The Old Main Stand

[Hakim Sar]

Does anyone know anything interesting about it?

Who designed and built it? How did it compare to our rivals or any other similarly sized clubs within the UK?

I always thought it was an ugly eyesore. Always looked on the small side. Looked very weird in the TV too.

If we say Highbury was the gold standard with the east and west stands, how would the likes of ibrox, parkhead, yam park, dunfermline compare in the grand scale of things?

if you have anything at all interesting about it please chuck it in here.

[Keith_M]

My opinion is pretty much the same as yours.

I can understand people having warm memories of times past, meeting their mates and enjoying big occasions.... but it was an eyesore.

I wasn't in there many times but my memories mostly revolve around wooden benches, cramped conditions and the inside of the stand reeking of p1ss.

I actually remember going to a game at Dunfermline as a kid and being jealous of their Main Stand, as it seemed much nicer than ours.

[04Sauzee]

I used to go there as a kid with my dad, used to absolutely crap it doing up the wooden stairs with the big gaps in between and looking through to all the hay bales for the horses. Was always happy after the match going sown the outside stairs at the end of the game.

[HappyAsHellas]

I think it was around 1971 that I got a job walking round the track selling sweets and juice. Underneath the old stand was a wire cage where all the empty boxes and wrappers were stored/dumped. It was a mini mountain of highly flammable materials with a wooden structure directly above. I'm sure most clubs at the time had similar arrangements but it seems weird looking back that no one thought of it as a bit dodgy, as lots of people walked by smoking during those times.

[Peevemor]

Does anyone know anything interesting about it?

Who designed and built it? How did it compare to our rivals or any other similarly sized clubs within the UK?

I always thought it was an ugly eyesore. Always looked on the small side. Looked very weird in the TV too.

If we say Highbury was the gold standard with the east and west stands, how would the likes of ibrox, parkhead, yam park, dunfermline compare in the grand scale of things?

if you have anything at all interesting about it please chuck it in here.

I thought it was ugly too and wasn't sad to see it go. I did enjoy watching matches from the old North stand (feet stomping & the smell of cigars & damp sheepskin) as well as the enclosure before they put the benches in but you knew it was past it's sell-by date.

Apart from the old shop I never saw any of the accommodation, so I've no idea of the board room, for example, was anything special.

[Bobo]

Here's an interesting timeline on "The Ground"

http://www.hibshistoricaltrust.org.uk/heritage/the-ground

[bringbackbenny]

It was great when the North Stand started a Hibees chant with associated foot stamping 👍

[Topographic Hibby]

It was great when the North Stand started a Hibees chant with associated foot stamping 👍That was where my old man used have his ST. When they started the Hibees chant with the stamping, it usually meant that the occupants had just woken-up from a nap. He also used to call it the Wing-Stand for some reason. Was a bit of an experience to have Hibs shooting down the slope 2nd half and old stand in full voice.

After Bradford City disaster in 1985, everyone woke-up and realised the old place was a deathtrap, an accident waiting to happen.

[The 90+2]

Stunk of damp and fags. Seating was like that stand we sit in at tannadice.

[nonshinyfinish]

Sat in the north end of the main stand for a few years before it was replaced – including my first ST and therefore the first experience of having 'my' seat at ER. So I won't hear a single word against it.

That said, I certainly didn't miss the pillars.

One memory that sticks out is watching the Matty Jack game vs Dundee Utd from there – I think that was the second last game before it was knocked down?

[ancient hibee]

My opinion is pretty much the same as yours.

I can understand people having warm memories of times past, meeting their mates and enjoying big occasions.... but it was an eyesore.

I wasn't in there many times but my memories mostly revolve around wooden benches, cramped conditions and the inside of the stand reeking of p1ss.

I actually remember going to a game at Dunfermline as a kid and being jealous of their Main Stand, as it seemed much nicer than ours.
Dunfermline stand was of course much newer than ours.

Had my first season ticket in the old centre stand.£9.

[Keith_M]

Dunfermline stand was of course much newer than ours.

Had my first season ticket in the old centre stand.£9.


Yeah, that's right.

Wasn't theirs built in the 60s?

[ancient hibee]

Yeah, that's right.

Wasn't theirs built in the 60s?

Yes it was.I remember going there and being very impressed that you could walk along the rows without people getting up.

[Kato]

When they were skimming the top off Shaw's Heights in the mid-80's me and a mate did some sparky work in the old main stand (remember seeing Super J-T on what was probably his first day with Hibs).

A guy took us up stairs into a section that was just underneath the highest seats were there was a wee howff. On a table was all the original blue-prints of the stand, the bloke told us they had never been moved since the stand was built. Any new work had been written in over them with some new drawings added to the pile over the years. Pretty mocket by the time we were in there but you feel the history of the place. Never liked sitting in there except for reserve games although we stood in the old enclosure for years until it was seated.

[bringbackbenny]

That was where my old man used have his ST. When they started the Hibees chant with the stamping, it usually meant that the occupants had just woken-up from a nap. He also used to call it the Wing-Stand for some reason. Was a bit of an experience to have Hibs shooting down the slope 2nd half and old stand in full voice.

