LEITH - In the Old Days

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  • Опубликовано: 22 июн 2024
  • Leith, a major port since early medieval times, and a town that somehow managed to retain its unique identity after being swallowed up by Edinburgh in 1920.
    Here, we look at the people and buildings of Leith through old photographs that capture the ordinary lives of its citizens. From the grandness of the Assembly Rooms and the Town Hall to the mundane task of collecting water in the street; from barefoot children to trams and ships and trains. This is an insight into the ordinary lives of people who lived in an extraordinary place.
    Along the way we will see buildings and whole streets that have vanished to make way for the unrelenting march of progress, a progress that often led to the creation of concrete jungles with no heart or soul. We will see workmen laying tram lines in a construction upheaval that would be repeated 100 years later. And with a backdrop of old ships in the Water of Leith, the faces of the town's inhabitants peer out at us from areas that would soon be swept away to make way for improvments to their lives: houses with running water and other mod-cons.
    This is an insight into the past, and into the lives of people long ago. Welcome to Leith.

Комментарии • 111

  • @mairimillar8866
    @mairimillar8866 Месяц назад +6

    Can't beat before and after shots, Eddy, thank you. Like you, I prefer the old buildings. Take care in your travels. Mx

  • @valerieDwyer-jt1xk
    @valerieDwyer-jt1xk 10 дней назад +1

    As kids in the forties we walked from Gorgie to Portobello via Leith. Notice the kids are dressed warmly but bare footed. Val Australia. Love you Ed.

  • @user-bo8sn6dh9d
    @user-bo8sn6dh9d 17 дней назад

    Ones Mother ( GRH ) Was Born In Salamander Street ( 1922) Your Mention Of Street Names Gave One Flashbacks Of Ones Mothers Vivid Memories Of Old Leith,A Very Well Put Together Piece Of Work Mr Burns Many Many Thankyous 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🍀

  • @normanboyes4983
    @normanboyes4983 Месяц назад +1

    You should be rightly proud of what you have produced here. It is clearly the result of many weeks of work. Very professional and a story well told.😀👍

  • @davidkaneva9674
    @davidkaneva9674 Месяц назад +5

    Thank you Ed, for a walk back, left Edinburgh 55 years ago. I remember my mother and I shopping in Leith . great show!

    • @mark70s29
      @mark70s29 Месяц назад +1

      I left Edinburgh 35 years ago... worst mistake of my life:(

    • @qtronicqilt8898
      @qtronicqilt8898 Месяц назад

      @@mark70s29 Why was that? Where did you go to?

    • @mark70s29
      @mark70s29 Месяц назад +1

      @@qtronicqilt8898 I was working at a semi qualified mechanic. Father retired sick my grandfather died and my late mother wanted to move just over the border to live in his cottage. I couldn't afford to stay so went two..grass appears greener sometimes;)

  • @WillVenusASMR
    @WillVenusASMR Месяц назад +5

    Leith is such a special place. Some of my family are from there, I got married there. I’m always looking for photos of what the kirkgate inside shopping centre looked like before they renovated it.

    • @allforyouii2
      @allforyouii2 Месяц назад +1

      I love leith ever since I moved here 16 years ago.

  • @brycehermon5939
    @brycehermon5939 Месяц назад +1

    Another excellent video thanks Ed. I find your historical presentations so interesting. The old photographs are brilliant. A moment in time captured.
    I lived and worked in Edinburgh when I was in my 20s. I can remember there were a lot of pubs along Leith Walk.
    Thanks for sharing.

  • @MargaretKeegan-gl7bz
    @MargaretKeegan-gl7bz Месяц назад +1

    I remember the old Kirkgate in the early sixties and loved visiting Bobbies bookshop.
    On another note my great, great grandfather was the owner/editor of the Leith Burgh Pilot newspaper.

  • @ianrtait5721
    @ianrtait5721 Месяц назад +1

    Great video. I was born in St Andrews Street in 1954. My mother was born in 1 Coalhill. I served my apprenticeship in George Brown & Sons on the Shore. Thanks for bringing back the memories.

  • @ThamesShips
    @ThamesShips Месяц назад +5

    Another excellent and interesting video. I like the way you compare the old and new pictures of the same road or building.

  • @junekane3043
    @junekane3043 Месяц назад

    Enjoyed this born and brought up in Leith loved the old kirkgate ❤

  • @heatherbruce4496
    @heatherbruce4496 Месяц назад +4

    Fab video ❤

  • @user-hg1ky3cj2s
    @user-hg1ky3cj2s Месяц назад +2

    Very enjoyable video Ed. It’s good to see so many buildings were saved and are still there. I loved the little shop at the end. Nice place for a pint and a chat. 😎 Cheers!
    Lynn in Naples FL.

