Whatever they call it, it will always be Leith to us

Published on Monday 2 February 2009 08:52

LEITH – don't you just love it? This special part of the city gets under your skin, just like an itch. It stirs up loyalties fierce and true, it rewards the locals who make it unique and it's a safe haven from city-life indifference.

I'm an Aussie abroad myself, and I sailed blithely enough into Leith. Like all travellers, I had berthed briefly, but with no particular urge to write home about one of the 'posher' parts of Edinburgh. That was before I strolled down Leith Walk, found the Shore, the Links and explored the local patch.

No contest. So touched was I by the charm of this maritime town within a city that I dropped anchor and I'm here now for the long haul. Five years already under the belt – and another 30 will do me just right.

So it came as no surprise to me that, at a recent post-submission 'consultation' run by Forth Ports – where two urban 'villages' and the title Edinburgh Harbour were touted as just what we need at Ocean Terminal – the outrage from the floor exploded like a bright red paintball and was dripping down the walls.

A gang of older Leithers howled derision and disgust. They almost stood on their chairs. They roared their disapproval at the daylight robbery of taking away their 'town'. The whole Leith Docks planning application drives them wild with rage.

Sixteen thousand homes in their own back yard – oh really, and when did you discuss that with us? Of course Leithers want development for the area, of course they want progress and prosperity. They'll even move over and let more yuppies in.

But what they don't want is to have the slums of tomorrow on their conscience, with the extra insult of the Edinburgh name thrown in. They want to be proud of the legacy they leave for others and they want some say in what it will be.

Another Platinum Point they do not need – a development described by Unesco assessors recently as in a class all of its own and I don't mean that in a good way.

What Leithers don't want is a concrete jungle that shames the name. How do you think they feel that the whole Leith Docks application was shortlisted for the Carbuncle for Planning award, one of four nominated as the worst planning applications – ever? Can you imagine?

Leithers old and new want to pass on the rich tradition of close community life, of down-to-earth hard work and, above all, the wonderful warm individuality of this part of the city.

How can they do that surrounded by thousands of tiny apartments and a transient population of young professionals – 'urbanites' as they're called – who can't wait to get out of the place at weekends.

I was in the audience at a crowded South Leith Parish Church a January night just gone, when scores of Leithers were called to receive a gold or silver medallion for their services to the community.

It may sound soft, but it meant a lot, and the pride of receiving one of those medallions was palpable. There were genuine smiles of pleasure and pride from people from all walks of life. Recipients ranged from entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Tom Farmer to home help Chris Sydserff, who had simply loved her neighbours with kind words and the odd cup of tea for 30 devoted years.

That home help was swept up to the door in a black limousine. I was waiting on the edge of the red carpet when she stepped out the car. She was queen for a day, and though we had never met before, we laughed together like old friends. That's what I love about Leithers: they know how to offer unselfish service with dignity, they know how to have fun and they never, ever, take themselves too seriously

So, what's in a name anyway? Only just about everything. Ask any Leither. Edinburgh Harbour! Says who? Edinburgh Harbour? No it's not. It's Leith Harbour.

This port town has been struck from the sweat of a maritime past, where struggle and strife have touched many a life, where bonds have been forged and will never be broken, where the glamour of far-away places has coloured and warmed the fireside chat.

Leith has always opened its heart to those from abroad, and will do so again this Homecoming year. Thousands will come home to honour their roots. For pity's sake, let's not upset these returning sons and daughters more than need be. They will step off the plane and drive straight down to the Shore once more.

They'll blanch, and they may have to take a seat in the Port of Leith bar, but they might just cope if we can tell them that city-wide we have compromised – we are renaming our waterside Edinburgh Leith Harbour instead.