After Bradford City disaster in 1985, everyone woke-up and realised the old place was a deathtrap, an accident waiting to happen.

Spot on my dad was there as well front row of the 'wing stand'. Some right good characters around him as well, loved sitting there on the odd occasion :)

[Tom Hart RIP]

Loved the old North Stand.
On separate note. Many years ago i remember that Rangers for some reason gave us part of their main stand. It had wooden seats similar to our centre stand.
Somebody set off a flare which hit the roof then ricochet off several pillars and caused terrible smoke. You couldn’t even see the pitch. It was a few years after the Bradford fire and was frightening. When the smoke cleared a couple of Strathclyde’s finest grabbed the nearest Hibs fan although it might have been the culprit. Anyone else remember that game?

[lyonhibs]

Toilets were prehistoric, you got soaked to the skin if you were in the first few rows and got unlucky with the weather and once, the West North Upper "moved" and folk had to be moved halfway through a game IIRC.

That said, it's where I first went to watch Hibs without parental supervision with my now sadly departed best mate and as such is my favourite football stand of any stadium ever.

[Mibbes Aye]

Does anyone know anything interesting about it?

Who designed and built it? How did it compare to our rivals or any other similarly sized clubs within the UK?

I always thought it was an ugly eyesore. Always looked on the small side. Looked very weird in the TV too.

If we say Highbury was the gold standard with the east and west stands, how would the likes of ibrox, parkhead, yam park, dunfermline compare in the grand scale of things?

if you have anything at all interesting about it please chuck it in here.

If you mean what is now the West, the memories are the footstamping, The corrugated iron walls going up the stairs, and the ability to nip out at half-time during reserve games for a quick snifter in the Albion Bar.

[Mibbes Aye]

Does anyone know anything interesting about it?

Who designed and built it? How did it compare to our rivals or any other similarly sized clubs within the UK?

I always thought it was an ugly eyesore. Always looked on the small side. Looked very weird in the TV too.

If we say Highbury was the gold standard with the east and west stands, how would the likes of ibrox, parkhead, yam park, dunfermline compare in the grand scale of things?

if you have anything at all interesting about it please chuck it in here.

And if you meant what is now the FF, then just utterly, utterly freezing. Any time of year.

[Scouse Hibee]

My first ST was in the North End of the old main stand, my introduction to Hibs was aided by a very vocal Mr Dougan who sat in front of me, next to an ex Hibs player who’s name I have forgotten, centre half George........Stuart? And another seemingly well known guy at the time Watty I think his name was, they made me very welcome.

[Billy Whizz]

My first ST was in the North End of the old main stand, my introduction to Hibs was aided by a very vocal Mr Dougan who sat in front of me, next to an ex Hibs player who’s name I have forgotten, centre half George........Stuart?

Stewart

[BILLYHIBS]

Loved the old North Enclosure

By sheer fluke I bought a stone for my dear old Dad when he passed and they put it as close as you could get to where the turnstile would have been when he used to ‘ lift me over’ for the Big European nights in the sixties

[Scouse Hibee]

Stewart

Yeah sorry that’s what I meant to post George Stewart, Watty and Frank Dougan were the guys.

[norhfc]

Sat in that old stand quite often over the years. You knew when you where at a good game when all the auld yin’s would stamp their feet 3 times in between the Hibees chant.

[erin go bragh]

Does anyone know anything interesting about it?

Who designed and built it? How did it compare to our rivals or any other similarly sized clubs within the UK?

I always thought it was an ugly eyesore. Always looked on the small side. Looked very weird in the TV too.

If we say Highbury was the gold standard with the east and west stands, how would the likes of ibrox, parkhead, yam park, dunfermline compare in the grand scale of things?

if you have anything at all interesting about it please chuck it in here.

Found this ,,
1922: Development to Easter Road properly begins after a 25 year lease is signed

The long-term future of Easter Road was secured in 1922 when the Club agreed a 25-year lease on the ground. This gave the Hibernian Board the focus to efficiently develop Easter Road.
Two years after signing the long-term lease, three banks of terracing were raised on the North, East and South sides of the ground, with a main grandstand seating 4,480 people built on the West side of the Easter Road pitch. It is said that the fee Hibernian received from Arsenal for goalkeeper Willie Harper paid for the building of the new Easter Road grandstand in 1924.
Prior to the constructon of the West Stand, the playing surface was moved 40 yards East to provide space for the stand's construction, with the slope also reduced to approximately six feet in height.
The redeveloped Easter Road had a capacity of 45,000.

[Logie Green]

Loved the old North Stand.
On separate note. Many years ago i remember that Rangers for some reason gave us part of their main stand. It had wooden seats similar to our centre stand.
Somebody set off a flare which hit the roof then ricochet off several pillars and caused terrible smoke. You couldn’t even see the pitch. It was a few years after the Bradford fire and was frightening. When the smoke cleared a couple of Strathclyde’s finest grabbed the nearest Hibs fan although it might have been the culprit. Anyone else remember that game?

