Paisley Close

Some of the worst slums in Scotland were to be found in this part of Edinburgh during the 19th century. The building that once stood here collapsed early one morning in November 1861. Thirty five people were killed. Among the injured was a young man. As he lay trapped he called out to his rescuers ‘Heave awa’ lads I’m no deid yet’. The inscription above the entrance commemorates the disaster.