The Auld Toun Blog explores Edinburgh’s stories and gives updates about our latest news.

Portobello is known as Edinburgh’s seaside. Only half-an-hour from the centre of town, it’s officially facing the Firth of Forth and not the North Sea, but the views to Fife and the sandy shore are lovely. 

The area was mainly used for grazing until the mid 18th century. According to wikipedia, ‘A cottage was built in 1742 on what is now the High Street by a seaman called George Hamilton, who had served during the 1739 capture of Portobelo, Panama, meaning literally “beautiful port or harbour”, and who named the cottage Portobello Hut in honour of that victory.’

Portobello became a popular holiday spot and bathing destination in the 19th century for those wanting a spot of sea air. It still is a wonderful place to come on a sunny day and take a stroll along the long promenade.