Leith from Calton Hill

Category

Library Item

Item no

6702

Title

Leith from Calton Hill

Description

A panoramic Edinburgh view looking towards Leith and the river Forth where the island of Inchkeith is visible. The main thoroughfare of Leith Walk can be seen through the buildings and tenements. Spires and chimneys punctuate the city landscape.

Artist / maker

Burns, Archibald

Date

1868

Size

10.7 x 16.7 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Calton Hill is situated at the east end of Princes Street in Edinburgh. It rises to a height of 108 metres and is another of the city's hills created by volcanic activity. Several monuments stand on the hill. Most prominent amongst these are the Nelson Monument, built in the shape of a telescope, and the unfinished National Monument, modelled on the Parthenon in Athens.

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

Homes > Residential buildings > Tenements

Landscape > Water > Rivers and streams

Places > Edinburgh areas > Leith

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

(55°57′19″N, 3°10′56″W)

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