That day at Ibrox was mental even by Ibrox standards. My memory of the flare incident was that after it hit the roof it dropped onto a cable or wire which was loosely hanging and fizzled along it so we had no idea if it would make the cable/wire catch fire or if not where the flare would drop onto our fans. I also remember a singalong at half time to a song being played on the tannoy by the appropriately named Mental As Anything. The wee cherubs supporting the home team didn’t seem happy that we’d been allocated seats in their main stand especially since huns were below us in the enclosure. Funnily enough we’ve never been invited to occupy that section since. 🤡

[weecounty hibby]

My 1st ever game at ER was in the north wing stand v celtic in 74 taken by my uncle. I was also in the south stand for the game in the early 80s v celtic when we beat them 1-0 with an Ally McLeod pen with Jim McArthur saving a Charlie Nicholas pen. Think it may have been the game after Johnny Doyle died. No idea how me and my uncle ended up there amongst the celtic fans but what I do remember was they weren't a happy bunch. Spent a good number of games in there as a youngster. Last time I was there was the game v Dundee on its last game. Took my uncle for old times sake. Was his last game at ER

[Radium]

Found this ,,
1922: Development to Easter Road properly begins after a 25 year lease is signed

The long-term future of Easter Road was secured in 1922 when the Club agreed a 25-year lease on the ground. This gave the Hibernian Board the focus to efficiently develop Easter Road.
Two years after signing the long-term lease, three banks of terracing were raised on the North, East and South sides of the ground, with a main grandstand seating 4,480 people built on the West side of the Easter Road pitch. It is said that the fee Hibernian received from Arsenal for goalkeeper Willie Harper paid for the building of the new Easter Road grandstand in 1924.
Prior to the constructon of the West Stand, the playing surface was moved 40 yards East to provide space for the stand's construction, with the slope also reduced to approximately six feet in height.
The redeveloped Easter Road had a capacity of 45,000.

... reduced the slope!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Alfred E Newman]

It was of its time and the atmosphere , especially from the North end was brilliant. In the 70's the Hibees chant, accompanied by the stamping feet , would start in there and spread round the ground.
Mind you, it was the place the first rumblings of discontent were heard as well!

[Green Badger]

The North end was also my first season ticket and my “own seat”, which for me was a big thing. The foot stomping and hibees a common theme for almost every game. Remember The Proclaimers and their dad sitting near us.

Not a great looking stand and facilities a bit crappy, but I suppose not uncommon for the time. Overall it gave me some great memories of my early years watching Hibs so has some fond memories for me.

[Argylehibby]

That was where my old man used have his ST. When they started the Hibees chant with the stamping, it usually meant that the occupants had just woken-up from a nap. He also used to call it the Wing-Stand for some reason. Was a bit of an experience to have Hibs shooting down the slope 2nd half and old stand in full voice.

After Bradford City disaster in 1985, everyone woke-up and realised the old place was a deathtrap, an accident waiting to happen.

Think it's because the stand was split into 3 sections, the centre stand and the 2 wing stands.

[Keith_M]

....
On separate note. Many years ago i remember that Rangers for some reason gave us part of their main stand. It had wooden seats similar to our centre stand.
Somebody set off a flare which hit the roof then ricochet off several pillars and caused terrible smoke. You couldn’t even see the pitch. It was a few years after the Bradford fire and was frightening. When the smoke cleared a couple of Strathclyde’s finest grabbed the nearest Hibs fan although it might have been the culprit. Anyone else remember that game?


That was Andy*, IIRC.

You can read all about it in his book.



* "Andy, Hibs, Rock & Roll"

[eaststandJJ]

Plans in Edinburgh City Archives at the bottom of the Council building in the High Street. If I remember , I think it they are dated 1912.

[Killiehibbie]

Loved the old North Stand.
On separate note. Many years ago i remember that Rangers for some reason gave us part of their main stand. It had wooden seats similar to our centre stand.
Somebody set off a flare which hit the roof then ricochet off several pillars and caused terrible smoke. You couldn’t even see the pitch. It was a few years after the Bradford fire and was frightening. When the smoke cleared a couple of Strathclyde’s finest grabbed the nearest Hibs fan although it might have been the culprit. Anyone else remember that game?
It was intended for The Govan but he got the trajectory all wrong, probably just as well he did.

[Ringothedog]

That day at Ibrox was mental even by Ibrox standards. My memory of the flare incident was that after it hit the roof it dropped onto a cable or wire which was loosely hanging and fizzled along it so we had no idea if it would make the cable/wire catch fire or if not where the flare would drop onto our fans. I also remember a singalong at half time to a song being played on the tannoy by the appropriately named Mental As Anything. The wee cherubs supporting the home team didn’t seem happy that we’d been allocated seats in their main stand especially since huns were below us in the enclosure. Funnily enough we’ve never been invited to occupy that section since. 🤡
It was a cracking day out and it’s great to wind those bigots up whenever we can

[Andy74]

Toilets were prehistoric, you got soaked to the skin if you were in the first few rows and got unlucky with the weather and once, the West North Upper "moved" and folk had to be moved halfway through a game IIRC.

