The association of the area with the poor and homeless only began to lessen in the 1970s: with Salvation Army hostels at both ends of the Grassmarket. Closure of the female hostel at the junction of West Port and the Grassmarket around 2000 in combination with an overall gentrification, capitalising on the streets location, began to truly change the atmosphere. Closure of the public toilets at the east end (a focal point for alcoholics) and comprehensive relandscaping in the beginning of the 21st century has transformed the character of the area.