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