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
9. Waiting for work
Apprentices waiting to start their day of work outside Bertram & Son Ltd on Leith Walk in June 1966. Photo: George Smith
10. A miners' march
Miners show solidarity with the National Union of Seamen as they ride down Edinburgh's Leith Walk in a float on the Scottish Miners' Gala Day in June 1966 Photo: Albert Jordan
11. A busy junction
Even in the 1900's, Edinburgh's Leith Walk was a busy street, with cars, trams, buses and locals all making their way through the city. Photo: Unknown
12. Church demolished
Hillside church, which used to sit at the top of Leith Walk in Edinburgh, during its demolition in April 1989. Photo: Hamish Campbell