Over the last few months, the Leith Museum campaign has been working with a group of experts who have been working up proposals for how Custom House in Commercial Street could become the location of our planned Museum. Work is still going on, but we expect to be publishing and presenting a report in the next few weeks.
What is very encouraging is the more work we have done, the more that Custom House seems to be a practical and realistic possibility. There is still a way to go, and of course we have to get the agreement of National Museums of Scotland who currently own the building, but I honestly believe we are nearer to getting a museum in Leith than ever before.
News about our report will be put up on this website when we have more details.
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Monday, 8 December 2008
Steve Mitchell, 1947-2008
One of the driving forces behind the campaign for a Leith Museum, Steve Mitchell, died on 29 November after a battle with cancer. Steve was an enthusiastic advocate of Leith history and culture in all its forms. As well as his support for a Leith Museum, he was a member of the Leith Local History Society, and had also been the main organiser for the exhibition of the ‘Rolls of Honour’ for the fallen of Leith in world war. He had also been active in the Leith Festival. Our condolences go to his wife, his children, and his family.
Monday, 2 June 2008
Leith's Rolls of Honour
The Campaign for a Leith Museum was one of the supporters of an important exhibition during this year's Leith Festival. Here's a press release about it:
Leith WW1 Memorial & Roll of Honour Re-dedication
On Friday 30th May 2008 at 10.30 am, a group of some 50 invited guests and dignitaries stood beneath the trees at the eastern corner of Taylor Gardens, Leith, as wreaths were laid in front of Leith's War Memorial for the Great War 1914-18; World War One.
This tangible memorial was previously the Children's Wing of Leith Hospital.
A display of the five volumes of the Roll in both original and computerised format is being held throughout the Leith Festival 2008 in Leith Library.
Despite the persistent rain, the Leith Academy prefects who ably assisted by checking the guest list and handing out name tags and programmes reported very few call-offs.
The two pipers, Gus Gilchrist and Alan Wannacott, (Trinity Old Pipers Society) played a medley of tunes as the guests arrived.
After a short introduction and welcome by Ian Ross, 1st Leith Company, The Boys’ Brigade; Ex- Members Association the pipers then played "The Green Hills of Tyrol" as the wreath layers moved forward: Lieutenant Colonel William MacEachen for 205 Scottish Field Hospital, Mary Moriarty for The Leith Festival Association, Leith Ward Councillor and Deputy Leader of the City Council, Rob Munn laid his wreath on behalf of The City of Edinburgh Council and Gregor Cowan CA for The 1st Leith Company Boys' Brigade; Ex-Members Association.
A very moving tribute was then made by The Reverend George Shand of St Thomas' Junction Road Church to the 2,205 Leithers who did not return from The Great War. This included a poem, a brief history of the War Memorial and concluded with the Re-dedication of the Memorial building.
The group then moved off to the less damp environment of Leith Library for the second part of the ceremony which was introduced and led by Steve Mitchell, 1st leith Company, The Boys’ Brigade; Ex-Members Association.
Lt Col ‘Willie’ MacEachan told of the role played by the RAMC in this and other conflicts even to his day and of the always and continuing need for volunteers and for the gratitude for the voluntary assistance given by the Leith BB during WW1 at their Scottish Field Hospital in Craigleith – ‘The now Western General’. Cllr Marjory Thomas in her role as this years festival ‘Provost of Leith’ spoke of the important part the people of Leith had played in fund-raising on behalf of the memorial fund and indeed the hospital itself in the years prior to the Children’s Wing being decided on as the Leith Memorial to the towns noble dead.
Mark Lazarowicz MP and current chair of the Leith Museum Group endorsed the previous remarks and thanked the organisers for exhibiting and bringing back to remembrance these artefacts. He also read messages from Rev James Scot-Marshall and Lord Ronald King-Murray, both members of the Leith Museum Trust a 1990’s predecessor of the current group. Ex-Cllr John Crichton a third member of that trust was also in attendance.
The formal part of the proceedings started by Rev Kenneth Baird, North Leith Parish Church, commenting that just as his colleague Rev George Shand he was a relative newcomer to the town (5 years in current positions) he had soon realised the community feel for the town.
After reflecting on the reasons behind this event and the importance of such recollections in today’s society he formally re-dedicated and blessed both the Leith and the 1st Leith BB Rolls of Honour –WW1.
Dr Mike Barfoot, Archivist; Lothian Health Services Archive told of the origination of the Leith Roll of Honour and of the somewhat dishevelled condition of the five volumes when they first came under the custodianship of his organisation. The volumes had from time to time been on ‘display’ in various public areas of Leith Hospital before its closure in the 1980s and in the present excellently refurbished condition in the Leith Community Health Centre but that this was the first occasion when the Roll could be truly ‘viewed’ by the public, made possible by today’s technology. Every page including a moving introduction about the forming and reasoning behind the Roll and indeed Memorial being beautifully inscribed in the opening pages of volume one.
