Custom House from the Shore, Leith

Category

Library Item

Item no

5185

Title

Custom House from the Shore, Leith

Description

The view of the Leith Custom House taken from the Shore, Edinburgh. The stone and metal bridge spans the Water of Leith and streetlights line its edge. The classical building of the Custom House stands at the far side of the bridge and facing it is the Edinburgh Roperie and Sailcloth Store. In the foreground a wooden cart stands filled with goods, just behind which three men sit on the edge of the water. A group of small boats floats in the water.

Artist / maker

McKean, John

Date

1892

Size

20.2 x 25.1 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Leith Custom House was built by Robert Reid between 1810-1812. It was the venue for the collection of duty payable on goods imported through Leith. The building is situated on Commercial Street.

Leith is situated in the north of Edinburgh where the Water of Leith joins the Firth of Forth. It has acted as Edinburgh's maritime connection for many centuries, and continues to be one of the UK's busiest ports. It was incorporated into Edinburgh in 1920 having previously been a separate burgh. It is now home to the Scottish Executive's main offices, Edinburgh's Sikh temple, the Royal Yacht Britannia and Ocean Terminal, a large shopping and entertainment complex.

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Related images

Related subjects

Government > National > Customhouses

Landscape > Water > Rivers and streams

Places > Edinburgh areas > Leith

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Infrastructure > Stone bridges

Transport > Land > Carts and wagons

Transport > Water > Boats

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