Today, Leith Walk is one of Edinburgh’s busiest streets, but what was it like a hundred years ago? A lot has changed on Leith Walk in recent history. However, current issues like traffic and tram-works also plagued the Edinburgh street back in the day. Go back in time and enjoy these 12 pictures of Leith Walk in the 1800s and 1900s.
. Horse-drawn trams
Leith Walk was a bustling street in 1898, with horse-drawn trams taking people to and fro and shoppers peering at George Marr's fruit and sweet shop's window displays. Photo: Unknown
. Laying tram lines
Long before the Trams to Newhaven project, construction workers installed the original tram lines on Leith Walk in 1904. Photo: Edinburgh City Libraries
. Rubbish piles
Edinburgh locals were faced with rubbish piling up on Leith Walk during the binmen's strike in November 1987. Photo: Denis Straughan
. A parade passing by
Decorated floats and lorries drove down Leith Walk to celebrate the Leith Pageant in June 1986. Photo: Albert Jordan
. The Foot of the Walk
This 10 ft high bronze statue of Queen Victoria Statue standing tall at the Foot of Leith Walk in Edinburgh in 1964. The statue was erected in 1907. Photo: Unknown
5. The Foot of the Walk
This 10 ft high bronze statue of Queen Victoria Statue standing tall at the Foot of Leith Walk in Edinburgh in 1964. The statue was erected in 1907. Photo: Unknown
6. A gun store
While you can find some strange shops on Leith Walk today, you won't find a gun store! From the 1970s to the 1990s, the Edinburgh street was home to Guns & Ammo, which sold air guns and hunting goods. Photo: Ian Brand
7. A brass band
A brass band marching down Leith Walk, en route to Leith Links, celebrating the Scottish Miners' Gala Day in June 1966. Photo: Albert Jordan
8. A birds eye view
A birds eye view of Leith Walk and the surrounding streets in 1977. You can spot the old railway bridge across Leith Walk between Jane Street and Manderston Street, which was built in the early 1900s by Caledonian Railway as part of their “New Leith Line". Photo: Joe Steele