As part of ongoing renovation works at 138 – 142 St John’s Road in Corstorphine, Neilsons’ contractors have uncovered numerous historic ghost signs this week. Local historian Kevin Aitchison, who is part of the archives of Corstorphine Trust and runs the Corstorphine Memories Facebook group with 6.5k members, has kindly shared the detailed history of these historic signs and units with us.
At 142 St John’s Road, we have uncovered J. Macpherson & Son signage, James Macpherson was a licenced grocer circa 1915-1970. This was the original site of Pine House/Hall Cottage. James Lind Bakers were here 1869-1891 – probably in the previous cottage, James Kirk, Baker (c.1898-1908) – probably was the first in the new shop. Next in here was James Macpherson. This then became Jimmy and Sally Riddle’s DIY shop (1972-1987), then Save the Children charitys hop (1987 – 2006), before Neilsons in 2006. Local resident Norma Hall fondly remembers the grocers. She said: “I have fond memories of being sent to Macphersons for groceries. There were usually queues as cheese and ham had to be sliced and biscuits and many other things were all bought loose. I remember them delivering up the hill as well.”
At 140 St John’s Road (the unit in the middle), this started off as Archie S Gibb, Newsagent & Stationer (c. 1898 – 1900) who was probably first in the new shop. Afterwards, John M. Dey, Stationers (1904-c.1922) then it was passed down to Miss Jessie Milne Dey, Stationer (c.1922-1931). Misses J & M Barrington, Stationer followed (1931-1951), then McDonough and Duncan/McDonough & Company, Newsagents, (1952-1968). Signage has been revealed for McDonough & Company. Local Robert Mcculloch said: “This well-loved local newsagent was run by the indomitable Mrs McDonough who famously delivered newspapers on her trusty bike from 6am each morning, its panniers packed with the day’s headlines. No weather could deter her, and even when local baker Jim Bennett kindly offered to step in on snowy mornings, she stood firm: “If you stop, it’s difficult to start again.” What a lady!”
Next occupant in No 140 was The Sewing Circle (1970s), followed by Cunning, Brooks & McDougall, Opticians (1978-1995), then a string of hairdressers including: Calico (1996-2001), KIamA (2002-2009), then Pinkk Hair Design (2009-2024) who have since relocated to 209 St John’s Road, before being refitted by Neilsons (2024-).
At 138 St John’s Road, we firstly uncovered old Neilsons signage from a few decades ago when we incorporated the Leeds Agency. This was some of the first signage in Neilsons blue and white, a change that our current Senior Partner Steve Spence introduced. Our founder Terry Neilson, originally had Neilsons livery in grey and black! Neilsons moved to 136-138 St John’s Road in 1978, Terry had started Neilsons in 1977 in a much smaller office in a shop further east in Corstorphine.
Originally a bothy was on this site, the shop was vacant at first (To Let) c.1898, then Wm. Nivens, cycle agent & Bootmaker (1904-1912). Martins’ Bakery Ltd was here (1928-1961), then Walter P. Harkness Ltd, Soft furnishings & all household textiles (1970-77), and currently Neilsons (1978-).
No 136 is now incorporated by 138, it is the east corner of the 138 building.
Kevin Aitchison, historian at the archives of Corstorphine Trust and Corstorphine Memories on Facebook, said: “On coming up Manse Road this week I was surprised to see a ghost sign revealed for McDonough & Company. Although this shop was before my time, I remembered finding out about it when researching Corstorphine shops for The Corstorphine Trust. I was then equally taken aback the following day seeing another two ghost signs, one from Neilsons decades ago that I remembered, and another I only knew from my research: Macphersons & Son, licenced grocers who occupied No 142 between 1915-1970. And again, the next few days, further signs for a plumber and electrical contractors, from 1930 or earlier!”
Neilsons will be retaining the ghost signs where possible noting the historical significance, and if they have to be removed from the shopfront by the contractor for safety reasons, then we have asked them to keep them aside for us.
It’s been fascinating uncovering this local history, and it’s amazing that shopfronts made in the late 1800s have survived 135-145 years later, with the signage uncovered this past week revealing 110 years of local Corstorphine history. Thanks to all who have shown a local interest in this, we have really enjoyed seeing your photos online and reading your stories.
Construction works are due to continue at 138-142 St John’s Road until spring as we modernise and unify the three units. For all current Neilsons enquiries off-street in Corstorphine, please visit our Property Centre at 162 St John’s Road.
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