Edinburgh
Town Guide

Edinburgh Town Guide, Leith, 4K

Like many major cities, throughout its history Edinburgh prospered because of its proximity to the sea.

Situated on the banks of the Firth of Forth, Leith is Edinburgh's port.

Edinburgh Town Guide, Port of Leith, 13K

Edinburgh Town Guide, The Port, 1K Although Leith is technically part of Edinburgh, as recently as 1920 Leith was a separate town in its own right and even today it still retains a distinct character to this day - and many inhabitants of Leith still don't regard themselves as being from Edinburgh.

There has been a settlement at Leith since at least the 12th century, and it rapidly grew into a thriving port. In fact, from the 14th century to the 19th century it was Scotland's most important port, trading all over the world.

During this period Edinburgh's location so close to the port undoubtedly contributed to the city's growth and prosperity. However, the port of Leith resented Edinburgh's power over its trading and so a deep rivalry between the two towns soon grew up - a rivalry that can still be felt today.

In addition to trading, during the 18th century the shipbuilding trade also flourished at the port of Leith and for many years the town was considered to be at the forefront of world shipbuilding.

However, by the 19th century industrialisation and new ship building techniques meant that the port of Leith went into serious decline. By the early 20th century the town could no longer remain financially independent and so in 1920 it was amalgamated into Edinburgh.

For several decades Leith had a dubious reputation, being the haunt of drug users, prostitutes and criminals. However, recent years have seen an extensive re-generation programme and much of the town has been restored.

It is now an increasingly trendy and prosperous part of town, well known for its expensive flats and flash restaurants. It is well worth a visit, however, as with most docklands visitors should be careful at night-time.

Aside from the docks, pubs and restaurants, Leith has several excellently restored buildings including Trinity House, the Customs House, and Lamb's House. Unfortunately many of Leith's most interesting buildings aren't open to the public, however they still add character to the town.

Edinburgh Town Guide, Leith Links, 1K Leith is also home to the famous Leith Links now a stretch of grassy parkland. This piece of land is where a golf course was first recorded as far back as the 15th century (at least 15 years earlier than those at St Andrews) and so many claim Leith to be the birthplace of the game.

And of course Leith is where the now de-commissioned Royal Yacht Britannia is now permanently docked.

Leith is also where you will find the start (or finish) of the Water of Leith Walkway, a pretty pathway that takes you along the banks of the Water of Leith.





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