Portabello has been a semi-mystical place for me over the past few years.  It’s only a 20-minute drive away from our flat and we regularly pass close-by without ever venturing down to the beach and promenade. With our move to Canada inching ever closer, we seem to have a renewed motivation to get out and see all of the places in and around Edinburgh which we’ve never quite got round to visiting.  With the sun shining (and the wind blowing), we donned our hats and coats and headed down to Portabello to see what we’ve been missing for all of these years.  Not only was the beach super and busy with locals out for a Saturday wander, but there were also some fantastic local independent shops.  I’d definitely recommend it if you need a walk to blow away some cobwebs!