Ancient defences of Leith unearthed

THE only surviving section of Leith’s historic defences has been unearthed on the site of a housing development.

City archaeologists uncovered a section of Leith’s 16th century town ditch during excavation work ahead of a proposed 32-house build.

Experts hope the find will unlock secrets of the defences built under the orders of Mary of Guise when the seat of Scotland’s government moved to Leith in 1548.

Work will take place throughout the rest of the month and into the first part of May.

The fortifications enclosed most of the area now bounded by Bernard Street, Constitution Street and Great Junction Street and a small stretch of the west bank around Sandport Place, and were constructed to withstand the siege of Edinburgh and Leith by English forces.

These defences were again brought into action in 1559/60 when Leith was besieged by Protestant forces.

Demolished soon after this siege, they were re-erected around a hundred years later during the Civil War Period and defined the town boundaries until around the start of the 19th century.

They were the first defences capable of withstanding cannon to be built in Scotland.

Councillor Deidre Brock, Culture and Leisure Convenor for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “This is a rare opportunity to further our knowledge of the fortifications and defences that defined Leith in the past.”

A viewing window will be created throughout the excavations for the public.

Martin Cook, AOC Archaeology Group Project Manager, said: “When the Port of Leith Housing Association acquired the site we examined it and found evidence of the medieval defences of Leith. As one of the only parts of the fortifications that has not yet been built on, this section could provide a real insight into the late-medieval defences of Leith.”

Once the dig is completed work will begin on an affordable housing development by Port of Leith Housing Association.