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Portobello is located approximately 10 miles east of Edinburgh's city centre, facing the Firth of Forth.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source states that Portobello is situated approximately 3 miles (5 km) east of Edinburgh's city centre, not 10 miles.
The original name of the area, Figgate Muir, is believed to derive from an Old English term related to cattle pasture.
Answer: True
Explanation: The name 'Figgate' is thought to originate from an Old English term meaning 'cow road,' reflecting its historical use for cattle pasture.
George Hamilton named his cottage 'Portobello Hut' in 1742 to commemorate a British naval victory in the Caribbean.
Answer: True
Explanation: George Hamilton, a seaman, named his cottage 'Portobello Hut' in 1742 to honor Admiral Edward Vernon's capture of Porto Bello, Panama, in 1739.
The first evidence of Portobello's development as a bathing resort dates back to an advertisement in 1805.
Answer: False
Explanation: An advertisement for bathing machines in 1795 provides the earliest evidence of Portobello's development as a bathing resort.
Oliver Cromwell's secret meeting with Scottish leaders in 1650 definitely took place in Figgate Muir, according to historical records.
Answer: False
Explanation: Figgate Muir was the 'supposed site' of a secret meeting between Oliver Cromwell and Scottish leaders in 1650, indicating it is not definitively confirmed by historical records.
What is the approximate distance of Portobello from Edinburgh's city centre?
Answer: Approximately 3 miles (5 km) east
Explanation: Portobello is located approximately 3 miles (5 km) east of Edinburgh's city centre.
What was the original name of the area where Portobello is now located?
Answer: Figgate Muir
Explanation: The area where Portobello is now located was originally known as Figgate Muir.
Who built the first known cottage in the Portobello area in 1742?
Answer: George Hamilton
Explanation: George Hamilton, a seaman, built the first known cottage in the Portobello area in 1742.
What industrial ventures did William Jameson initiate in Portobello after discovering a valuable bed of clay?
Answer: A brick and tile works, and an earthenware pottery factory
Explanation: William Jameson initiated a brick and tile works and an earthenware pottery factory after discovering a valuable bed of clay near the Figgate Burn.
William Jameson's industrial ventures in Portobello led to a decrease in local land values due to the industrialization.
Answer: False
Explanation: William Jameson's industrial activities, including brick and tile works and pottery, led to a substantial increase in Portobello's land values.
Walter Scott completed his narrative poem, *The Lay of the Last Minstrel*, while recovering from an injury in Portobello.
Answer: True
Explanation: Walter Scott completed *The Lay of the Last Minstrel* in 1802 while recuperating in Portobello from an injury sustained during a drill practice.
New salt-water baths were constructed in Portobello in 1807 at a cost of £500.
Answer: False
Explanation: New salt-water baths were constructed in Portobello in 1807 at a cost of £5,000, not £500.
The legal dispute over public access to Portobello beach in 1842 was initiated by a villa proprietor seeking to expand his private garden.
Answer: False
Explanation: The legal action in 1842 was initiated by Sir William Rae against a villa proprietor who had restricted public access to the beach, not by a proprietor seeking to expand his garden.
Portobello Town Council began constructing the Promenade immediately after the 1849 legal victory to ensure permanent public access.
Answer: False
Explanation: Portobello Town Council began constructing the Promenade fifteen years after the 1849 legal victory, not immediately after.
What was the cost of the new salt-water baths constructed in Portobello in 1807?
Answer: £5,000
Explanation: The new salt-water baths constructed in Portobello in 1807 cost £5,000.
Which notable literary work did Walter Scott complete while recovering from an injury in Portobello in 1802?
Answer: *The Lay of the Last Minstrel*
Explanation: Walter Scott completed his narrative poem, *The Lay of the Last Minstrel*, while recovering from an injury in Portobello in 1802.
What significant royal event occurred on Portobello Sands in 1822, organized by Walter Scott?
Answer: A review of troops and Highlanders for King George IV's visit
Explanation: In 1822, Portobello Sands hosted a review of troops and Highlanders for King George IV's visit, an event organized by Walter Scott.
