We put together an Edinburgh version of The Beatles’ legendary Sgt Pepper album cover

THERE are few more instantly recognisable album covers in pop history.

And 45 years after The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band first stormed the charts, the creator of its iconic cover image, Sir Peter Blake, remade the design to mark his own 80th birthday.

The new version, released this week, saw the likes of Bob Dylan, Marilyn Monroe and Edgar Allan Poe replaced by Noel Gallagher, Kate Moss and Roald Dahl. It was only the latest in a vast number of re-creations, spin-offs and parodies which the enduring pop culture portrait has inspired, though there has never been one dedicated to Edinburgh’s cultural icons . . . until now.

The Evening News has been busy creating its version of the classic Beatles sleeve.

Sir Peter’s original included HG Wells, but how about Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, who was born in Picardy Place, off Leith Walk, in 1871? The Beatles cover had Marlon Brando in the third row, but surely Fountainbridge-born Sir Sean Connery is just as worthy of a place.

And those who may baulk at hated banker Fred Goodwin’s inclusion might do well to remember that Adolf Hitler was originally included in the famous montage, before he was obstructed by Olympic swimming champion and Tarzan actor Johnny Weissmuller in the final cut.

We asked the opinions of prominent figures in the Capital and found out who they thought made the grade and who we should leave on the cutting room floor.

Edinburgh artist Richard Demarco became friends with Sir Peter, pictured left, in 1967 – the same year that the pop art icon created the image which became synonymous with what many consider the finest album of all time.

He said: “There’s about 60 people on that cover and you could fill them many times over just with people from Edinburgh. I’d include Helen Crummy, the founder and director of the greatest festival of art – the Craigmillar Festival.

“Marjorie Fleming should be there. She died aged eight and three-quarters – she was one of the youngest and greatest writers Scotland produced. Mark Twain thought she was fantastic.

“Another would be George MacLeod, the founder of the Iona community. I think he was an amazing human being.”

Richard also put forward artist Andrew Crummy, writer Compton Mackenzie, poet Norman MacCaig, deli owners Philip and Mary Contini, sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi, publisher John Calder, footballer Jimmy Wardhaugh, Scottish nationalist Wendy Wood and fellow Traverse Theatre co-founder Jim Haynes as some of his other suggestions.

Speaking about his friendship with Sir Peter, he added: “I met him when he submitted some art to a competition I organised. He’s been a great friend ever since. He’s a nice, simple, straightforward guy.

“He’s only 80 and I’m 81. I’ve told him welcome to the club and it’s not so bad to be 80. People are living their lives in extra time in their 70s – now we’re in penalty shootout time!”

Rebus author Ian Rankin, who like Mr Demarco is included in the Evening News collage, had his own thoughts on who should appear.

He added: “I’d include Robert Louis Stevenson because I think he’s the greatest writer the city produced, and Muriel Spark, who’s probably the second greatest.

“The Bay City Rollers are probably the most famous band and I’d also say the two founders of the Incredible String Band, Robin Williamson and Mike Heron. They were the only two guys from Edinburgh who played Woodstock – that’s not a bad claim to fame.”

Former Scottish rugby captain Gavin Hastings put forward the names of Sir Sean Connery, Hibs owner and businessman Sir Tom Farmer and cyclist Sir Chris Hoy.

“Sean Connery has done a hell of a lot to promote Scotland – he’s been a great ambassador,” he said.

“Tom Farmer has done a lot for the city and he’s a great character, so he’d be another.

“Chris Hoy is a good Edinburgh man who’s done brilliantly on the world stage, and the Scottish rugby team are based in Edinburgh, so let’s have them in there as well. It’s a tough time for them just now but they will be back.”

Do you recognise . . ?

1. Bay City Rollers: Band who were teen idols during their 70s pomp

2. Sir Walter Scott: Edinburgh-born novelist, playwright and poet

3. Tony Blair: Edinburgh-born Blair led Labour to three general election wins

4. Ken Buchanan: Former lightweight world champion boxer

5. Allan Wells: Athlete who won 100m Olympic gold in Moscow in 1980

6. Gordon Brown: Former Edinburgh University rector, prime minister and chancellor

7. Gail Porter: Model whose rear was famously projected onto the Houses of Parliament