That said, it's where I first went to watch Hibs without parental supervision with my now sadly departed best mate and as such is my favourite football stand of any stadium ever.


When I was a lad I had a piss in the toilets next to John Blackley in the main stand. I was delighted.

It was a reserve game and I can't recall who it was against.

My Dad had arranged a trial at Hibs for a guy called John McCaffrey. He was a Lanarkshire boy but he had trained as a priest out in Spain and whilst he was out there he played for the local team - Real Valladolid. I don't know at what level at the time. He'd given that lifestyle up and wanted to play back home.

Anyway, John had a decent game, he hit the bar from the half way line and pretty much ran the midfield, however being 21 at the time John Blackley reckoned he was too old to give an opportunity to. Instead he wanted to give an opportunity to another young midfielder who was playing in the game - John Collins.

Must have been about 84 or 85.

I guess he was right. As for the other John he took it hard. Played for a little while for Hamilton I think before ditching the game but if you can't play for Hibs then why bother?

[Jack]

I only sat in it once. All my friends thought that was where all the posh rich folk sat!

We stood on the East and I was always fixated by the smoke swirling out either end of the stand, even more so at night games when it drifted into the light of the floodlights.

[Keith_M]

Even when new it looked far from impressive or not?


Aye, that looks a bit squint right enough. I think they straightened it a bit later on

[ancient hibee]

I only sat in it once. All my friends thought that was where all the posh rich folk sat!

We stood on the East and I was always fixated by the smoke swirling out either end of the stand, even more so at night games when it drifted into the light of the floodlights.

Yes.We posh rich folk had all done our stints on the main terrace.

[Orchard_Hibs]

Had my first season ticket in the old main stand, I always remember being terrified of having to use the toilet at the end of the big trough where everyone pee’d.

[Since452]

Does anyone know anything interesting about it?

Who designed and built it? How did it compare to our rivals or any other similarly sized clubs within the UK?

I always thought it was an ugly eyesore. Always looked on the small side. Looked very weird in the TV too.

If we say Highbury was the gold standard with the east and west stands, how would the likes of ibrox, parkhead, yam park, dunfermline compare in the grand scale of things?

if you have anything at all interesting about it please chuck it in here.

Had a tour of Easter Road around 1996 and apparently it was haunted and there had been quite a few sightings. Might have been the ghost of Harry Swan but can't really remember. If you believe in all that stuff of course.

[Scouse Hibee]

Had a tour of Easter Road around 1996 and apparently it was haunted and there had been quite a few sightings. Might have been the ghost of Harry Swan but can't really remember. If you believe in all that stuff of course.

It was the ghost of 1902, we ghost busted it in 2016

[gbhibby]

Remember the old North stand. Food kiosk was one man one urn and one oven. Food was usually sold out by half time. Remember seeing Mr Dougan on his feet constantly berating the referees. Was the best stand during the tornados time as most goals were scored down the slope.

Best night in Old North stand was sporting Lisbon game.

I would sometimes sit beside the blind fans who had about 6 allocated seats as they had a guy who would commentate for them. He was better than the guys on TV and radio at the time.

I only got to sit in the directors box once in the centre stand.

I thought they should have rebuilt the old red brick entrance at some part of the stadium.

[Keith_M]

My Dad rabbits on endlessly about the 'good old days' of supporting Hibs when, in his rose tinted memory, we played in front of 50,000 people every week.

I'm thinking of having this photo printed, put in a frame and hung on his living room wall.... just to shut him up!

:wink:


https://i.pinimg.com/564x/52/fe/0d/52fe0d24287bb2a6ec16c84c8bf20e5d.jpg

[nonshinyfinish]

Superb photo.

I particularly like the guy at the bottom right who appears to have chosen watching the ducks over the game.

[brog]

Yeah sorry that’s what I meant to post George Stewart, Watty and Frank Dougan were the guys.

The legend that was Watty Robb!

[Billy Whizz]

My Dad rabbits on endlessly about the 'good old days' of supporting Hibs when, in his rose tinted memory, we played in front of 50,000 people every week.

I'm thinking of having this photo printed, put in a frame and hung on his living room wall.... just to shut him up!

:wink:


https://i.pinimg.com/564x/52/fe/0d/52fe0d24287bb2a6ec16c84c8bf20e5d.jpg

What year is this

[Keith_M]

What year is this


I'm not sure, Billy. I think it's mid 60s.

[BeansOnToast]

First post, however I've followed the forum for many years. Does anyone remember the breeze blocked structure with 2 big windows facing the pitch, between the old main stand and the Famous 5 and what it was used for?. Always wondered whether it was some sort of hospitality box or tv studio, however it never seemed to be in use at any point. Unable to find any pictures of it online, however it went up some time in the mid 90's and was then demolished along with the old main stand and never replaced.

[greenginger]

First post, however I've followed the forum for many years. Does anyone remember the breeze blocked structure with 2 big windows facing the pitch, between the old main stand and the Famous 5 and what it was used for?. Always wondered whether it was some sort of hospitality box or tv studio, however it never seemed to be in use at any point. Unable to find any pictures of it online, however it went up some time in the mid 90's and was then demolished along with the old main stand and never replaced.


