Provost strengthens Leith ties with chain

A CEREMONIAL chain that has not seen the light of day for nearly a century is to become part of the festivities at Leith Festival gala day parade.

Lord Provost Lesley Hinds is to become honorary Provost of Leith for gala day and organisers had hoped she could wear a ceremonial chain that used to belong to the Provost of Leith and has not been worn since 1920.

But bosses at Historic Scotland said the gold chain, which is currently housed in the heritage group's Trinity House Maritime Museum in the Kirkgate, is too fragile to be worn at this year's gala and have pledged to have it ready for future events.

Councillor Hinds will be wearing the Edinburgh chain of office during Saturday's gala parade but will be handed another ceremonial chain, known as the bailey chain of Leith, when she arrives at Leith Links.

Sandy Campbell, chairman of the Leith Festival, said: "We are disappointed that we couldn't get the chain for this year's gala but I suppose we have reached a compromise of sorts with the Lord Provost wearing the bailey chain."

Also joining in with the ceremony will be the Lord Provost's city officer, who will be sporting the halberdier uniform that officers used to wear when supporting the former Leith provost in his duties.

The uniform sports colourful braiding depicting the Leith anchor and the officer will also carry an axe-like weapon known as a halberd.

Harbour councillor Gordon Munro, who helped to track down Leith chain of office, said: "I would like to have seen the chains out for the day but I can understand the reasoning behind why they have left in the museum this time."

Cllr Hinds said: "I am honoured to be invited to take such a prominent role in Leith Festival. I believe in bringing history and traditions to life so local people can appreciate them. The chain of office for Leith is an important part of the heritage of the city and I hope that this event will encourage people to take even more interest in the fascinating history of Leith."

Richard Welander, head of collections at Historic Scotland said: "We're delighted to get the opportunity to show off this beautiful 15-carat gold ceremonial chain, an important keepsake and remnant of Leith's heritage. Historic Scotland took over the care of Trinity House two years ago and in that time we have been performing a systematic survey of the items, assessing the conservation need of each individual piece. Unfortunately the chain is one of the items still to be assessed and, following that, professionally polished.

"We would be more than happy to be involved in discussions about the possibility of our involvement in the Leith Festival next year. Trinity House is such a big part of Leith's history, it is only right it should become part of the festivities."