'Edinburgh Harbour' plan sparks campaign by outraged Leithers

Published on 16/02/2009 09:21

THOUSANDS of Leithers have signed up to a campaign against plans to name a multi million-pound development in the port "Edinburgh Harbour".

Residents came out in their masses last week to back a campaign fighting for the retention of Leith Docks as the main title for the development by Fort Ports, which is due to begin this year.

A final push for more signatures was made at the weekend as community activists campaigned at The Foot of The Walk.

Protesters believe the name change will strip Leith of its historic identity and warn of a community uprising if the Edinburgh Harbour brand is put in place.

Some signing the petition said that if Edinburgh Harbour is used, they will campaign for Edinburgh Castle to be renamed Leith Castle to prove a point.

Cliff Lutton, 84, a retired doctor, is, along with son Ian, distributing petitions across the port, in pubs, cafes, shops and businesses, before they present the names to councillors at the city chambers.

The former Leith Hospital doctor said: "If this name is passed, councillors will live to regret it. Leithers are extremely different from Edinburgh people. They are proud of their history."

Leith councillor Gordon Munro is one of many politicians backing the campaign, describing it as a "no brainer".

But Forth Port officials say people have misunderstood how the development will be named.

Charles Hammond, group chief executive, said: "Leith Docks will remain as the umbrella name for the overall development project. The name Edinburgh Harbour was chosen for this area of Leith Docks, which will include a cruise ship terminal, as it highlights the fact that Leith is the gateway into Scotland's capital city."

Forth Ports has applied for outline planning permission for developing the area around Ocean Terminal. The first two of nine "urban villages" will include 1870 new homes.