Who initiated legal action in 1842 to secure public access to Portobello beach?
Answer: Sir William Rae
Explanation: Sir William Rae initiated legal action in 1842 to secure public access to Portobello beach.
What was the purpose of the Promenade constructed by Portobello Town Council?
Answer: To ensure permanent public access along the beachfront.
Explanation: The Promenade was constructed by Portobello Town Council to ensure permanent public access along the beachfront.
The large red-brick power station at the west end of Portobello beach operated for over 70 years before its demolition.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Portobello power station operated from 1923 to 1977, a period of 54 years, not over 70 years.
The Portobello Pier, designed by Sir Thomas Bouch, featured a restaurant and observatory at its end and was demolished due to storm damage.
Answer: False
Explanation: Portobello Pier was designed by Sir Thomas Bouch and featured a restaurant and observatory, but it was demolished in 1917 due to rusted iron supports, not storm damage.
The Edinburgh Marine Gardens site is now occupied by a residential complex after being cleared in 1966.
Answer: False
Explanation: The site of the former Edinburgh Marine Gardens, cleared in 1966, is now occupied by the Lothian Buses Marine bus depot, not a residential complex.
Portobello's character as a resort saw a resurgence in popularity during the mid-20th century, attracting visitors from across Scotland.
Answer: False
Explanation: Portobello's popularity as a resort experienced a gradual decline throughout the 20th century, rather than a resurgence in the mid-20th century.
Portobello's public transport system historically relied on electric tramways, which were replaced by diesel buses in 1956.
Answer: True
Explanation: Electric tramways, which historically served Portobello, were replaced by diesel buses in November 1956.
A permanent hovercraft service between Portobello and Kirkcaldy was successfully established after an experimental period in 2007.
Answer: False
Explanation: Despite an experimental service and interest, a permanent hovercraft service between Portobello and Kirkcaldy was not established due to planning permission issues.
What was the operational lifespan of the large red-brick power station built at the west end of Portobello beach in 1923?
Answer: 1923-1977
Explanation: The Portobello power station operated from its construction in 1923 until its closure in 1977.
What unique feature do the Portobello Baths (now Portobello Swim Centre) still offer today?
Answer: One of only three remaining public Turkish baths in Scotland
Explanation: The Portobello Swim Centre is notable for housing one of only three remaining public Turkish baths in Scotland.
What was the primary reason for the demolition of Portobello Pier in 1917?
Answer: Rusted iron supports making repairs economically unfeasible
Explanation: Portobello Pier was demolished in 1917 because its iron supports had rusted, making repairs economically unfeasible.
What is the current use of the site where the Edinburgh Marine Gardens once stood?
Answer: The Lothian Buses Marine bus depot
Explanation: The site of the former Edinburgh Marine Gardens is now occupied by the Lothian Buses Marine bus depot.
What tragic event in 1983 drew significant police and media attention to Portobello?
Answer: The abduction and murder of Caroline Hogg by Robert Black
Explanation: In 1983, the abduction and murder of five-year-old Caroline Hogg by serial killer Robert Black brought significant police and media attention to Portobello.
What historical change occurred in Portobello's public transport system in November 1956?
Answer: The replacement of electric tramways with diesel buses.
Explanation: In November 1956, Portobello's electric tramways were replaced by diesel buses.
Which railway station in Portobello was closed in 1964 as part of the Beeching cuts?
Answer: Portobello (NBR) railway station
Explanation: The Portobello (NBR) railway station was closed in 1964 as part of the Beeching cuts.
In the 21st century, Portobello has seen a decline in community activities, with most events moving away from the Promenade.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 21st century has witnessed a resurgence of community activities in Portobello, many of which are centered around the Promenade and sea.
Portobello was recognized as the best neighborhood in the UK at the 2020 Urbanism Awards.
Answer: True
Explanation: Portobello received the accolade of 'best neighborhood in the UK' at the 2020 Urbanism Awards.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) rated Portobello's swimming water quality as 'excellent' in its 2019 survey.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 2019, SEPA rated Portobello's swimming water quality as 'sufficient,' not 'excellent'.