The Ceremony was brought to conclusion by Margaret Allan, Leith Museum Group who read a poem by the fourth member of the then Leith Museum Trust – the late Rev Mrs Elizabeth Wardlaw:
“A Dream for Leith”
Throughout the event the Organisers and participants made known their thanks and appreciation to the City of Edinburgh Libraries and the Lothian Health Services Archive without who’s assistance, co-operation and permissions the event would not have been possible.
© 2008 – leithslivingarchives.
Leith WW1 Memorial & Roll of Honour Re-dedication
On Friday 30th May 2008 at 10.30 am, a group of some 50 invited guests and dignitaries stood beneath the trees at the eastern corner of Taylor Gardens, Leith, as wreaths were laid in front of Leith's War Memorial for the Great War 1914-18; World War One.
This tangible memorial was previously the Children's Wing of Leith Hospital.
A display of the five volumes of the Roll in both original and computerised format is being held throughout the Leith Festival 2008 in Leith Library.
Despite the persistent rain, the Leith Academy prefects who ably assisted by checking the guest list and handing out name tags and programmes reported very few call-offs.
The two pipers, Gus Gilchrist and Alan Wannacott, (Trinity Old Pipers Society) played a medley of tunes as the guests arrived.
After a short introduction and welcome by Ian Ross, 1st Leith Company, The Boys’ Brigade; Ex- Members Association the pipers then played "The Green Hills of Tyrol" as the wreath layers moved forward: Lieutenant Colonel William MacEachen for 205 Scottish Field Hospital, Mary Moriarty for The Leith Festival Association, Leith Ward Councillor and Deputy Leader of the City Council, Rob Munn laid his wreath on behalf of The City of Edinburgh Council and Gregor Cowan CA for The 1st Leith Company Boys' Brigade; Ex-Members Association.
A very moving tribute was then made by The Reverend George Shand of St Thomas' Junction Road Church to the 2,205 Leithers who did not return from The Great War. This included a poem, a brief history of the War Memorial and concluded with the Re-dedication of the Memorial building.
The group then moved off to the less damp environment of Leith Library for the second part of the ceremony which was introduced and led by Steve Mitchell, 1st leith Company, The Boys’ Brigade; Ex-Members Association.
Lt Col ‘Willie’ MacEachan told of the role played by the RAMC in this and other conflicts even to his day and of the always and continuing need for volunteers and for the gratitude for the voluntary assistance given by the Leith BB during WW1 at their Scottish Field Hospital in Craigleith – ‘The now Western General’. Cllr Marjory Thomas in her role as this years festival ‘Provost of Leith’ spoke of the important part the people of Leith had played in fund-raising on behalf of the memorial fund and indeed the hospital itself in the years prior to the Children’s Wing being decided on as the Leith Memorial to the towns noble dead.
Mark Lazarowicz MP and current chair of the Leith Museum Group endorsed the previous remarks and thanked the organisers for exhibiting and bringing back to remembrance these artefacts. He also read messages from Rev James Scot-Marshall and Lord Ronald King-Murray, both members of the Leith Museum Trust a 1990’s predecessor of the current group. Ex-Cllr John Crichton a third member of that trust was also in attendance.
The formal part of the proceedings started by Rev Kenneth Baird, North Leith Parish Church, commenting that just as his colleague Rev George Shand he was a relative newcomer to the town (5 years in current positions) he had soon realised the community feel for the town.
After reflecting on the reasons behind this event and the importance of such recollections in today’s society he formally re-dedicated and blessed both the Leith and the 1st Leith BB Rolls of Honour –WW1.
Dr Mike Barfoot, Archivist; Lothian Health Services Archive told of the origination of the Leith Roll of Honour and of the somewhat dishevelled condition of the five volumes when they first came under the custodianship of his organisation. The volumes had from time to time been on ‘display’ in various public areas of Leith Hospital before its closure in the 1980s and in the present excellently refurbished condition in the Leith Community Health Centre but that this was the first occasion when the Roll could be truly ‘viewed’ by the public, made possible by today’s technology. Every page including a moving introduction about the forming and reasoning behind the Roll and indeed Memorial being beautifully inscribed in the opening pages of volume one.
The Ceremony was brought to conclusion by Margaret Allan, Leith Museum Group who read a poem by the fourth member of the then Leith Museum Trust – the late Rev Mrs Elizabeth Wardlaw:
“A Dream for Leith”
Throughout the event the Organisers and participants made known their thanks and appreciation to the City of Edinburgh Libraries and the Lothian Health Services Archive without who’s assistance, co-operation and permissions the event would not have been possible.
© 2008 – leithslivingarchives.