It housed the boiler that that was part of the under pitch heating system.

[BeansOnToast]

Ah! That makes sense. Cheers!.

[weecounty hibby]

It housed the boiler that that was part of the under pitch heating system.

Was it not where the pies etc were cooked? before being taken to the stalls to cool down and congeal before sale!!

[ancient hibee]

The other thing about the main stand was that it was also pay at the gate.I was constantly turfing people out of my seat-both home and away supporters -particularly for big games as Hibs piled as many in as they could.It could be difficult with the OF although fortunately my pal who sat next to me had been a beat polis in Leith and was built to match.I remember him picking up an interloping Celtic fan and hurling him in the general direction of the Directors Box.One match a Rangers fan threw a can of beer from the back row when these cans were much heavier and could do a lot of damage.There were two police on duty-one a woman.So she was sent up to deal with the guy who claimed as he went with her that he would never hit a woman.She told him on the way down that it was just as well as she would have efn killed him.Happy days.

[Keith_M]

Was it not where the pies etc were cooked? before being taken to the stalls to cool down and congeal before sale!!


I thought it was for that as well.

Incidentally, do you remember it had big adverts on the front for Alloa Pale Ale?

I'm presuming that would have stood out to a Wee County Hibby.... or do you just no 'look aboot ye'?

:wink:

[Aubenas]

23442

The old stand in 1927 when it was three years old.
My uncle in natty polo neck training gear and an advert for the Green Dispatch on the stand!

[weecounty hibby]

I thought it was for that as well.

Incidentally, do you remember it had big adverts on the front for Alloa Pale Ale?

I'm presuming that would have stood out to a Wee County Hibby.... or do you just no 'look aboot ye'?

:wink:
Haha, yes always loved to see Alloa associated with Hibs. Pity we don't brew any beers in the are anymore on the scale we used to. Couple of breweries left that's all. But that's a whole other debate

[Peevemor]

Haha, yes always loved to see Alloa associated with Hibs. Pity we don't brew any beers in the are anymore on the scale we used to. Couple of breweries left that's all. But that's a whole other debate

Did you work for Alloa breweries?

[weecounty hibby]

No, been in distilling all my working life. 35 years on 1st July!! My good mate Spike Mandela on here worked for them after moving through from Edinburgh after the brewery he worked in there shut down. But of a jinx that laddie!! Knew loads of folk who worked there. A few Hibbies in there

[Peevemor]

No, been in distilling all my working life. 35 years on 1st July!! My good mate Spike Mandela on here worked for them after moving through from Edinburgh after the brewery he worked in there shut down. But of a jinx that laddie!! Knew loads of folk who worked there. A few Hibbies in there

OK. It's just I had a mate who worked there for a while and told stories of having to blind test different beers (from blue glasses) while he was RAF of a Monday morning. I'm pretty sure that the Alloa stuff was always the worst. :greengrin

[weecounty hibby]

OK. It's just I had a mate who worked there for a while and told stories of having to blind test different beers (from blue glasses) while he was RAF of a Monday morning. I'm pretty sure that the Alloa stuff was always the worst. :greengrin

Aye, there are many stories about tasting sessions. The blue glasses are so you can't see the colour of the liquid. We use them for samples in the whisky industry as well. Only nosing though, no tastings. Distillers are not savages like the brewers🥃🥃🥃

[Speedway]

23442

The old stand in 1927 when it was three years old.
My uncle in natty polo neck training gear and an advert for the Green Dispatch on the stand!

What a picture that is!

For young 'uns looking in who may be confused with all this west north south nonsense, here's a quick guide.

Where our two tier West Stand now is, there was once a two tier 'Main' or 'Centre' stand. An Archibald Leitch design, the lower section was terracing until the late 80s and the upper part was bench seating. This bench seating was split into three sections. The North Wing (next to what is now the Famous Five) The South Wing (next to what is now the south stand) and the Centre-Centre. To confuse things further, you sat down in the 'stand'.

Where the FF is was once a terraced then benched 'North Enclosure' or 'Cowshed'.

What is now the east always was but it used to be terraced then bench seated then bucket seated.

What is now the South Stand has always been the away end but used to be called the Dunbar end.

The posh rich folk did indeed sit in the centre stand and were taunted from the east with songs like 'They the real fairweather fans, sitting in the centre stand'.

Yes we used to taunt our own fans.

Going back further, it was the only place to get a good view of the game without getting p1ss wet through.

It did indeed become an eyesore but as a kid, it looked massive.

[greenginger]

Haha, yes always loved to see Alloa associated with Hibs. Pity we don't brew any beers in the are anymore on the scale we used to. Couple of breweries left that's all. But that's a whole other debate


I remember drinking a few pints of McLays 90 shilling ale in days gone by. I think the Beehive in the Grassmarket stocked it for a while.

Lethal stuff ! :greengrin

[Tomsk]

What a picture that is!

For young 'uns looking in who may be confused with all this west north south nonsense, here's a quick guide.

