[2] In 1869, Parliament passed a bill for the erection of a pier at Portobello with the view of developing and promoting the town "as a place of pleasure and enjoyment to its inhabitants and to the many visitors from Edinburgh and from afar".

In August of that year, on the holiday marking the hundredth birthday of Sir Walter Scott, over 2,500 people visited the pier at a cost of one penny.

Pleasure boat excursions to the Isle of May, Elie, North Berwick, and Bass Rock were also offered.

[6] Construction was planned at an estimated cost of £60,000, but proposals were rejected by the town council.

Big Things on the Beach Trust and Architecture firm, Smith Scott Mullan Associates, presented plans for a multi-function pier with performance and live events space, a cafe, meeting rooms, and facilities for sports clubs.