Portobello was the first urban community in Scotland to exercise a Community Right to Buy, acquiring Bellfield Old Parish Church and Halls.
Answer: True
Explanation: In October 2016, Portobello became the first urban community in Scotland to register a Community Right to Buy, leading to the acquisition of Bellfield Old Parish Church and Halls.
The acquisition of Bellfield Old Parish Church and Halls was entirely funded by a single grant from the Scottish Land Fund.
Answer: False
Explanation: The £600,000 purchase of Bellfield Old Parish Church and Halls was financed through a combination of the Scottish Land Fund, community donations, and borrowing.
The Brighton Place paving project in 2019 was completed under budget and resulted in a high-quality surface suitable for cycling.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Brighton Place paving project, completed in 2019, resulted in a high-quality surface suitable for cycling and was ultimately less than the initially projected cost.
During the 2020 Coronavirus Lockdown, Portobello Beach remained largely empty throughout the summer due to strict police enforcement.
Answer: False
Explanation: After an initial period of public compliance, Portobello Beach remained busy throughout the summer of the 2020 Coronavirus Lockdown, with increased visitor numbers and reported disturbances.
A Ferris wheel erected on the former Fun City site in August 2020 was quickly opened to the public, becoming a popular attraction.
Answer: False
Explanation: A Ferris wheel erected in Portobello in August 2020 had its license suspended before it could open, due to violations of government regulations.
The Portobello Swim Centre is scheduled for a £2.5 million refurbishment project as of September 2021.
Answer: True
Explanation: As of September 2021, the Portobello Swim Centre was announced to temporarily close for a significant £2.5 million refurbishment project.
The ethnic composition of the Portobello/Craigmillar Ward is significantly different from Edinburgh's overall demographics.
Answer: False
Explanation: The ethnic composition of the Portobello/Craigmillar Ward is very similar to Edinburgh's overall demographics, not significantly different.
The Portobello Beach Race and the Promathon are two annual running events held on Portobello's Promenade and beach.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Portobello Beach Race and the Promathon are indeed two annual four-mile running races that take place on Portobello's Promenade and beach.
The former Portobello Parish Church building was sold to the local community and reopened as the Bellfield community centre in 2018.
Answer: True
Explanation: The former Portobello Parish Church building was transferred to Action Porty in 2017 and reopened as the Bellfield Community Centre in June 2018.
Which of the following accolades did Portobello receive in the 2019 Urbanism Awards?
Answer: Best Neighborhood in the UK
Explanation: Portobello was recognized as the 'best neighborhood in the UK' at the 2020 Urbanism Awards (for 2019).
What was the Scottish Environment Protection Agency's (SEPA) assessment of Portobello's swimming water quality in 2019?
Answer: Sufficient
Explanation: In its 2019 survey, SEPA rated Portobello's swimming water quality as 'sufficient'.
What significant community initiative did Portobello undertake in October 2016, becoming the first urban community in Scotland to do so?
Answer: Registered a Community Right to Buy
Explanation: In October 2016, Portobello became the first urban community in Scotland to register a Community Right to Buy.
How was the £600,000 purchase of Bellfield Old Parish Church and Halls by Action Porty financed?
Answer: Through a combination of Scottish Land Fund, community donations, and borrowing
Explanation: The acquisition of Bellfield Old Parish Church and Halls was financed through a combination of funding from the Scottish Land Fund, community donations, and borrowing.
What was the final cost of the Brighton Place paving project in 2019?
Answer: Approximately £750,000
Explanation: The final cost of the Brighton Place paving project was approximately £750,000.
What happened to the Ferris wheel erected on the former Fun City site in Portobello in August 2020?
Answer: Its license was suspended before it could open due to regulatory violations.
Explanation: The Ferris wheel erected in Portobello in August 2020 had its license suspended and was unable to open due to regulatory violations.
What are the names of the two annual four-mile running races held on Portobello's Promenade and beach?