Where our two tier West Stand now is, there was once a two tier 'Main' or 'Centre' stand. An Archibald Leitch design, the lower section was terracing until the late 80s and the upper part was bench seating. This bench seating was split into three sections. The North Wing (next to what is now the Famous Five) The South Wing (next to what is now the south stand) and the Centre-Centre. To confuse things further, you sat down in the 'stand'.

Where the FF is was once a terraced then benched 'North Enclosure' or 'Cowshed'.

What is now the east always was but it used to be terraced then bench seated then bucket seated.

What is now the South Stand has always been the away end but used to be called the Dunbar end.

The posh rich folk did indeed sit in the centre stand and were taunted from the east with songs like 'They the real fairweather fans, sitting in the centre stand'.

Yes we used to taunt our own fans.

Going back further, it was the only place to get a good view of the game without getting p1ss wet through.

It did indeed become an eyesore but as a kid, it looked massive.


You didn't mention the Enclosures, the standing bits in front of the stand. :greengrin

[Biggie]

It's always good to reminisce, and hear so many remember the stamping of the feet and "hibees, hibees".....takes me back.
Looked huge when I was wee, but don't recall being in it very often tbh, was always in the east terracing against the walkway railing so I got a good view.....
Remember a game against Clyde and we got a penalty and Pat Stanton was on 2 goals and the North stand started "wee want Paddy" stamp stamp, "we want Paddy"...…..needless to say Stanton stepped up and slotted it home for his hat-trick and a 5 nil win.
Gonna greet now.....:greengrin

[Alfred E Newman]

My Dad rabbits on endlessly about the 'good old days' of supporting Hibs when, in his rose tinted memory, we played in front of 50,000 people every week.

I'm thinking of having this photo printed, put in a frame and hung on his living room wall.... just to shut him up!

:wink:


https://i.pinimg.com/564x/52/fe/0d/52fe0d24287bb2a6ec16c84c8bf20e5d.jpg
If you look closely you will see that the cowshed is jam packed. Some of the best days in there were days like the picture when it was bucketing rain and almost all the crowd was squashed under it!

[ancient hibee]

And of course we’re kicking downhill.

[Liberal Hibby]

I'm not sure, Billy. I think it's mid 60s.

Isn't it a bit later than that? If it was mid 60s then would the cooshed/cave have been built? And I would also think there would be far more hats/caps on display.

[Killiehibbie]

Aye, there are many stories about tasting sessions. The blue glasses are so you can't see the colour of the liquid. We use them for samples in the whisky industry as well. Only nosing though, no tastings. Distillers are not savages like the brewers🥃🥃🥃


You should've been at the disgorging in Kilmarnock, not much nosing in there.
Some of the stories about the old days, 50's 60's, you wonder how they ever made it to the pub after work.

[weecounty hibby]

You should've been at the disgorging in Kilmarnock, not much nosing in there.
Some of the stories about the old days, 50's 60's, you wonder how they ever made it to the pub after work.
I know. I started in 85 and even then it was common for folk to be pissed at work, and I mean really pissed, not just a ripple or two. Some of the stories makes you wonder how there weren't deaths on a weekly basis. Until about 79/80 they used to get two official drama a day. And they weren't 1/5 of a gill!!!

[Killiehibbie]

I know. I started in 85 and even then it was common for folk to be pissed at work, and I mean really pissed, not just a ripple or two. Some of the stories makes you wonder how there weren't deaths on a weekly basis. Until about 79/80 they used to get two official drama a day. And they weren't 1/5 of a gill!!!

I heard about one guy who had 6 or 7 of the gallon caps before he started every morning, just to take the edge off it.
Bottles in every cistern.

[weecounty hibby]

I heard of one guy who worked at Carsebridge distillery in Alloa and each night he would scoop a full sample can of spirit. Now that would hold probably about a litre!! He would cycle into the town to the Station hotel, about a mile away. Have one oint and then have to be carried out to his bike and then weaved his way home. As I say some of the stories are scary and the quantity of drink tucked away was beyond belief. Folk would drink high strength spirit/whisky like it was beer. Sadly led to an awful lot of alcoholics and broken marriages.

[Speedway]

You didn't mention the Enclosures, the standing bits in front of the stand. :greengrin

‘the lower section was terracing until the late 80s’

Kinda did, just by another name. 😄

[Sammy7nil]

Over thirty six years ago my Dad had a Heart attack and died in the old centre stand. I was on the main terracing or the old east stand opposite can't recall what was there at that time. I was oblivious to what was going on. I did not find out until about an hour after I got home. Lots of past and at the time present players attended the funeral.

[brianmc]

What a picture that is!

For young 'uns looking in who may be confused with all this west north south nonsense, here's a quick guide.

Where our two tier West Stand now is, there was once a two tier 'Main' or 'Centre' stand. An Archibald Leitch design, the lower section was terracing until the late 80s and the upper part was bench seating. This bench seating was split into three sections. The North Wing (next to what is now the Famous Five) The South Wing (next to what is now the south stand) and the Centre-Centre. To confuse things further, you sat down in the 'stand'.

