One of the pioneers of Hibernian Football Club, which was founded exactly 150 years ago today, has literally left his mark on the city's streets. But you have to look carefully to find him. 
   Pat Cavanagh was at the club's founding meeting on 6 August 1875 in St Mary's Street Hall and soon became an integral part of the team formed from Edinburgh's Irish Catholic community. A natural leader, he was elected captain in 1879 and inspired Hibs to their earliest triumphs, winning three consecutive Edinburgh FA Cups, followed by the Edinburgh FA Shield twice and the Rosebery Cup.

For that alone he deserves respect as a Hibs legend, but after he hung up his boots in 1884 he went into the construction business. A plasterer to trade, his company specialised in laying floors and pavements, and became a leading contractor for Edinburgh Council when they undertook street improvements towards the end of the nineteenth century.

Warriston Close was reopened in 1902 after being formed in granolithic concrete by Cavanagh, and his work was praised by the Council's Streets and Building Committee who said it had been 'very satisfactorily carried out'. Testament to that is the condition of the steps which remain sound after over 120 years in use. Cavanagh's plate is one flight up, between the central handrails. ​

There is another example of his work just south of the Meadows in Hatton Place, a quiet suburban street, at its junction with Tantallon Place. His brass sign is set proudly in the concrete, which Cavanagh's men laid in the 1890s and is still in good condition.
​   However, another sign a couple of streets away in Palmerston Road has been cut in half, probably due to the laying of a modern interloper such as an internet cable. Tellingly, however, the Cavanagh half is in better condition than its modern cement replacement.
   How much longer will these evocative remnants of Edinburgh’s Victorian past survive? It may only be a matter of time before they are resurfaced and signs of Pat Cavanagh's endeavours are obliterated for ever, although there is a glimmer of hope that their significance to the city's heritage will be recognised.
   Edinburgh Council's Street Design Guidance acknowledges the historic importance of granolithic concrete, and states 'There should be a presumption in favour of retaining and repairing areas of historic paving'.
   Keep an eye open for any more brass plates celebrating Pat Cavanagh. His company was responsible for laying pavements all around Edinburgh so there must be more of them. Where are they? Let me know what you find.