Leith Academy

Category

Library Item

Item no

5322

Title

Leith Academy

Description

The arched stone entrance to Leith Academy school in Edinburgh. 'Leith Academy Secondary School' is inscribed into the stonework above the doorway and a coat of arms is set in the stone above the first storey. There are steps up to the entrance and metal lamps on either side.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1931

Size

27.5 x 24.9 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Leith Academy took on this name in 1888, but the history of the school stretches back well into the 16th century. The school, initially known as Leith Grammar, was housed at various locations in the area until a purpose built schoolhouse was erected on the west side of Leith Links in 1806. This building was demolished around 1896 and replaced by larger premises on the same site, designed by George Craig. This building, completed in 1898, now houses Leith Primary. An increasing intake of students forced the school to move again to a new building on Duke Street, completed in 1931. This site was in turn abandoned for a new building on Academy Park, immediately to the east of Easter Road, which opened in 1991.

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

Architecture > Architectural features > Doors and doorways

Education > Educational facilities > Schools

Places > Edinburgh areas > Leith

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh