Princes Street Gardens are a relatively recent addition to the historic city of Edinburgh - having been created in the 1820s following the draining of the Nor Loch.
The artificially created body of water was designed as part of the city’s medieval defences but had become a fairly smelly health problem due to the sewage that flowed into it from the Old Town.
Named after Princes Street, which was itself named after the sons of King George III, the new park was instrumental in turning the area into the stylish New Town we know today.
Actually two separate parks divided by The Mound - East and West Princes Street Gardens - it’s home to many monuments.
These include the Scott Monument, statues of explorer David Livingstone, publisher and Lord Provost Adam Black, essayist Professor John Wilson, poet Allan Ramsay, church reformer Thomas Guthrie, obstetric pioneer and Wojtek the Bear, as well as the Ross Fountain and Ross Bandstand.
It’s long been used for a wide range of events, and most recently attracts thousands every Hogmanay for the Concert in the Gardens - this year headlined by Grammy-winning indie band Wet Leg.
Here are 40 pictures to take you back to the gardens in the 1950s and 1960s.
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13. Bobby on the beat
Little Angus McPherson talks to a London Metropolitan Police officer at a police recruitment drive in Princes Street Gardens in July 1966 | Iconic Media
14. A Capital view
The view across Princes Street Gardens East to the Waverley Bridge in August 1966. | Iconic Media
15. Strip the Willow
Scottish country dancing in Princes Street Gardens in July 1966. | Iconic Media
16. Green haven
The view from Princes Street Gardens looking towards Edinburgh Castle in the centre and the Assembly Hall on the Mound on the left in July 1962. | Iconic Media