Answer: The Portobello Beach Race and the Promathon
Explanation: The Portobello Beach Race and the Promathon are the two annual four-mile running races held on Portobello's Promenade and beach.
Which of the following is a community activity that has gained prominence in Portobello in the 21st century?
Answer: Regular beach volleyball events
Explanation: Regular beach volleyball events, including Olympic qualifiers, are among the community activities that have gained prominence in Portobello in the 21st century.
Sean Connery once worked as a lifeguard at Portobello's open-air swimming pool, which was heated by waste from the nearby power station.
Answer: True
Explanation: The renowned actor Sean Connery worked as a lifeguard at Portobello's open-air swimming pool, which was heated by waste from the adjacent power station.
Portobello's first purpose-built town hall, designed by David Bryce, now serves as the local police station.
Answer: False
Explanation: Portobello's first purpose-built town hall, designed by David Bryce, is now the Baptist Church on the High Street. The second town hall serves as the police station.
The current Portobello Town Hall, designed by James A. Williamson, reopened in 2023 after significant capital investment from the Scottish Government.
Answer: True
Explanation: The current Portobello Town Hall, designed by James A. Williamson, reopened on June 1, 2023, following capital investment from the Scottish Government.
Helen Hopekirk, a renowned composer, pianist, and teacher, resided in Portobello for over 20 years.
Answer: False
Explanation: Helen Hopekirk resided in Portobello from 1856 to 1868, a period of 12 years, not over 20 years.
Harry Lauder, a celebrated music hall entertainer, was born in Portobello, and a memorial garden was established in his honor in 1970.
Answer: True
Explanation: Harry Lauder, the famous music hall entertainer, was born in Portobello in 1870, and a memorial garden was indeed established in his honor in 1970.
The Portobello Parish Church was initially a fully independent parish from its opening in 1810.
Answer: False
Explanation: Upon its opening in 1810, Portobello Parish Church initially functioned as a Chapel of Ease for Duddingston Parish Church, achieving full independent parish status only in 1861.
Which famous actor once worked as a lifeguard at Portobello's open-air swimming pool?
Answer: Sean Connery
Explanation: The acclaimed actor Sean Connery once worked as a lifeguard at the Portobello Open Air Pool.
Who designed Portobello's first purpose-built town hall in 1862?
Answer: David Bryce
Explanation: David Bryce designed Portobello's first purpose-built town hall, erected in 1862.
What is the current function of the building that was Portobello's second town hall, designed by Robert Paterson?
Answer: The Portobello Police Station
Explanation: The building that served as Portobello's second town hall, designed by Robert Paterson, now functions as the Portobello Police Station.
When did the current Portobello Town Hall, designed by James A. Williamson, officially reopen under community management?
Answer: June 1, 2023
Explanation: The current Portobello Town Hall officially reopened under community management on June 1, 2023.
Which of the following architects is NOT mentioned as having contributed to buildings in Portobello?
Answer: Charles Rennie Mackintosh
Explanation: Alexander Laing, David Bryce, Robert Paterson, and James A. Williamson are mentioned as architects who contributed to Portobello's buildings; Charles Rennie Mackintosh is not.
Where was Harry Lauder, the celebrated music hall entertainer, born in Portobello in 1870?
Answer: 3 Bridge Street
Explanation: Harry Lauder was born in Portobello at 3 Bridge Street in 1870.
Which of these notable buildings in Portobello has been demolished over time?
Answer: The Portobello Power Station
Explanation: The Portobello Power Station is listed among the significant buildings that have been demolished over time.
Who designed the Portobello Parish Church, which opened for worship in 1810?
Answer: William Sibbald
Explanation: The Portobello Parish Church, which opened in 1810, was designed by William Sibbald.
What was the initial ecclesiastical status of Portobello Parish Church upon its opening in 1810?
Answer: A Chapel of Ease for Duddingston Parish Church
Explanation: Upon its opening in 1810, Portobello Parish Church initially served as a Chapel of Ease for Duddingston Parish Church.