Where the FF is was once a terraced then benched 'North Enclosure' or 'Cowshed'.

What is now the east always was but it used to be terraced then bench seated then bucket seated.

What is now the South Stand has always been the away end but used to be called the Dunbar end.

The posh rich folk did indeed sit in the centre stand and were taunted from the east with songs like 'They the real fairweather fans, sitting in the centre stand'.

Yes we used to taunt our own fans.

Going back further, it was the only place to get a good view of the game without getting p1ss wet through.

It did indeed become an eyesore but as a kid, it looked massive.

Bench seats in the East...?
One of our memories isn't working properly - and I don't think it's mine. :confused:

[Sammy7nil]

Bench seats in the East...?
One of our memories isn't working properly - and I don't think it's mine. :confused:

I think there was bench seats in the East may be mixed up with the shed and the old North stand but I don't think so

[Nakedmanoncrack]

What a picture that is!

For young 'uns looking in who may be confused with all this west north south nonsense, here's a quick guide.

Where our two tier West Stand now is, there was once a two tier 'Main' or 'Centre' stand. An Archibald Leitch design, the lower section was terracing until the late 80s and the upper part was bench seating. This bench seating was split into three sections. The North Wing (next to what is now the Famous Five) The South Wing (next to what is now the south stand) and the Centre-Centre. To confuse things further, you sat down in the 'stand'.

Where the FF is was once a terraced then benched 'North Enclosure' or 'Cowshed'.

What is now the east always was but it used to be terraced then bench seated then bucket seated.

What is now the South Stand has always been the away end but used to be called the Dunbar end.

The posh rich folk did indeed sit in the centre stand and were taunted from the east with songs like 'They the real fairweather fans, sitting in the centre stand'.

Yes we used to taunt our own fans.

Going back further, it was the only place to get a good view of the game without getting p1ss wet through.

It did indeed become an eyesore but as a kid, it looked massive.

Don't recall the end sections of main stand being called 'Wings', 'North Stand' & 'South Stand' to me.
'North Enclosure' (and South Enclosure on other side of tunnel) was the terracing in front of the Main Stand.

[Eyrie]

It was always the North Stand to me.

[bawheid]

Definitely no bench seats in the east. Straight from terracing to buckets is my memory.

[Tomsk]

‘the lower section was terracing until the late 80s’

Kinda did, just by another name. 😄

You did, fella. :aok: Sorry, cannae read. :greengrin

[oneone73]

Don't recall the end sections of main stand being called 'Wings', 'North Stand' & 'South Stand' to me.
'North Enclosure' (and South Enclosure on other side of tunnel) was the terracing in front of the Main Stand.
I remember the wing stands.

[Keith_M]

Isn't it a bit later than that? If it was mid 60s then would the cooshed/cave have been built? And I would also think there would be far more hats/caps on display.


The roof was added to that end in the early sixties.


I found the picture on Twitter (https://twitter.com/74frankfurt/status/1223509690086252545) and it says 1960s in that as well.

[Keith_M]

No, been in distilling all my working life. 35 years on 1st July!! My good mate Spike Mandela on here worked for them after moving through from Edinburgh after the brewery he worked in there shut down. But of a jinx that laddie!! Knew loads of folk who worked there. A few Hibbies in there


Where specifically do you work?

I studied at Stirling Uni and spent a year working at Blackgrange.

[weecounty hibby]

Where specifically do you work?

I studied at Stirling Uni and spent a year working at Blackgrange.
Thats where I am now. When were you there and what did you do?

[hibee-boys]

My first few years of season tickets were in the North Stand, many a happy memory of sitting as a youngster stamping my feet to 'hi-bees'. Had one of the Proclaimers sitting a couple of seats along for a season, Grant Stott's dad sitting in front. My dad informed me that a then member of parliament sat beside me for a couple of season, older gent......perhaps someone can confirm if that would be correct?

[weecounty hibby]

My first few years of season tickets were in the North Stand, many a happy memory of sitting as a youngster stamping my feet to 'hi-bees'. Had one of the Proclaimers sitting a couple of seats along for a season, Grant Stott's dad sitting in front. My dad informed me that a then member of parliament sat beside me for a couple of season, older gent......perhaps someone can confirm if that would be correct?
Probably Martin O'Neill. Used the be Labour MP for Clackmannanshire. Met him a number of times at the Alloa Hibs SC POTY dances. I'm sure I have a picture of him and I together when I was younger

[Liberal Hibby]

The roof was added to that end in the early sixties.


I found the picture on Twitter (https://twitter.com/74frankfurt/status/1223509690086252545) and it says 1960s in that as well.

Thanks

[Forza Fred]

Yeah sorry that’s what I meant to post George Stewart, Watty and Frank Dougan were the guys.

Big Wattie no longer with us...I actually saw Ivan’s hatricks at Ibrox in the company of Big Wattie and the legendary Maude MacFarlane.

I know exactly the group you described which also included the Two Ronnie’s, Ferguson and Williamson.