Sunday, 27 April 2008
More Council backing for Leith Museum - and Newhaven
Good news from Edinburgh City Council - it looks as if they are prepared to give some practical help to us in our efforts to put together a plan for a Museum for Leith - not cash (yet!), but it's a start! Some positive news about Newhaven museum at last, which looks like it might reopen again. We've always said we don't want a Leith Museum at the expense of Newhaven. More details of both these stories here
And more enthusiastic support from Sir Tom Farmer here.
And more enthusiastic support from Sir Tom Farmer here.
Saturday, 19 April 2008
Tom Farmer to become Patron of Museum Campaign
Sir Tom Farmer has agreed to become the Patron of the campaign for a
Sir Tom said: "I am delighted to give my support to the campaign to establish a Museum for
Wednesday, 2 April 2008
Update on our petition to the Scottish Parliament
We've just heard that our petition to the Scottish Parliament, supporting a Leith Museum, will not be back before the Petitions Committee on 18 April as first thought. In fact, it will now go back on 10 June to the Committee. We'll post updates on this website.
Monday, 10 March 2008
Scottish Parliament committee backs our campaign!
The following is the full report of the latest Scottish Parliament Petitions Committee meeting to discuss our Petition for a Leith museum - as you can see, the general response was enthusiastic!
Local Museums (PE1083)
The Convener: PE1083, by John Arthur, calls on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Executive to support the creation of local museums, such as the proposed Leith museum. I welcome Malcolm Chisholm, who is the member of the Scottish Parliament covering the historic place of Leith, in the heart of Edinburghers and all that kind of stuff. Malcolm may wish to speak on behalf of the petition.
Malcolm Chisholm: I will speak briefly, as I spoke when the committee previously discussed the petition. I hope, convener, that you will be as generous to me as you were to our colleague a minute ago.
The Convener: It is that time of the afternoon, Malcolm.
Malcolm Chisholm: As committee members know from their papers, since I was last at the committee there has been a response to its consultation. It would be fair to say that it indicates considerable support for the idea of a Leith museum. The case may also have been reinforced by the Scottish Government's recent emphasis on the teaching of Scottish history. I will not go through all the submissions, but I point out that the Scottish Museums Council, which is a key body in the sector, supports the principle. I also refer members to the City of Edinburgh Council's submission, which sums up the case succinctly. It says:
"The importance of Leith and its role in Scottish history deserves to be told in a dedicated museum. Such a museum could provide a community focus for understanding its past, making sense of the present and help build social cohesion in what is a rapidly changing community. It is also the Council's view that a new Museum of Leith could support tourist and economic development."
There are many reasons for supporting such a museum. The council also states:
"Leith Customs House ... remains the most appropriate venue for a museum of Leith."
That is also the overwhelming view of the community, I think. The focus of the Leith museum group, which has been campaigning for the museum, is now on the customs house, which is owned by National Museums Scotland and used for storage. The group has discussed the customs
Col 534
house with NMS, which wishes to dispose of the building because it needs additional or bigger storage facilities.
The Leith museum group's submission to the committee says:
"We would hope that the Petitions Committee would recommend to the relevant Minister",
that is, the Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture,
"that the National Museums be encouraged to enter into a positive dialogue"
—it might now be fairer to say "continue a positive dialogue"—
"with our group to allow us to develop and bring forward a proposal for a Leith Museum Trust to acquire Leith Customs House as a home for a future museum of Leith."
That highlights the connection between the Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture and National Museums Scotland, for which she has responsibility.
The Convener: As a former Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, I am not unattracted to the proposed development. People should keep beavering away at the issue. There is the potential for a very good museum that would make a real difference. People need to be pulled together, and the committee's role should be to encourage momentum. If NMS has a building, we should raise that point with the minister, so that she can discuss the proposal with the agency with responsibility for dealing with buildings that get used for other things. The Big Lottery Fund, the Heritage Lottery Fund and other organisations could be spoken to. We can chat about that. I imagine that you wish to voice your support, Robin.
Robin Harper: Yes. I declare an interest as a local MSP and a former teacher of history and modern studies. I am a strong supporter of the proposal, and I would like us to approach the Executive for a response and to ascertain what it can do to support the proposal.
The Convener: I have my own views on how best to do that, but I invite other views.
Robin Harper: We should also approach the City of Edinburgh Council.
The Convener: Absolutely.
Nanette Milne: It is an exciting project. I note from its response in relation to the waterfront visitor destination development plan that Scottish Enterprise is seeking consultation feedback pretty soon—next month, in fact. It might be interesting to hear what response it has had. Malcolm Chisholm will know more about this than I do, but I believe that Scottish Enterprise held discussions with local councils about the setting up of the
Col 535
waterfront project, and I presume that the Leith museum would legitimately form part of that. It would therefore be interesting to get a response from Scottish Enterprise.
