Refreshments at the top of

Arthur's Seat

Holyrood Park

Refreshments at the top of

Arthur's Seat

Refreshment Seller

This card appears to show a gentleman selling refreshments at the top of Arthur's Seat, the extinct volcano (823 ft high) in Holyrood Park close to the centre of Edinburgh.

Was this stand a regular feature on Arthur's Seat in the summer months, or was it just there on special occasions?

Lettering on the Rocks

I have not yet discovered anything more about the refreshment stand in this picture, but one observant viewer, Andy Wanstall, has asked:  "What is the lettering on the stone between the figures?"

I had not previously noticed this lettering, but here is an enlargement of it.  The lettering has been carved into the stone and appears to read:

There is  a crack running through the 'M' and another between the 'T' and 'H' of 'SMITH'.

Arthur's Seat - Refreshments  -  Detail

© Peter Stubbs                             peter.stubbs@edinphoto.org.uk

Arthur's Seat

Lettering Carved into the Rocks

The lettering on the rock seems to have survived well.  Here is a photo of it taken by Michael Dobosz in May 2010.

I find it surprising how similar this photo is to the one above, taken probably about a hundred years earlier.

Recent Photo

©  Michael Dobosz, Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland

Acknowledgement:  Michael Dobosz, Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland
:  November 29 + December 6+9, 2010

Reply

1.

Alan Wilson

Trinity, Edinburgh

Thank you to Alan Wilson for providing further information.

Alan wrote:

Refreshments

"The photo of the refreshment seller on Arthur's Seat is also reproduced in the booklet, 'Old Newington, Grange, Liberton & Gilmerton' by Robin Sherman.

The caption beneath it states, 'The bearded gentleman made the climb to the summit of Arthur's Seat on a regular basis, for prior to the First World War his 'refreshment business' provided a much-needed service for the breathless visitor who made it all the way to the top'."

Arthur Wilson, Trinity, Edinburgh:  December 12, 2010

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