History of Leith, Edinburgh

Since the Reformation of the Church of Scotland in 1560 harsh laws were imposed in Scotland just for being a Roman Catholic and this only being changed in the early years of the 19th century. (more…)

For anybody who thinks of Scotland in terms of shortbread, kilts, whisky,couthy highlanders, Brigadoon and what the Scottish Tourist Industry tells us is the image of Scotland. The picture below could come as a shock and may change your idea or mental image of Scotland. (more…)

This is one of the earliest records of Tolls and Customs at Leith (more…)

The Logans of Restalrig were Barons of Leith and Restalrig since 1385. Although the last Robert Logan was disinherited in 1609 the family regained some of their property in Leith and became merchants. They are now connected with the Borders. Below can be seen an example of one of their charters (more…)

Near to the top of the Old Tolbooth Wynd an ancient signal Tower once stood and can be seen in an old engraving below. (more…)

It is recorded that Scottish Ships during the log wars with the Edwards of England almost destroyed English Sea Power. (more…)

In 1820 Lord Erskine visited Leith after fifty years and a banquet was given in his honour in the assembly rooms at which many members of the Scottish Bar were in attendance. The following day he returned to London by sea from Leith taking ship on the famous fighting smack called the “Favourite” captained by a famous Leith Captain Mark Sanderson. (more…)

About 1770 a few merchants started to build houses in the vicinity of Leith Links. These were followed by others however no plan was adhered to. (more…)

This plan comes from “A plan of Edinburgh with adjacent grounds” by Richard Cooper 1759 (more…)

In many ways Restalrig was the earliest Christian settlement in the area with the coming of the cult of St Triduana. On the death of St Triduana in the 4th or 7th century the date is uncertain she was buried at Restalrig and near to where she was buried a well sprung up and pilgrims from all over came to bath their eyes in the water. This ceased at the Reformation. Her Well suffered a name change to St Margaret’s Well. (more…)