A century ago this month, big changes were afoot in the Capital.
The Edinburgh Boundaries Extension and Tramways Act of 1920 expanded the city boundaries to include Cramond and Corstophine to the west and Colinton and Liberton to the south.
To the north, along the wide thoroughfare of Leith Walk, the Burgh of Leith was also annexed, controversially.
Leith had been an independent burgh with its own town council since 1833 – and a majority of Leithers wanted things to stay that way.
A plebiscite held in 1920 returned a result of 29,891 against compared to just 5357 in favour.
Banners reading “Leith Forever, We protest against Amalgamation” were held up at public protests.
One hundred years later, much has changed in Leith – but it’s sense of identity and independence remains
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John McDonald, the nightwatchman at Leith Fort Flats, April 1960. Photo: Scran/The Scotsman
. Leith playground, 1978
Children in an adventure playground where the tyre swings were always popular. Photo: Stan Warburton
1. Leith playground, 1978
Children in an adventure playground where the tyre swings were always popular. Photo: Stan Warburton
2. Water of Leith drought, 1978
A woman looks at the debris and rubbish left behind at the Canonmills Colonies when the Water of Leith dried up during the drought of July 1978. Photo: Alex Brown
3. One of the stalls at Leith festival, held on Leith Links in June 1978. A helper blows up balloons as local children look on.
One of the stalls at Leith festival, held on Leith Links in June 1978. A helper blows up balloons as local children look on. Photo: Albert Jordan
4. Easter Road launderette, January 1974
Time moves slow for this woman waiting for her washing to finish spinning. Photo: Jack Crombie