Side

Account of the Side by Mackenzie (1827):

The north angle of the Sandhill opens into the Side. This name is plainly derived from the circumstance of its being erected on the side of a hill. The lower part of this street was anciently divided by the Lork-burn, up which the river flowed. The east side was called the Flesher Raw, probably because the fleshers, or butchers, had their shops there, as well as on the Butcher Bank. The west part bore the name of the Side: but in the year 1696, Lork-burn was arched at the top, and paved over, so as to form one street, which has since been called the Side. When the present width of this part of the street is considered, the space that the runner of dirty water would occupy, and the heavy projections with which the houses were disfigured, of which specimens still remain, we cannot entertain a very high idea of the taste of our forefathers for convenience and comfort. The Cale Cross, which stood on the north side of the Lork-burn, near the Sandhill, will be noticed hereafter.

The lowest or widest part of this street is called the Foot of the Side. About 90 years ago, it was "filled with shops of merchants, goldsmiths, milliners, upholsters, etc." and is still a place of considerable trade and bustle.

A little above the middle of the Side, the ascent becomes very steep. This, added to its extreme narrowness, and the dingy houses on each side, projecting in terrific progression, rendered the passage inconceivably gloomy and dangerous. Yet, before the erection of Dean Street, it formed the principal communication with the higher parts of the town. It was mostly inhabited by cheese-mongers, and dealers in bacon, butter, etc. whose goods were here kept cool, and effectually protected from the rays of the sun. The corporation lately purchased most of the houses on the west side, which were pulled down, and rebuilt in the modern style. This street is now considerably widened; but a few old houses on the east side still remain to attest its ancient appearance.

Just above the middle of the Side, there was a very narrow and steep flight of steps, that communicated with the eastern postern of the Castle. This ascent, which is called the Dog-Loup Stairs, has recently been widened, and rendered safe and commodious. At the head of these stairs, there was a large waste place, which was, until very lately, the common receptacle of filth. It is described in the account of Pink-Tower Ward as "a great waiste upon the Castle-hugh, sumtime called olde Laurence Acton's Waiste." This place still contains some remains of the outer fortifications of the Castle.