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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
World
Kris Gourlay

Edinburgh locals debate mysterious window display from lost department store

Edinburgh locals have been forced to get their thinking cap on after an image of a historic shop window display was shared online, sparking debate over which former department store it featured in.

The image, shared on Facebook and Twitter by Living Memory Association Scotland, shows several mannequins behind a glass shop window, portraying a 'chic' winter fashion display - but the clue may not be in the display itself.

Eagle-eyed locals were quick to point out the glass grid-like pavement at the bottom of the picture, which may be the biggest clue as to which historic 1960s establishment the pretty display belonged to.

READ MORE: Fascinating Edinburgh images show last days of Leith's lost Central Station

Taking a trip down memory lane, the picture was posted with the caption: "We know our followers love a challenge - so where is this magnificent Edinburgh shop window display?! We know it dates from around 1963 but have know other info about it.

Could it be Jenners? PT's? Forsyths? Binns? The only clue is the grid-like pattern on the ground outside. Perhaps you picked up a chic accessory from this winter fashion range?!"

PT's, or Patrick Thomson's, is the answer which seems to have been suggested the most, with many believing the grid-patterned pavement is that of North Bridge, where the former store was situated.

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One reminiscing local, applying the same logic, said: "As the pavement is on a slight decline my guess would be Patrick Thomsons."

Another suggested: "Greensmith Downes, George Street? Or, Darling's, Princes Street?"

The glass tiles seen in the picture were used to allow natural light into the basement. Once one of the capital's most popular department stores, Patrick Thomson's is now the Hilton Carlton Hotel.

The former Patrick Thomson's store is now the Hilton Carlton Hotel. (Wikimedia Commons - Enric)

Launched in 1889 as as small fabric store on South Bridge, the 20th century saw it moved to 15 North Bridge where it was marketed as the Shopping Centre of Scotland. The latest trends in fashion, furniture, carpets, costumes and toys were available for purchase at Thomson’s.

Patrick Thomson was closed in the ‘70s, and reopened as an Arnotts in ‘76 before closing for good in ‘82.

Other potential locations for the mysterious display could be Jenners, Forsyths or Binns. Opening in 1895, the current Jenners building cemented itself as one of the most historic stores in the capital's history, before its sad closure just a few years ago.

One of the other potential contenders, Binns, launched in the early 1930s at the west end of Princes Street where Johnnie Walker is currently situated. Binns was bustling with shoppers; offering items to wear and use, as well as a popular restaurant.

Those of a certain age will remember the Binns clock as a popular meeting place, which was installed in the 1960s at a time before mobile phones when arranging a time and spot for gathering.

The clock features hand painted highland bagpipers, who march out every half hour; and were repaired for the launch of the Johnnie Walker experience which is the latest business to operate in the building.

Living Memory Association Scotland also host a free reminiscence group at the Wee Museum of Memory within Ocean Terminal Shopping Centre every Thursday at 11am and every second Tuesday from May 23.

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