Leith was the most suitable port
Under instructions issued by the Earl of
Pembroke, then Lord High Admiral, some naval
officers surveyed the Firth of Forth, and were pleased
to report that Leith was the most suitable port, and
two docks were eventually formed on the west side
of the old harbour, the first, a graving dock, being
constructed in 1720, in front of the Sand Port,
where now the Custom House stands.
The west quay, which now takes
source-Old and New Edinburgh