Beldam Lascar Packings shop front

In 1876, marine engineer, Asplan Beldam invented a seal (“packing”) to stop the steam escaping on ships in order to make them go faster. He went on to form the Beldam Packing and Rubber Company, London, and continued with his inventions which included including semi-metallic packings, metallic rings for high-pressures, and corrugated metallic valves for air and circulating pumps.

But what of 'Lascar'? It comes from the Arabic 'Al-Ashkar' meaning ‘sailor from East India’ but t was used as shorthand for any non-European serving on a British vessel. The Lascars were the first British Asians, and despite their invaluable role, were treated dreadfully, receiving pitiful wages and and made to endure conditions not unlike slavery.

The Beldam Group expanded and there would have been Beldam branches and agents in all important ports throughout the world including this one, although it has been closed for a very long time.

Judging by the old lettering still visible, this must have been a busy area in the past – look above the shop and you can see the “Restaurant” Ghost Sign. To the left, you can see the Blue Coupons ghost sign and the “50/ Trousers” advert (“Celebrated for 50/- Suits and Trousers" ).



5 Queen Charlotte Street, Edinburgh EH6 6BA

Dr Balfour Memorial Fountain

The four columned pink drinking fountain is an unusual sight, sitting as it does at the ends of a modern housing estate.

It was erected in 1907 to commemorate the much respected local doctor, Andrew Balfour, who had died the previous year.

In 1884, Dr Balfour risked his own life to give medical assistance to miners half a kilometer underground in Niddrie's No 7 pit. Six years later, an influenza epidemic broke out and the doctor worked tirelessly to treat 146 cases in a three week period.

For an altogether less uplifting story of another Edinburgh doctor honoured by a statue, see Dr Hugh Dewar Memorial Fountain.

Klondyke Street, Newcraighall, EH21 8SQ

Autonomous Centre, Edinburgh (ACE)

ACE exists to support and encourage people to take more control of their lives to create a world free from exploitation.

From their TARDIS-like base they run advice session on debt, benefits and housing and have a wholefoods co-op, library and cinema.

They offer groups meeting spaces and can help get new projects off the ground.

When you're in the area, check out the MontgomeryPark Mural

17 W Montgomery Place, Edinburgh EH7 5HA


0131 557 6242


autonomous.org.uk

The Apprentice Training Restaurant

On large screens you can view your dish being lovingly prepared in the kitchens by apprentice chefs before it is served by hospitality students.

Fine dining at fabulous prices!

The Edinburgh College also operates EH15 Training Restaurant from their Milton Road campus.

Edinburgh College, Granton Campus, 350 West Granton Road, Edinburgh EH5 1QE


0131 559 4030


apprentice@edinburghcollege.ac.uk


www.edinburghcollege.ac.uk

Airport Prayer & Quiet Room

The airport prayer room is in the international arrivals area on the ground floor, next to the airport and tourist information desk.

It provides a quiet, restful place for passengers of all faiths and denominations.

The prayer room is open at all times for the use of anyone who wishes to carry out religious observances or to simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Edinburgh Airport, Edinburgh, EH12 9DN

http://edinburghairport.com/

Wauchope Mausoleum

The single storey tomb was built in 1735 on the site of a 1502 chapel for the Niddrie Marischal family who were the lairds of the area for over 600 years. It formed part of Niddrie House which was demolished in in the 1950s to clear land for the housing estate in which it incongruously sits today.

There is unconfirmed anecdotal evidence of a lower basement level, filled in following the demolition of the mansion house.

The original wrought iron screen can be seen in front of a modern steel door, above which is a carved shield showing stars and sheaths of corn along with the inscriptions “Industria Ditat” (Labour enriches) and “Parta Tuere” (“Defend what you have earned”).

It is sometimes open for Doors Open Day during which visitors can examine the interior of the mausoleum which includes a grave slab dating from 1587.

Between 34 and 36 Niddrie House Drive, Edinburgh, EH16 4TU

Scotsman Steps

When they were finished in 1899, the Scotsman Steps must have looked magnificent: 104 steps in a curving octagonal tower that linked the New Town with the Old Town but a century later, the A-listed steps were more commonly associated with antisocial behaviour than decorative stonework.

In 2009, Turner Prize winning artist, Martin Creed was commissioned to create a public artwork which resulted in the steps and landings being clad in 104 different types of marble from all around the world. The original features were retained, repaired and cleaned

The Scotsman Steps are not only a handy shortcut from North Bridge down to Waverley Station, they are a work of art in their own right.

North Bridge/Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1TR

fruitmarket.co.uk/exhibitions/scotsman-steps

St John the Evangelist Church

When St John's was built between 1816 – 18, there was a Gothic revival going on and architect William Burn really packed in the 'faux medieval' features with tall spires, pointed arches and an astoundingly elaborate vaulted ceiling.

The stained glass windows are worth a visit alone. They are amongst the vivid, most dramatic you will see anywhere. The majority are the work of James Ballantine.

A visit to St John's is not complete without visiting the Terrace where you will find Henderson's vegetarian restaurant, One World fair trade shop and the Cornerstone Bookshop residing in the vaults.

(While you're here, you might want to visit neighbouring St Cuthbert Church – although next to each other, they are in different postcode areas). 

Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH2 4BJ

0131 229 7565

office@stjohns-edinburgh.org.uk

http://stjohns-edinburgh.org.uk

@ChurchofStJohn

 

Sandeman House Garden

Sandeman House is home to the Scottish Book Trust and, unless the garden is in use for a private function, it is free to use.

Here you will find a monument celebrating the work of Patrick Geddes (see PatrickGeddes Centre), a circular seating area.

A perfect quiet spot for reading or bookcrossing (see miscellaneous).

Trunks Close, 55 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR

0131 524 0160

St Cecilia's Hall Museum of Musical Instruments

St. Cecilia’s Hall and its Museum of Musical Instruments is believed to be the world's earliest museum of musical instruments. Originally built in 1763, the Georgian building houses an important collection of historic musical instruments, many of which are still playable in a concert setting.

St Cecilia's Hall is currently undergoing a redevelopment project and is set to re-open in 2016.

Niddry Street, Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1NQ

mimed@ed.ac.uk

stcecilias.ed.ac.uk

St Giles' Cathedral

St Giles Cathedral is the High Kirk (principal place of worship) of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh and as one of the most notable landmarks in the city can hardly be described as a hidden gem. However, few people know that during August, St Giles offer rooftop tours for small groups – booking details are on the website.

For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, the volunteer guides are on duty each day to welcome visitors, answer questions and conduct guided tours on request.

Throughout the summer, there are regular free lunchtime concerts from visiting artists.

Despite its central location, the Cathedral Cafe is rarely busy. Handy for a quiet coffee and cake but anything more substantial is quite expensive (tip: venture down the Royal Mile to Carrubbers which is half the price).

High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1RE

0131 225 9442

info@stgilescathedral.org.uk

stgilescathedral.org.uk

@StGilesHighKirk

St Cuthbert's Kirk & Kirkyard

St Cuthbert's Kirk is thought to be the oldest site of worship in Edinburgh. Although the present building only dates from 1894, the current church is the seventh building on this spot since St Cuthbert first came to Edinburgh around 1300 years ago.

The oldest gravestone is that of Rev Robert Pont, who died in 1606. By 1738, grave robbing was a frequent occurrence (and continued for another 100 years until the law changed to allow the donation of bodies to medical science) so walls were made higher, nightly patrols were made and burials began to be recorded.

The kirk is open to the public April to September 10-4 (Mon-Saturday) where, amongst many other treasures, you can see a Tiffany stained glass window, the ornate apse and frieze of the Last Supper. Agatha Christie married her second husband Max Mallowan in the side chapel here in 1930. Visitors are actively encouraged and the friendly volunteers are happy to answer questions.

(While you're here, you might want to visit neighbouring St John' the Evangelist Church – although next to each other, they are in different postcode areas).

A path in the kirkyard leads to Princes Street Gardens West.

5 Lothian Rd, Edinburgh EH1 2EP

0131 229 1142

friends@st-cuthberts.net

st-cuthberts.net

Sahaja Yoga Meditation

Sahaja Yoga is a technique developed by Sri Mataji Nirmala Devi that involves the awakening of a dormant energy, which is located at the base of the spine, and is known as the Kundalini.

Free Lunch Time Meditation every Thursday at 12.30pm - 1.30pm.

Everyone is welcome at this informal session. The yoga is seated, so need for mats or special clothing.

53 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2HT

scotlandyoga@aol.com

http://scotlandyoga.com

Royal Society Edinburgh

The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) organises regular lectures, discussion forums and exhibitions which are open to all and usually free to attend. It is an excellent opportunity to hear some fascinating and informative lectures on a variety of subjects and free refreshments are available beforehand.

The events diary can be viewed at the RSE website or sign up to be put on the mailing list.

22-26 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PQ

0131 240 5000

events@royalsoced.org.uk

http://royalsoced.org.uk/

@royalsoced

Royal College of Surgeons Museum

The Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh houses a large collection of historic surgical pathology material.

Sometimes gory (the collection includes a book made from human skin and an amputated foot) but always fascinating and set in a beautiful Playfair-designed building.

Due to a Heritage Lottery Fund Redevelopment Project, the Museum will be closed until Summer 2015.

Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DW

0131 527 1711

museum@rcsed.ac.uk

museum.rcsed.ac.uk

@surgeonshall

Rose Street

The pedestrianised street between Princes Street and George Street Rose Street is undoubtedly one of the city's liveliest streets being usually associated with pub crawls. That's not to say there aren't any hidden treasures, you just might have to look a bit harder to find them.

Few revellers will have noticed the eight large pebble rose mosaics set into the road – each one is a different variation on the rose design.

Essential Edinburgh has plans to revive Rose Street's bohemian air, using the thoroughfare's literary links as a theme, are ongoing. To date these have included the installation of 24 poetry planters; the erection of decorative steel poetry panels in the windows of the BT Telephone Exchange, and the creation of a poetry wall at the rear of the Roxburghe Hotel.

Remade in Edinburgh

. @remadeedinburgh

This social enterprise teaches repair skills and works in partnership to campaign for goods to be built to last.

Expert volunteers teach sewing and mending, computer repair, run workshops from leather repair to bookbinding, and sell good quality affordable laptop and desktop computers.

The real gem is the open-to-all weekly repair surgery every Wednesday 7-9pm. Take along your laptop and clothes and you will be helped to fix them. Free but donations welcomed.

17 Guthrie Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JG

0131 261 5904

info@remadeinedinburgh.org.uk

http://remadeinedinburgh.org.uk

@remadedinburgh