The Shore

The ducks rest in the peaceful water at Leith Shore oblivious to the time when this was the principal port of Scotland and where many, including royalty, came ashore on their way into Edinburgh. Now no boats enter since docks have been built for the ships of today and many of the former dockside buildings have been changed into trendy places in which to eat and drink.

The little lighthouse gives a clue to its former use to guide sailors while the place with the clock was built in 1883 as a sailor’s home for 56 seamen, 9 officers and 50 shipwrecked seamen. Now it is an upmarket hotel with accommodation that the sailors could never have dreamed of.

The round tower is one of the oldest buildings in Leith and was built in 1685 as a windmill but its domed roof and sails were removed in 1805 and then topped with battlements. It was then used as a signal tower from which flags were displayed to let ships entering the harbour know the depth of water at the harbour bar. Today it is a restaurant.