Library Item

Rowly powly

1841

This etching from Geikie's most celebrated work the 'Etchings Illustrative of Scottish Character and Scenery' shows the various entertainments on offer to visitors to the horse races that were once held on Leith sands on the edge of the original Leith Links. The races on Leith sands date from the early 1660's and an annual race week was patronised by the King from 1665. In 1816 the races were transferred to turf at Musselburgh, but Leith sands continued to be used for Subscription Races held 1836-1859, the last being held on 22nd September 1859.