Biddy Mulligans - Grassmarket, Edinburgh
by Yvonne Johnstone
Title
Biddy Mulligans - Grassmarket, Edinburgh
Artist
Yvonne Johnstone
Medium
Photograph - Digitally Enhanced Photograph
Description
This lively Irish Pub (located at 94-96 Grassmarket) although commercial, continues a tradition of being a place where people come to meet and receive hospitality.
These properties were previously The Grassmarket Mission founded by James Fairbairn in 1886 for the relief of those in need.
Fairbairn bought the site at 94 Grassmarket and in 1890 commissioned architect James Lessels to build the Mission Hall. Fairbairn was one of eight Trustees and also Superintendent of the Mission.
At this time many properties in the area were very dilapidated and could have been classified as slum dwellings. Some people turned to drink to try to escape the harsh realities of their existence and environment. It was principally the children of these families and homeless people who the Mission sought to help.
In 1930 the Mission bought the building next door at number 96 and converted it to contain a new Mission Hall, an up to date kitchen, a clothing department and flats upstairs all of which allowed it to expand the services it could provide.
After World War Two the number of people requiring support and help fell due to the assistance provided by the agencies of the new welfare state.
As a result, the Mission reached the point of being underused and with costs increasing due to regulation changes, staffing and maintenance, in 1989 it was decided to sell the properties.
Uploaded
December 3rd, 2021
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