Excavations at 1 Bridge Street Portobello

This project involved an evaluation, followed by a watching brief and excavation at the site of a development by MNM Developments (Scotland) Ltd, located at 1 Bridge Street, Portobello. A large dump of kiln waste, clinker, discarded kiln furniture and stoneware wasters covered the whole of the site. This deposit was interpreted as made ground creating a level yard surface behind the promenade, which was constructed in the 20th century. The remains of a substantial harbour wall in three distinct phases were located during the evaluation, and subsequently uncovered during the excavation. Several concentrated dumps of ceramic material were also recovered. A large spread of sanitary ware, dating to the late 19th century was recovered in the upper levels of the site. Two concentrations of earlier material were recovered from material thought to be contemporary with the use of the harbour.