Leith Custom House

Leith Custom House is a large Georgian building of neo-classical design, by the architect Robert Reid, which was built between 1810 and 1812. It comprises two tall storeys and a formidable portico entrance. The pediment above the entrance displays the royal coat of arms of George III and is supported by two Greek Doric columns. The balustered stairway entrance was added later along with other alterations and has softened the original starkness of the structure.

The Custom House was the venue for the collection of duty payable on goods imported through Leith. It was built on The Sandport area of North Leith, a site close to the quayside which had formerly been used for boat-building. The building is currently used by National Museums Scotland for storage and as such, is closed to the public.

To view more pictures of the area of Leith, browse our other exhibitions
Leith in images and Leith Lives: A Photographic Portrait 1880 - 1930.