A century of Leith celebrated in 10 photographs
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.
9. An elephant never forgets, 1976
Indras the elephant at Leith Public Library in January 1976 as part of a campaign to remind people to return their books. Photo: Scran/The Scotsman
10. Waiting, 1906
The doctor’s Sitting Room at Leith Hospital in 1906. Photo: Lothian Health Services Archive, courtesy of Scran.
11. An afternoon at Easter Road
Crowds of fans at Easter Road Stadium, home of Hibernian FC since 1893. (Date of picture unknown). Photo: The Scotsman/Scran