Can you imagine a bustling seaside resort, full of life and laughter? This is Portobello Town Hall. Standing proudly on Portobello High Street, this imposing building was built in 1914. Designed by James Anderson Williamson in the neoclassical style, it served as more than just a municipal building. It became the heart of the community, a space for gatherings, celebrations and even political rallies. The town hall hosted everything from concerts to meetings, fulfilling the promise made to the people of Portobello when their burgh was annexed by Edinburgh in 1896. Did you know that the first public event held in the hall was actually a concert in 1914 to raise money for Belgian refugees? It wasn’t just about entertainment though, the hall also hosted rallies for war recruits, and in March 1970, the future Prime Minister, Edward Heath, even gave a speech there to Young Conservatives. It’s amazing to think that a building like this saw so much history unfold within its walls. The halls remained a thriving space well into the 21st century, but with changing times and increasing running costs, it faced closure in 2019. Thankfully, the community felt strongly about their town hall, and local groups stepped in to ensure its future. Portobello Central took on the role of managing the building, receiving funding from the Scottish Government in 2021 to secure its future. Today, the town hall stands as a testament to Portobello’s resilience, a place where history and community spirit come together.
Lt Allan Ker Stone
This Lt Allan Ker Stone stands as a testament. It honors a man who faced death. He faced it with