Ten years that changed Edinburgh

An event at Blackhall Library shines light on a decade of change.

The birth of rock ‘n’ roll, the growth of consumerism, and the coronation of a young Queen…

Great change was taking place in 1950’s Britain, and Edinburgh was right at the heart of it. After the ravages of war it was time for the city to start again.

Proposed Dumbiedykes development, 1952 (www.capitalcollections.org.uk)

Grandiose recommendations were made in the Civic Survey and Plan, the International Festival and Military Tattoo were introduced as an antidote to post-war austerity and trams were usurped by buses and cars.

In “Edinburgh in the 1950’s: ten years that changed a city” Jack Gillon, David McLean and Fraser Parkinson show how Scotland’s capital embraced massive social change while maintaining its traditions.

And we’re delighted to say that the authors will be at Blackhall Library on Monday 30th June at 6.30pm to talk about the book and the issues surrounding it.

To book your place at this free event email blackhall.library@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 529 5587.