The Prom, hotels and the Fringe

[magnus]

I was wandering along the prom the other evening, and realised that
most of the hotels have gone. The Fringe at the Seaside was always
a nice day out, and I know a lot of people enjoyed stopping for a
drink on their way along. Wonder what will happen this year...

Cheers,
Magnus

[sicker]

When there were plenty shops and entertainment, when Brighton Place was filled with crowds of visitors heading for the beach from Portobello railway station. Portobello began to die when it joined Edinburgh and lost control over its own future. Edinburgh council have done very little for Portobello for many years now. Where is all the money so recently promised for the Promenade?

John

[Guest]

Well, I think Portobello has suffered the same fate as most seaside towns in the UK and I don’t think we can blame City of Ed entirely for this. Cheap flights abroad, the inclement Scottish weather, changing fashions – there are lots of reasons for its demise as a holiday destination. In general, however, I think most people recognise that following a long period of decline we are currently enjoying something of a mini-renaissance. The Calor Gas ‘community of the year’ award a couple of years ago was well deserved, a local group named ‘Portobello Open Door’ is planning Fringe events this summer and the ‘Golden Days’ festival should be bigger and better this year. Admittedly, in terms of the money that has been poured into Leith and Granton in recent years, we have been left behind somewhat, but at least we have a community of real people and not just a converted warehouse full of yuppies!

[magnus]

Well, other seaside towns have survived by converting from a tourist
base to dealing with conferences &c., and while I accept that Portobello
isn't in the same league as Eastbourne, Torquay or other conference
resorts, I think it might have been worth looking at the potential for
boosting "business tourism". The combination of a town hall and
nearby accommodation might have been better exploited.

Cheers,
Magnus

[Peter F]

Fully agree with Magnus, Portobello has much potential. It is in close reach of the city centre, has an excellent seaside location (with a history of tourism and business activity) and a good sense of community. Unfortunately, it has not received the investment that areas like Leith and Granton have received. Begs the question - why not?!