A century of Leith celebrated in 10 photographs
Featuring dockers, Hibees and elephants in libraries, Samuel Wilson of Historic Environment Scotland heads into the archives to take a look at life in Leith during the 20th century.
A century ago this month, big changes were afoot in the Capital.
The Edinburgh Boundaries Extension and Tramways Act of 1920 expanded the city boundaries to include Cramond and Corstophine to the west and Colinton and Liberton to the south.
To the north, along the wide thoroughfare of Leith Walk, the Burgh of Leith was also annexed, controversially.
Leith had been an independent burgh with its own town council since 1833 – and a majority of Leithers wanted things to stay that way.
A plebiscite held in 1920 returned a result of 29,891 against compared to just 5357 in favour.
Banners reading “Leith Forever, We protest against Amalgamation” were held up at public protests.
One hundred years later, much has changed in Leith – but it’s sense of identity and independence remains
To the north, along the wide thoroughfare of Leith Walk, the Burgh of Leith was also annexed, controversially.
5. Foot of Leith Walk, early 20th Century
Leith looking smart as people go about their business on a weekday morning. Photo: Scran/The Scotsman
6. Time for a blether, 1985
The foot of Leith Walk has been a natural gathering point for generations. Photo: Scran/The Scotsman
7. A docker's life, 1969
This docker was photographed just over a decade before over 600 years of shipbuilding in Leith came to an end with the closure of the Henry Robb shipyard in 1982. The site is now occupied by Ocean Terminal and the Royal Yacht Britannia. Photo: Scran
8. A nightwatchman, 1960
John McDonald, the nightwatchman at Leith Fort Flats in April 1960. The two 20-storey tower blocks, Cairngorm House and Grampian House, were designed between 1957 and 1963. Photo: Scran/The Scotsman