The Shore, Leith

Category

Library Item

Item no

5215

Title

The Shore, Leith

Description

A boat moored at Leith Harbour, Edinburgh. A small tug can be seen beside the larger boat. Behind the harbour is a large stone building with a central clocktower and a flag flying from it. Warehouses can be seen at the side of the harbour.

Artist / maker

McKean, John

Date

1895

Size

16.5 x 21.6 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The Shore in Leith runs along the east side of the Water of Leith where it joins the Firth of Forth. For many centuries the Shore was the trading centre of Leith. Vessels were loaded and unloaded here from mediaeval times until the construction of new docks in the early 19th century. The Shore has also been the site of several royal disembarkations, including Mary queen of Scots arrival from France in 1560, and George IV's visit in 1822. The Shore is now geared more towards social, rather than commercial interaction, with several well known pubs and restaurants.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Chimneys

Architecture > Architectural features > Clocks and clock towers

Government > National > Customhouses

Places > Edinburgh areas > Leith

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Infrastructure > Piers and wharves

Transport > Water > Boats

(55°58′31″N, 3°10′15″W)

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