24 Albany Street
1894 – 1918 Lodgings
The lodgings were run by David Munro, a waiter, and his wife. It is likely he was the son J. Munro, an Edinburgh surgeon., One boarder recorded in the 1901 census was Sewell Simmons, a recently qualified dentist. There is an account of the 10th Annual meeting of the Edinburgh Dental Student Society at which Sewell was being elected President for the next year. The evening included a dinner with many toasts and entertainment and: ‘The guests vied with each other in their efforts to entertain the company, and it would be invidious to single out any individual performances where all were excellent. Humorous recitations were given by Mr W, Stevenson, Dr Macdonald Brown and Mr Imrie, who gave an original experience of a visit to the Dental Hospital, followed by banjo solos and songs by Messrs. Glen and Watt, and selections on the bagpipes by Pipe-Major Macdonald, the janitor of the Dental Hospital.’ Simmons later set up his dental practice in Manor Place and was a lecturer at Edinburgh Dental Hospital.
One of Munro’s sisters, Jean, married Lewis Luders from Philadelphia. He died and in 1918, Jean, now a widow, sailed to France as a voluntary Y.M.C.A. worker with the American Army, and died at sea en route.
1919 – 1954 Kingsway Private Hotel (photo) The Kingsway Hotel was run by George Dickson. He and his wife, Margaret (neé Featherstone), also lived here. 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. Then Adult Ballroom Beginners classes cost 10s6p 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 dances.
In 1925 Dickson took over Number 22 next door to expand the hotel. It was advertised as being ‘Central. Near Bus and Rail Stations. Excellent cuisine.’ When only at this address the hotel was advertised as having ‘four single, four double bedrooms and two public rooms.’ Later, it appears that only Number 22 was used for the hotel, and he and May lived in this house. Margaret 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.
