The rough Edinburgh pub that was wiped from face of city after tragic night

Published date17 March 2024
AuthorDavid McLean
Publication titleEdinburghLive (Scotland)
But while Granton's Willie Muir pub certainly had its moments, regulars have mostly fond memories of drinking there down the years

Situated near the junction of West Granton Road and Crewe Road North, the notorious boozer opened in the late 1960s and had a clientele made up mostly of Granton locals and those who worked at the nearby gas works and Ferranti engineering plant.

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Named after a historic ferry called the Willie Muir that transported people between Granton and Burntisland, Fife in the 19th century, the flat-roofed watering hole was built over two floors, with a lounge, bar and upstairs function room and became known for its Northern Soul and disco nights.

The Willie Muir is also said to have been only the second pub in Scotland to install a karaoke machine. Drinkers of a certain age recall well the local football teams coming in after a match to down a few beers and screaming down the mics to their favourite tunes.

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But while plenty of regulars enjoyed themselves at the Willie Muir over the years, the pub wasn't always so welcoming to newcomers.

Writing on Hibs FC forum Hibs.net, one user recalled being dished out a less-than-friendly welcome on their first and only visit to the Granton boozer.

The Willie Muir pub in Granton pictured in 1980. Picture: Copyright Jim Lawrie.

They wrote: "I...

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