  • @mmcclung64
    @mmcclung64 23 дня назад

    3 wks ago - we just missed ye. Stopped in at the Roseleaf and the King’s Wark. Keep the videos coming!

  • @stephenwilson04
    @stephenwilson04 Месяц назад +2

    Another great video, Eddie. Fascinating as always to see the changes (and 99% of the time never for the better) in the buildings and architecture.

    • @EdExploresScotland
      @EdExploresScotland  Месяц назад +2

      Thanks Stephen. While these old houses and streets look more interesting than modern concrete, many of the houses had no running water, so part of me understands the need for improvements that sadly swept many of them away.

  • @charlesmair26
    @charlesmair26 Месяц назад +3

    Another fine vlog Ed.

  • @KevTJones
    @KevTJones Месяц назад +1

    Thank you so much. History is created by the Victors as I am sure you know. There is so much misplaced history around Edinburgh and Leith, however you brought this together very well. On the subject of crossing the road, I really think local Councils are trying to prevent that from happening.

    • @EdExploresScotland
      @EdExploresScotland  Месяц назад +1

      Cheers. I suppose crossing the road at recognised pedestrian crossings is now the way to go.

  • @greatoutfours
    @greatoutfours 6 дней назад

    From East Lothian, living in Leith. I regularly take my time walking the streets looking at the beauty of old.
    Great video!

  • @eileanvm
    @eileanvm Месяц назад +3

    What interesting comparison pictures Ed. You always manage to bring great poignancy to this, as well as that sparkle of humour. I remember staying overnight in Leith, about 30 odd years ago, to see the Cutty Sark Tall Ships event. They were part of a global tall ships racing competition I believe. The entire stretch of Leith harbour was chocka with amazing ships. So many masts, and all styles of tall ship. It was glorious and breathtaking.
    Sorry that you lost a tooth Ed. You can have your dentist fit a little denture in there, with one tooth on it. It might not cost that much either. No shame in that. Then you can have your pie-munching smile back again :)
    I'm fascinated by the 'voice' on the music at the end. Is that you singing via some kind of voice generated plug-in ? Or is it a keyboard voice ? Haunting, all the same.

    • @EdExploresScotland
      @EdExploresScotland  Месяц назад +2

      Cheers Eilean. The female voice comes courtesy of some software I got a while back. I think you can programme in words and it sings them. Not something I would use all the time, but interesting for occasional use.

  • @HappyMinds1
    @HappyMinds1 Месяц назад +3

    I believe under modern road crossing laws, the pedestrian is king. You may walk out into any busy road and expect all traffic to halt, at least motor vehicles.
    Bikes may not need to adhere to this rule, as they seem to be free to do whatever they like.
    Brilliant video Eddie, really great watch. Loved the soundtrack.
    Amazing how those old buildings look as worn and dirty 150 years ago as they do today.

    • @EdExploresScotland
      @EdExploresScotland  Месяц назад +1

      Thank you. Yes, I think laws have recently changed with regard to pedestrians and street junctions.

  • @judithparker4608
    @judithparker4608 Месяц назад +3

    Thankyou...absolutely fascinating

  • @andyrichmond1858
    @andyrichmond1858 Месяц назад +2

    Excellent job. Brought a wee tear to the eye.

  • @jocky2
    @jocky2 Месяц назад +2

    Great video Eddy, thanks for the history and those pictures of the people in the streets and the kids playing are wonderful to behold., Next time I'm in Edinburgh I fancy a Tram down to Lieth, looks really interesting. Thanks for the inspiration.

    • @EdExploresScotland
      @EdExploresScotland  Месяц назад +1

      Definitely worth a visit. Feels continental by The Shore.

  • @andyttfn
    @andyttfn 24 дня назад +1

    Brilliant video. Born and Bred Leither

  • @malcolmwylie3222
    @malcolmwylie3222 Месяц назад

    👍 you always do a great job bringing the past into the present, keep up the good work Ed.

  • @VAPIDISM
    @VAPIDISM Месяц назад

    Very interesting video thanks.

  • @mejase5959
    @mejase5959 26 дней назад +1

    another great video

  • @tastethevenom6414
    @tastethevenom6414 Месяц назад +1

    Awesome Great narration 👍🏼

  • @IanDonnelly-iq8cf
    @IanDonnelly-iq8cf Месяц назад +3

    Another absorbing watch. Keep flicking back to compare the then and now photos. Ed, thank you. Ian

    • @HappyMinds1
      @HappyMinds1 Месяц назад +3

      Me to, amazing how well those old stone buildings that are still standing have stood up to the test of time. They barely look a few years older. We should build in stone today.

