Incredible Edinburgh throwback clip shows 90s scheme with iconic pubs and shops

An Edinburgh resident has uncovered vintage video footage of Niddrie and Craigmillar filmed in 1998 - giving a fascinating look into the neighbourhood’s not-so-distant past.

Billy McKirdy took the video back in the late 90s as a visual record of the streets at the time.

He was studying HNC in Public Arts Project Management and wanted to preserve the area before much of the neighbourhood’s existing housing stock was demolished.

READ MORE: Edinburgh gang boss teams up with Scots torturer to keep peace in prison

READ MORE: Edinburgh man 'barricaded ex in bedroom at their flat by screwing the door shut'

READ MORE - East Lothian villagers fume as 'tankers pump sewage at bottom of their gardens'

READ MORE -
Suspect flew to Edinburgh as police 'waited for him at different airport'

The footage is filmed outside a car window that weaves up and down residential streets and main thoroughfares.

Along Niddrie Mains road, the footage captures iconic local haunts such as The White House and the Castle Tavern - which was known for the peculiar sight of a three-legged German Shepherd which prowled its rooftop and barked at passers-by.

Locals will notice the Kwik Save which was located in the area before the convenience store chain went out of business in 2007.

Craigmillar Castle is also captured, although the centuries-old structure looks much the same as it does today.

The streets are noticeably quieter with fewer cars and pedestrians alike.

Its grainy quality lends the film a nostalgic air that will be striking to any lifelong Niddrie and Craigmillar resident.

Billy commented on the bygone version of Niddrie and Craigmillar from 26 years ago.

Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox

He said: “The mix of public and private housing has been the most notable change in the area, from a community that was overwhelmingly social housing that situation has changed completely, the result is that many people brought up in the area are now unable to secure a move back into the community, I do think the change in the mixture of housing has been a positive thing.

“The vast majority of the council housing has disappeared, the street layouts and indeed the street names have changed too. The familiar faces of the people who used to live here that are no longer around.”

He also spoke to how the film’s emotional tug for those who remember the area in time gone by, saying: “It makes me feel very nostalgic, things are different now and in many ways better but conversely I can say the same about the past as well.”

Billy is now part of an archive team at Craigmillar Now that is creating a digital archive of the community’s past.

Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.