Bier Hoose, Leith WalkBier Hoose, Leith Walk
Bier Hoose, Leith Walk

11 remnants of the days when Leith was an independent burgh

A century has now passed since the burgh of Leith was amalgamated with Edinburgh, but there are still plenty of clues that the port was once independent of the Capital if you know where to look.

The passing of the Edinburgh Boundaries Extension and Tramways Act of 1920 led to a major expansion of the city’s boundaries, including the amalgamation of a number of Midlothian parishes to the south and the fiercely independent burgh of Leith to the north.

Leithers were passionate about the sovereignty of their town and voted overwhelmingly in favour of remaining separate from Edinburgh in two plebiscites held over the course of 1920. Controversially, the boundaries act still went through.

From boundary markers to fading street signage, we take a look at 11 remnants that serve as a reminder of the days when Leith was an independent burgh in its own right.

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