Fascinating Edinburgh 'ghost sign' uncovered by local offers glimpse into past

The newsagents used to operate in Corstorphine
-Credit:Kevin Aitchison


Locals are regularly coming across 'ghost signs' across the capital with some dating back decades.

They are often discovered when renovation is being carried out on the facade of a building with owners opting to keep the phenomenon on show.

One Edinburgh local captured the livery left on a building on St John's Road in Corstorphine when it was a former newsagents - McDonough and Company.

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In information shared by Kevin Aitchison, the shop at 140 St John's Road was in business from 1952 to 1969.

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It's understood the sign is currently being refitted by Neilson's Solicitors and Estate agents as they take over the whole block.

'Ghost signs' are regular across Edinburgh with residents often snapping images of buildings undergoing transformations - offering a glimpse into the history of the city.

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Back in December we reported how another local captured an image of an ice cream shop ghost sign in Stockbridge - Polar Ices.

It is understood the owners of the store was the D'Angelo family who had vans that would be driven around the capital in areas including Muirhouse, West Pilton and Crewe - according to history site Edinphoto.

Mr D'Angelo used to make the ice creams in the back of the shop and The Dobbie Brothers sold the treats.

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