22 Albany Street

1899 – 1903 John and Elizabeth (neé Hamilton) Laidlaw

John Laidlaw was the only child of a family that had been sheep farmers for many generations. He studied at Edinburgh University in the early 1850s, and won four gold medals and prizes in philosophy. He had planned to become a teacher, but changed his mind, instead becoming a Minister. He was minister at Free Churches in Perth and Aberdeen. In 1869, he married Elizabeth Hamilton and they had one daughter. In 1881, he was appointed Professor of Systematic Theology of Divinity at New College, Edinburgh. He published a number of his lectures including The Biblical Doctrine of Man, and wrote other books. A review of one said: 'An important and valuable contribution to the discussion of the anthropology of the sacred writings; perhaps the most considerable that has appeared in our own language.' He was influential in bringing about the union of the Reformed Presbyterian church with the Free Church of Scotland in 1876, and the later discussions by the Presbyterian churches on possible union. A cultured man, Laidlaw particularly enjoyed the poetry of Browning and tours of Germany, during one of which he traced the footsteps of Luther. He died in 1906.

1904 – 1923 William and Helen (neé Dunlop) Saunders

William Saunders was a solicitor (SSC). His father, also a SSC, and his mother, Marianne, had lived at Number 4, and it was there William was born. However, Marianne died and his father moved with his children to Number 51, and in 1858, re-married Elizabeth Wallace, with whom he had a further four children. The family moved again, in 1872, to Number 42, and lived there until 1886.William first trained as a Chartered Accountant before also becoming a SSC. He joined his father in the family legal practice and following his father’s death, became the senior partner. He often acted on behalf of Edinburgh Corporation in legal cases. He and his wife, Helen, had a daughter and three sons. One, Kenneth, went to India and another, William, also became a SSC, the third generation of the family to do so. He carried on the family firm, then called W & W Saunders, and lived in the house following the deaths of his parents: Helen dying in 1909 and William four years later.

1925 – 1952 Kingsway Private Hotel - George and Margaret Dickson

This was an extension to The Kingsway Hotel, established in 1919 by George Dickson next door at Number 24. He was married to Margaret and they had a daughter, Pearl, in 1928. Dickson also advertised an Academy of Dancing and himself as a Dancing Teacher. Before moving to Albany Street he ran his dance classes in Tollcross Halls. There, Adult Ballroom Beginners classes cost 10/6p for 12 lessons. ‘Assemblies, Weds. and Sats., 7.45 Learners, Mons., Tues., Thurs., and Sats. Latest London and Continental dances. Private Tuition daily.’ He also used Cathedral Hall at Number 47 for his dancing lessons, and also for dances. The hotel was advertised as being ‘Central. Near Bus and Rail Stations. Excellent cuisine.’ Margaret Dickson died in 1943 and George in 1954. The hotel was then sold.

1960s Scottish Gas Board

1970s Lothians and Peebles Police HQ

In 1950, the separate county police forces of East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian and Peebles were amalgamated to form the Lothians and Peebles Constabulary. Then in 1975, the Lothians and Peebles Constabulary, Berwick, Roxburgh and Selkirk Constabulary, and The City of Edinburgh Police were amalgamated to form the Lothian and Borders Police, the second largest police force in Scotland.

1977 - at least 1980 Lothian Regional Council Department of Social Work

Took over Numbers 20, 22 and 24.

2009 - ? (22a) Holly Burn (photo)'Holly Burn At Home is one of the more unusual shows I have seen in the Fringe over the years. You are warmly welcomed by her flat mate Sam who is in charge of tickets and shown into the house and the show begins. I don’t want to give any spoilers away so just go with the flow and allow her to show you around her home with all that’s involved. It’s quirky, it’s crazy, it’s interactive (without embarassment) and had everyone laughing. The end of the show has the most unique, random ending I have ever seen that left audience members chuckling as they walked away. Bonkers but brilliant ! You would be silly to miss this completely unique show and I have no doubt that Holly Burn will be a very well known name in the future due to her talent. At £5, this is an absolute steal and a great way to spend an hour in the afternoon.' This Fringe show took place in her basement flat. Newcastle-born Holly Burn started her comedy career in 2007, with a mix of stand-up and surreal character work. She made her Edinburgh debut within a year of starting and her shows included stunts such as leading her audience into the street, or her 2009 site-specific piece set in her New Town flat. As an actress she has also appeared in comedy sketches for BBC and ITV.