    • @EdExploresScotland
      @EdExploresScotland  Месяц назад +1

      Cheers Ian.

  • @alexcameron_
    @alexcameron_ Месяц назад

    Thanks Ed 😊

  • @craigsutherland3410
    @craigsutherland3410 Месяц назад

    What a fantastic video Eddy. I find those films of yours fascinating and enable me to learn so much about Scotland. Bettet than most of the tripe on tv. I was born and brought up in Corstorphine in Edinburgh but would regularly visit Leith in the 80s and 90s. At that time, you could wander around the docks unhindered - now there's security posts. I now live in Newmains, North Lanarkshire, but still visit Edinburgh and Leith regularly.
    Please make a doc about Corstorphine and/or Newmains sometime.

    • @EdExploresScotland
      @EdExploresScotland  Месяц назад

      Thanks Craig. Yes, I recall regular access to the docks, and an old crane. Corstorphine is certainly an interesting area.

  • @junejackson7958
    @junejackson7958 Месяц назад

    Cheers to you great filming and photos

  • @jim_dubhglas
    @jim_dubhglas Месяц назад

    Oh Ed, I had the same tooth issue last year. Dinnae worry, as it's your interesting video content and commentary that we're here for, pal! Your content should be used in schools to teach the bairns about Scotland and it's history. Wonderful stuff! Thanks for the video, Eddie.

  • @PaulEcosse
    @PaulEcosse Месяц назад +1

    Here, nothing wrong with the Shane McGowan look. 👍

  • @donaldmcleod-vm5go
    @donaldmcleod-vm5go Месяц назад

    ONE OF YOUR BEST ED 👍 LOVED YOUR VIEW OF LIETH. THANKS 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

  • @gerardrooney4366
    @gerardrooney4366 Месяц назад +1

    Thanks Ed another great video of Scottish history. Now come on Ed tell us how you really lost the tooth, fighting with a local NED 😂.

    • @EdExploresScotland
      @EdExploresScotland  Месяц назад

      Thanks Gerard. Nothing just as exciting, I'm afraid. It was a steak sandwich. Tooth was probably damaged beforehand by grinding during sleep.

  • @fishingstevie8830
    @fishingstevie8830 Месяц назад

    Hi Eddie good podcast cheers bud .
    Edinburgh is a very old city with much history attached
    I recall which seems not so long ago ( How time flies eh ) seeing tram lines being built and cost of such was over the top
    big time and with stop / start waiting for authorities to later get another contractor in and then later i just see via your podcast the trams now go awe the way down to the bottom of Leith walk as was intended first time
    But good seeing the old along with the new 👍

  • @MrMaharg65
    @MrMaharg65 Месяц назад +2

    Do you see the sign in the window of J Millar bakers Ed? “HOT PIES”!

  • @nickwatson2167
    @nickwatson2167 Месяц назад

    Nae teeth Keith fi Leith . You fit into the surrounds perfectly lol

    • @nickwatson2167
      @nickwatson2167 Месяц назад

      Can you say I buy my corned beef in Dalkeith

  • @wstevenson4913
    @wstevenson4913 Месяц назад

    Scotland's past has been absolutely wrecked in the name of improvement, great video

    • @EdExploresScotland
      @EdExploresScotland  Месяц назад

      Thank you.

    • @Kiltskills
      @Kiltskills Месяц назад

      Indeed. I feel robbed of the opportunity to collect water from and outdoor source whilst dodging open sewers. And sharing one toilet with 100 other families would have been special.

    • @EdExploresScotland
      @EdExploresScotland  Месяц назад

      Made me smile. But I think the comment was more about architecture and the general visual appearance than social conditions.

  • @annastevenson2817
    @annastevenson2817 Месяц назад +1

    The Kirkgate was always spoken of as "the" Kirkgate, the definite article always applied.

  • @mojogaucho
    @mojogaucho Месяц назад +1

    Talking about Leif is a hard topic when you've lost a front toof. Sorry, I couldn't resistf.

  • @thomaswelch-dr5gn
    @thomaswelch-dr5gn Месяц назад +1

    Im 53 youngest of eight children, my parents used to live in Johnson or Johnstone street Leith. Demolished decades ago. My eldest brother R.I.P used to catch rats😬

  • @ErnieCG
    @ErnieCG Месяц назад +1

    Interesting

  • @martinreid1740
    @martinreid1740 Месяц назад +2

    Thanks for this Ed, but no mention of Leith Links, an early home of golf. You could probably do another video and still not show all of Leith.