[lord bunberry]

Don't recall the end sections of main stand being called 'Wings', 'North Stand' & 'South Stand' to me.
'North Enclosure' (and South Enclosure on other side of tunnel) was the terracing in front of the Main Stand.
I definitely remember them being called wing stands. The terms in which things are described change frequently in football. For some reason season tickets became season books for a while and the Dunbar end became the away end. We had the cave and the cow shed and shaws heights, and ultimately the east.

[Scouse Hibee]

Big Wattie no longer with us...I actually saw Ivan’s hatricks at Ibrox in the company of Big Wattie and the legendary Maude MacFarlane.

I know exactly the group you described which also included the Two Ronnie’s, Ferguson and Williamson.

They certainly made my introduction to Hibs a decent experience, great memories of my early days at Easter Road,hence I’m still there nearly thirty years later 😁

[lord bunberry]

Big Wattie no longer with us...I actually saw Ivan’s hatricks at Ibrox in the company of Big Wattie and the legendary Maude MacFarlane.

I know exactly the group you described which also included the Two Ronnie’s, Ferguson and Williamson.
When I was younger I was a typical young guy full of myself. I couldn’t care what anyone said to me when I was out having a drink with my mates. I was a member of the Hawkhill branch and the only thing I feared was Maude coming over and giving me a telling off. I know I wasn’t the only one but she really took me under her wing. She was a great woman.

[The Harp]

I definitely remember them being called wing stands. The terms in which things are described change frequently in football. For some reason season tickets became season books for a while and the Dunbar end became the away end. We had the cave and the cow shed and shaws heights, and ultimately the east.

Yeah, I remember both the North and South stands being referred to as wing stands. I've still got my first 3 season books for the old North (ok I'm a hoarder). The earliest one is from season '71/72 and cost £6!!! My bench seat was in the 3rd front row C58. I do miss the the old stand, we had some great times up there with some real characters. Happy days.

[brog]

23442

The old stand in 1927 when it was three years old.
My uncle in natty polo neck training gear and an advert for the Green Dispatch on the stand!

Great pic, thanks for sharing.

[Keith_M]

Thats where I am now. When were you there and what did you do?


About twenty years ago. I worked in the 'Disgorging Unit' (what a disgusting name!)

There was a couple other Hibbies in there at the time.

[The Harp]

Nice to have a wee thread wi' no reference to the plight of queen Ann and the gorgie mob. :)

[Keith_M]

Nice to have a wee thread wi' no reference to the plight of queen Ann and the gorgie mob. :)


....and now there is!



:na na:

[Wakeyhibee]

Definitely no bench seats in the east. Straight from terracing to buckets is my memory.

Did a bit of digging last night as I couldn't remember that either. But it was briefly, the year the Dunbar end was converted to open air seating (benches also I think) the East was benched before the plastic bum plates were added.. bizarrely the uncovered corner between the east and cow shed was still terracing, but probably unused.

There is a picture on the net showing it somewhere http://www.hibshistoricaltrust.org.uk/heritage/the-ground

[happiehibbie]

My first ST was in the North End of the old main stand, my introduction to Hibs was aided by a very vocal Mr Dougan who sat in front of me, next to an ex Hibs player who’s name I have forgotten, centre half George........Stuart? And another seemingly well known guy at the time Watty I think his name was, they made me very welcome.

I also sat in the North down that corner
Jimmy O rouke would be there, I remember him going for a pie when hibs scored Guy saying to him "Jimmy get more pies we score when you F off "

[vein]

Did a bit of digging last night as I couldn't remember that either. But it was briefly, the year the Dunbar end was converted to open air seating (benches also I think) the East was benched before the plastic bum plates were added.. bizarrely the uncovered corner between the east and cow shed was still terracing, but probably unused.

There is a picture on the net showing it somewhere http://www.hibshistoricaltrust.org.uk/heritage/the-ground

I’m sure that pic is just the base being built before the bucket seats were added on. I’m sure it was converted directly to bucket seats, don’t remember any benches on the terracing or the Dunbar end.

[Wakeyhibee]

I’m sure that pic is just the base being built before the bucket seats were added on. I’m sure it was converted directly to bucket seats, don’t remember any benches on the terracing or the Dunbar end.

You are correct looked at some videos of games, that picture in Speedways post I think is from the summer before the plastic seats were added to both ends.

https://www.pieandbovril.com/forum/uploads/monthly_2018_12/cagoules121294.jpg.8ce0d370f1a70ee1a1359a6d40172a1 7.jpg

[brianmc]

100% no benches in the East (I was being a bit cheeky with my original question).

As suggested above when terracing was outlawed Hibs converted terracing to seating by installing widely spaced concrete blocks (on the existing terrace steps) with metal bars running atop the blocks. The bucket seats were then fastened to the bars.

[pollution]

The Easter Road Cagoule sounds like a murder mystery.

[Keith_M]

The Easter Road Cagoule sounds like a murder mystery.


Who killed Duncan?

Was it Sinister Craig Le-Vain? The Evil Doctor Budgerigar?.... Or was it all one massive conspiracy organised by that Moustachioed Monster, the Duke of Bitter Hobos, Rodney Petrie-Dish?


The plot thickens!