Portobello (Edinburgh)

Portobello is a coastal suburb of Edinburgh. Once known as a beach resort, it is located three miles (5 km) to the east of the city centre, facing the Firth of Forth, in eastern central Scotland. Although historically it was a town in its own right, and is often seen as such by its inhabitants, it is now a residential suburb of Edinburgh, with a promenade fronting on to the wide sand beach. It lies between the suburbs of Joppa and Craigentinny. Actor Ewen Bremner was born and brought up here.Changing fortunesPrior to its current revival, Portobello's peak as a resort was probably in the late 19th century, and it was in slow decline throughout the 20th century. While visitors were primarily drawn from the inhabitants of Edinburgh, it was also once popular with Glaswegians, particularly when the Glasgow Fair "trade holiday" signalled the start of a two-week holiday for the west of Scotland. By the 1960s, it had become an area of amusement arcades and some permanent funfair attractions. From the 1980s onwards, these also gradually disappeared, and by the end of the 20th century the Promenade had almost no attractions specific to its seaside location, although the Tower Amusements arcade remains in business.The 21st century has seen a visible change along the Promenade: the kayaking and sailing clubs hold annual skiff races, beach volleyball is well established outside Portobello swimming baths, and the beach is home to occasional art installations by arts group 'Big Things on the Beach', while the now iconic 'Cressida' octopus sculpture is a permanent feature that is submerged every high tide. Amongst other examples of the changing nature of Portobello are August's Big Beach Busk and Portobello Village Fair, as well as the monthly Portobello Market in Rosefield Park, and the community orchard at Brunstane.