place where a whole generation of youngsters developed their musical tastes. Those who purchased a record would have it placed in a bag cleverly emblazoned with the words "I found it at Bruce's".
4. Shop at Jenners, C&As and Patrick Thomsons
Department store shopping has gone the way of the dodo in the past few decades and Edinburgh has witnessed many big names vanish. Back in the 1970s, we'd be dragged by our parents round all the big stores, including Jenners, Frasers, C&A and Patrick Thomson's, to name but a few.
5. Visit the Waverley Christmas Carnival
Edinburgh's Christmas is a massive undertaking these days, but in the 1970s it was a much more compact affair. The annual Christmas Carnival used to be held in the old Waverley Market until the venue was demolished in 1975.
6. Head to Powderhall for the dog racing
Dog racing has, quite rightly, declined in recent decades, but the old events at Powderhall were very popular in the 1970s, as was the speedway and dirt bike racing which were also held here. The stadium was knocked down in the 1990s for housing.
7. Hit the dancefloor at Clouds disco
Few Edinburgh discos are recalled with such affection as Clouds. In the 1970s, the West Tollcross venue was THE place to hit the tiles for a good old boogie.
8. Go to a gig at the Empire Theatre
In the early 1970s, Nicolson Street's Empire Theatre (since rebuilt as the Festival Theatre) was one of Edinburgh's premier gig venues. Everyone from David Bowie and Status Quo, to T-Rex and Hawkwind played here.
9. Watch a movie at the Clerk Street Odeon
The old Odeon on Clerk Street was one of Edinburgh's most popular cinemas back in the '70s. The Southside landmark showed all the latest movies, but was also known for putting on some great gigs, including Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and Blondie.
10. Go bargain-hunting at Ingliston Market
Ingliston's legendary outdoor market started up in the 1970s and was a rites of passage on a Sunday for those with a car. You could pick up all manner of items at the site for the kinds of prices you'd never see on the high street.
11. Walk your pet lion down the street
Okay, this one does sound a bit far-fetched, but Tollcross locals of a certain age will recall all too well the days when the owners of a pet shop used to take their lion cub for a stroll. Jason the lion was owned by Richard and Meg Houston, owners of the Tropical Fish Centre at Lochrin Place. The cub was eventually moved to a safari park in England when he grew too big.
12. Park your car on Princes Street
You can barely drive down any bit of Princes Street these days, but there was a time when both sides were fully open to motor traffic - and you could even park your car on the gardens side. Perfect for shoppers.
13. Go see the Goldbergs aviary
The huge Goldbergs department store at Tollcross was a favourite for many in the 1970s. One of the most loved attractions had nothing to do with retail, however. On the top floor, there was a roof garden with an aviary boasting all kinds of exotic birds. Goldbergs eventually bit the dust in 1991 and the building was demolished for housing.
14. Buy a Texan chocolate bar
A striking American-inspired chocolate was the Texan Bar, with the US colours emblazoned within each letter on the packaging. Once you opened the wrapper, you were met with a nougat and toffee bar covered with chocolate.
It was manufactured during the ‘70s and ‘80s before being withdrawn from sale. It was withdrawn in 1984 but made a brief return as a limited edition in 2005.
15. See in the bells with a bottle of Scotsmac
No New Year's first footing in the 1970s was complete without a bottle of Scotsmac under your arm. The vile-tasting tonic, which was a mixture of wine and whisky, was probably about as good for your insides as drinking paint thinner, but it was cheap and got you sozzled quickly.
The infamous beverage continued being sold until 2018 when it was discontinued due to lack of demand. We can't think why...
16. Boogie the night away at the Americana disco
The Americana was on Fountainbridge at the corner of Semple Street and was owned by Paddy Reilly. It was originally a meat market. The front part of the building later became an Italian owned American style diner call Fat Sams and the rear part became Annabelle's, with the entrance in Semple Street. It changed owners many times, became Red Hot Pepper Club and then Zenatec before eventually closing. It has now been demolished.
17. Go clothes shopping at Chelsea Girl
The mere mention of ladies' clothing store Chelsea Girl is sure to spark pangs of nostalgia among Edinburgh ladies of a certain age. In the 1970s and '80s, the much-loved fashion chain, which had a shop in the St James Centre, was very much the place to be and to be seen on a Saturday.
18. Woolies pick n mix
Many people will automatically imagine pick 'n' mix whenever Woolworths is mentioned, with the adored high street chain being famous for having rows of sweets that people filled their paper bags with. Edinburgh locals still recall the huge Princes Street store with fondness.
19. Watch the planes take off at Turnhouse
Back in the '70s if there wasn't much worth watching on the telly, you could take a drive down to the side of the main terminal at Edinburgh's old Turnhouse Airport and watch the planes taking off. Fun times.
20. Visit Porty's Fun City
Today it's the site of a block of flats with stunning seaside views, but back in the 1970s kids loved going to Porty's Fun City in the summer months. The compact entertainment complex was filled with all manner of fairground rides and attractions, but sadly closed down for good in the 1990s.
Do you have memories of things you could once do in Edinburgh you can't anymore? Let us know in the comments section below.
