Tall Ships Race, Leith Docks

Category

Library Item

Item no

5623

Title

Tall Ships Race, Leith Docks

Description

A line of tall ships with flags flying from their masts is berthed at the quayside in Leith docks, Edinburgh. Other vessels are on the water, and the roofs of warehouses are visible in the background.

Artist / maker

Myles, Fiona

Date

1995

Size

10 x 15 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The Tall Ships' Races are run every summer in European waters. The races are now run by Sail Training International, an organisation that evolved from the original Sail Training International Race Committee which was founded to organise the first race in 1956. The race was founded to give young people from different countries the opportunity to race sailing ships at sea. The race attracts both impressive 'square-riggers' and smaller ships.

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 subjects

Communication > Written > Flags

Places > Edinburgh areas > Leith

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Infrastructure > Piers and wharves

Transport > Water > Ships