Step back for a better view

Princes Street Gardens is the ultimate get-away-from-it-all destination is right here in the heart of the city

THE austere grey staircase has been a gateway into Princes Street Gardens for millions of visitors since it was built in 1828.

Named after William Playfair, the architect behind the National Gallery and the National Monument, the Playfair Steps are a key part of the city's heritage.

So it was a huge relief to conservationists when work began this week to restore the iconic steps to their former glory. The original stone will be repaired, while work is already underway on replacing the decorative ironwork and railings.

The steps, which descend from The Mound, provide many visitors with their first glimpse of Edinburgh's central green space, in the shadow of the castle.

Generations have enjoyed such landmarks as the Floral Clock, the Ross Bandstand, the Ross Fountain and the Gardens' ever popular ice cream kiosk.

The Floral Clock reflects different topics, among them last year's scouting theme to mark the 100th year of the Scout movement. In our picture from 1955, gardeners toil to embed more than 25,000 small plants to represent the title, crest and scroll of that year's Royal Highland Show.

Two years earlier, the incredible 36ft by 12ft masterpiece spelt out Elizabeth Regina in honour of the Queen's coronation and her forthcoming state visit to the city.

The Ross Fountain was created by renowned French fountain-maker Antoine Durenne and is one of the most photographed fountains in the world.

It was bought by Edinburgh gunsmith Daniel Ross, who donated it to the city, where it was installed in Princes Street Gardens a decade later. It stopped working after losing power in a fire in 2004 and was not restored till a new pump was fitted in 2006.

But the Ross Fountain has not been the only sparkling ornament to grace the Gardens over the years. Our picture shows young boys looking on at a decorative fountain, one of two installed at either side of the Scott Monument during the 1960s.

Princes Street Gardens have long been a favoured spot to relax when the city gets a much-desired sunny spell. City folk and visitors spread out along its banks with their backs to the busy shopping thoroughfare and their eyes feasting on the beauty of the castle.

As for the steps which lead them there, despite being built 180 years ago, they did not receive their modern name until 1978, when they were re-opened by then-Lord Provost, Kenneth Borthwick.

They were known as The Mound Steps till July 1972, when they were renamed John Knox Way, to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the death of the religious reformer. Finally, six years later, they changed name again, in honour of the man who did so much to change the face of the city.