Enjoy spot of naval gazing as warship drops anchor in city

The Type 42 destroyer is welcoming families and potential Royal Navy recruits on board before it goes back on operations later this year.

Known as the Fortress of the Sea because of its size and sophisticated weaponry, its visit to Leith docks will allow the public the chance to tour the vessel, which is to return to work combating drug smugglers and pirates.

The 5200-tonne warship is welcoming visitors for a free tour between 1pm and 4pm on Sunday, and sea cadets from the Lothians on Saturday.

The ship's crew will be on hand to guide tours of the ship, and explain more about life in the Royal Navy and the career opportunities available.

HMS Edinburgh will arrive in Leith at around 6am tomorrow and be met by Scotland's senior naval officer, Commodore Charles Stevenson, who, with the ship's commanding officer, Commander Paul Russell, will make official calls ashore, including to the Lord Provost George Grubb.

Commander Russell said: "Civic affiliations are an important part of the Royal Navy's commitment to raising the awareness of the variety of roles, equipment and people that make up the senior service.

"By interacting with the local community - both in terms of allowing crew members to repay the affection shown to them, and as a recruitment function - a ship's company can forge a lasting relationship.

"Both my ship's company and I are looking forward to coming in to Edinburgh, where we are always assured of a warm welcome.

"I do hope as many people from the surrounding areas take advantage of this chance to look round a naval destroyer and have a chat to the crew about their experiences on board."

HMS Edinburgh is the sixth vessel to carry the name Edinburgh, the first dating back to 1707, and is steeped in the history of the Capital.

On October 16, 1939, when the Luftwaffe bombed the Forth, HMS Edinburgh opened up a blaze of anti-aircraft fire to repel the bombers that threatened the fleet in the bay.

A previous HMS Edinburgh was sunk in the Barents Sea, north of Norway, on May 2, 1942.

It became a household name when, in 1981, divers led by treasure hunter Keith Jessop rescued the world's richest cargo, gold bullion worth 44m, which had been entombed within the hull of the wreck.