    • @EdExploresScotland
      @EdExploresScotland  Месяц назад +3

      Cheers Martin. Yes, that's a big omission for Leith. As you say, Leith is quite big, and probably deserves a few videos.

  • @lindajo1840
    @lindajo1840 Месяц назад

    Very interesting history. I think Govan was 'absorbed' around 1912...Must've been a hive of work back in the day. The folks with shoes look so proud. We eventually traced our (unknown) grandad to Leith - we were looking for a Canadian! Dad's 1918 birth certificate said Canadian Forestry Commission - dad was born in Mauchline , Ayrshire, we wondered how grandad got there! Musselburgh family with addresses Eskside, Daisybank and Rosebank, Leith, couldn't find on any map. Ended up in Montreal via Australian Lancers. Dad always said his cousin was Bill Simpson, of Dr Findlay fame...couldn't find any biography on him but he was in Mauchline at one time.
    Sympathies with the tooth. You can get a plate made, or a stick in!

    • @EdExploresScotland
      @EdExploresScotland  Месяц назад

      I hate false teeth or teeth with plates. I'd rather look like this. That said, maybe the crown will work. Fingers crossed. 👍

    • @lindajo1840
      @lindajo1840 Месяц назад

      @@EdExploresScotland Hope so. I hate false teeth!

  • @janetaylor7357
    @janetaylor7357 Месяц назад +1

    Have you ever done Fife, Ed? I’m thinking of Leslie and the surrounding countryside in particular.

    • @EdExploresScotland
      @EdExploresScotland  Месяц назад +2

      Hi Jane. I've got quite a few videos shot in Fife, on the Fife Coastal Path, for example. I think in another video I passed through Leslie on my way to the Lomond Hills. Check them out.

  • @martinmacdonald5773
    @martinmacdonald5773 Месяц назад

    Leith’s Westminster MP crossing the road at @15:09

  • @auldlangsign3179
    @auldlangsign3179 Месяц назад +1

    Super video. By the way Ed do the pubs in Leith still have "Go-Go girls"?

    • @EdExploresScotland
      @EdExploresScotland  Месяц назад +1

      Thank you. I'm not sure about the go-go girls. Certainly they used to have them in Dizzy Lizzies in Iona Street back in the 70s. Hard to concentrate on your pint.

    • @bohemianhippy6760
      @bohemianhippy6760 Месяц назад +1

      Hah, they had them in the 80's

    • @auldlangsign3179
      @auldlangsign3179 Месяц назад +2

      @@bohemianhippy6760 And the 70's

  • @robbrooks5263
    @robbrooks5263 Месяц назад

    What vocal synth are you using, Ed?

    • @EdExploresScotland
      @EdExploresScotland  Месяц назад +1

      Hi Rob. I make music on my old PC, which takes about half-a-day to start up, so at the moment I'm not sure. The La La sounds in the final song came courtesy of a free demo whose name I can't recall. That said, in checking the web, the name Emvoice rings a bell, so it may have been that one. The demo didn't have a full range, so I was restricted to just certain notes.

  • @Puffball-ll1ly
    @Puffball-ll1ly Месяц назад

    Always somebody hobbling about in Leith. 😂

  • @simonlumsden6045
    @simonlumsden6045 Месяц назад +2

    Kirkgate is pronounced 'Kirgit' in Leith.

  • @63mckenzie
    @63mckenzie Месяц назад

    Where Rod Stewarts family is from.

  • @tonto3964
    @tonto3964 Месяц назад

    Good report, Leith has been ruined by these works , unsafe

  • @bertifrasilmeye995
    @bertifrasilmeye995 Месяц назад

    H,i Ed strange pint glass...maybe you got! a pint
    Atb

    • @EdExploresScotland
      @EdExploresScotland  Месяц назад

      Yes, it's some sort of brewery glass design. The cynical part of would think it was to hide a dirty glass, which you would never get in Malt & Hops anyway.

    • @dannystewart9482
      @dannystewart9482 Месяц назад

      @@EdExploresScotland Great wee pub the Malt and Hops. Used to have one in there after eating at Fishers restaurant just along the road.

  • @michaelbolger745
    @michaelbolger745 Месяц назад +1

    They are bairns, they hung aboot in gangs

  • @PaganAbroad
    @PaganAbroad Месяц назад

    Great video Ed - btw you prob need to get a dental implant mate - take care 🙏

    • @EdExploresScotland
      @EdExploresScotland  Месяц назад

      Many thanks. Yes, I probably need something. Can't go about the place looking like this.

  • @amcluesent
    @amcluesent Месяц назад +2

    Get an implant