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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
World
Iona Young

Edinburgh locals debate 'mystery' city street scene showing lost row of shops

Edinburgh locals have been debating an unidentified vintage picture that has been uncovered by the Living Memory Association Scotland which shows a row of lost shops somewhere in the capital.

The mystery city street appears to be in the New Town due to the style of Georgian style buildings and high street stores with no setts on the road, suggesting that it's somewhere in the city centre.

A black-and-white image shows a wide street on a slope with old shops such as Dr Scholl's, Mac Fisheries, and Falks electrical goods store with a solicitors office which appears to be called D. Ms Williams Solicitors and Notary.

With a closer look at Mac Fisheries, a sign in the window with a cute cartoon chicken is advertising MacChicken portions for one shilling and nine pence - slightly cheaper than a modern-day McChicken sandwich from McDonald's we think!

Comparing it to pictures today of a New Town street the mystery picture appears to have been taken on the east side of Castle Street between George Street and Rose Street, but everything on the ground level has been altered.

It seems that Falk's is now Pret a Manger due judging by the position of the windows on the top of the building - one feature that has not changed.

Other changes include modern adaptions to the original building fronts which are now the home to Pret a Manager, Harvey Jones Kitchens, Chaporya and empty offices.

The Living Memory Association shared the fascinating image and wrote: "A row of shops on an unidentified #edinburgh city centre street.

"We think Falks Electricals - did you shop there? On the right is now Treasure Trove - home of hand-knitted dolls and bootees! Are we right?"

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Dozens of locals queried where the street is. Jah Prohle said: "That property would be Pret a Manger at 25, surely?"

One said: "I would say Falks is now Pret on Castle Street. Those dormer windows give it away, as everything at ground level has been altered."

While another local said: "Wasn’t there a Dr Scholl in Castle Street?"

Jim O'Rorke guessed: "Mair & Clowe was a travel agent in Castle Street, I think."

Where do you think the image was taken? And do you remember any shops? Let us know in the comments.

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