Have you ever strolled along Milton Road East? You might be surprised to know you have walked right past a piece of Edinburgh’s intriguing history: Portobello Cemetery. This sprawling cemetery, designed by Robert Paterson in 1877, is a silent testament to the lives lived in Eastfield and beyond. Nestled among the bustling houses and the vast expanse of the Firth of Forth, the cemetery offers a glimpse into the lives of individuals who once walked these very streets. Look closely at its gates and lodge, as these are an important part of the cemetery’s design. It’s not just the grand memorials that hold secrets; the cemetery also contains a section dedicated to the Muslim community, highlighting the diversity that has always been a part of Eastfield.
The cemetery holds the resting places of notable personalities. William Durham, a chemist and astronomer, rests here alongside John Proudfoot Goodsir, a celebrated architect. Here you’ll also find the final resting place of Alexander Kirkwood, a skilled engraver. Even though the cemetery appears serene today, it’s worth contemplating the lives of these individuals, as it allows you to connect with the past and understand how Eastfield has evolved over time. You might even be able to picture Edinburgh, long ago, when the Forth was more than just a backdrop for the city’s modern life. The cemetery is a reminder that even though we are surrounded by change, the stories of the past continue to weave themselves into the fabric of the present.