The Convener: I suggest that it would be useful, if we are writing to the minister with responsibility for the matter, to ask what she can do by way of an audit or review of the existing buildings, so that a discussion can open up on that. We could ask the minister to consider setting up a working group of officials from the appropriate directorates and, more important, the national agencies, along with the city council. It might be worth getting information about resources and any applications that may be made to the various sources for funding, including Europe, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund. There is a real chance to create a dynamic that might result in something positive.
Robin Harper: The minister could be invited to respond on what further support and interest she is taking in the Scottish Museums Council, which I believe is on the point of relaunching itself under a different logo—museums galleries Scotland, if I am correct.
16:45
The Convener: So, on those recommendations, we are happy to continue to give that kind of tacit and encouraging support to the petition. We will raise the fundamental issues that Malcolm Chisholm and the petitioners raised with us with the relevant Government minister and departments, through correspondence and other communication. I hope that that is helpful.
I thank Malcolm Chisholm for his patience because he came in here at 2 o'clock and is still here are 4.45.
Local Museums (PE1083)
The Convener: PE1083, by John Arthur, calls on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Executive to support the creation of local museums, such as the proposed Leith museum. I welcome Malcolm Chisholm, who is the member of the Scottish Parliament covering the historic place of Leith, in the heart of Edinburghers and all that kind of stuff. Malcolm may wish to speak on behalf of the petition.
Malcolm Chisholm: I will speak briefly, as I spoke when the committee previously discussed the petition. I hope, convener, that you will be as generous to me as you were to our colleague a minute ago.
The Convener: It is that time of the afternoon, Malcolm.
Malcolm Chisholm: As committee members know from their papers, since I was last at the committee there has been a response to its consultation. It would be fair to say that it indicates considerable support for the idea of a Leith museum. The case may also have been reinforced by the Scottish Government's recent emphasis on the teaching of Scottish history. I will not go through all the submissions, but I point out that the Scottish Museums Council, which is a key body in the sector, supports the principle. I also refer members to the City of Edinburgh Council's submission, which sums up the case succinctly. It says:
"The importance of Leith and its role in Scottish history deserves to be told in a dedicated museum. Such a museum could provide a community focus for understanding its past, making sense of the present and help build social cohesion in what is a rapidly changing community. It is also the Council's view that a new Museum of Leith could support tourist and economic development."
There are many reasons for supporting such a museum. The council also states:
"Leith Customs House ... remains the most appropriate venue for a museum of Leith."
That is also the overwhelming view of the community, I think. The focus of the Leith museum group, which has been campaigning for the museum, is now on the customs house, which is owned by National Museums Scotland and used for storage. The group has discussed the customs
Col 534
house with NMS, which wishes to dispose of the building because it needs additional or bigger storage facilities.
The Leith museum group's submission to the committee says:
"We would hope that the Petitions Committee would recommend to the relevant Minister",
that is, the Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture,
"that the National Museums be encouraged to enter into a positive dialogue"
—it might now be fairer to say "continue a positive dialogue"—
"with our group to allow us to develop and bring forward a proposal for a Leith Museum Trust to acquire Leith Customs House as a home for a future museum of Leith."
That highlights the connection between the Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture and National Museums Scotland, for which she has responsibility.
The Convener: As a former Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, I am not unattracted to the proposed development. People should keep beavering away at the issue. There is the potential for a very good museum that would make a real difference. People need to be pulled together, and the committee's role should be to encourage momentum. If NMS has a building, we should raise that point with the minister, so that she can discuss the proposal with the agency with responsibility for dealing with buildings that get used for other things. The Big Lottery Fund, the Heritage Lottery Fund and other organisations could be spoken to. We can chat about that. I imagine that you wish to voice your support, Robin.
Robin Harper: Yes. I declare an interest as a local MSP and a former teacher of history and modern studies. I am a strong supporter of the proposal, and I would like us to approach the Executive for a response and to ascertain what it can do to support the proposal.
The Convener: I have my own views on how best to do that, but I invite other views.
Robin Harper: We should also approach the City of Edinburgh Council.
The Convener: Absolutely.
Nanette Milne: It is an exciting project. I note from its response in relation to the waterfront visitor destination development plan that Scottish Enterprise is seeking consultation feedback pretty soon—next month, in fact. It might be interesting to hear what response it has had. Malcolm Chisholm will know more about this than I do, but I believe that Scottish Enterprise held discussions with local councils about the setting up of the
Col 535
waterfront project, and I presume that the Leith museum would legitimately form part of that. It would therefore be interesting to get a response from Scottish Enterprise.
The Convener: I suggest that it would be useful, if we are writing to the minister with responsibility for the matter, to ask what she can do by way of an audit or review of the existing buildings, so that a discussion can open up on that. We could ask the minister to consider setting up a working group of officials from the appropriate directorates and, more important, the national agencies, along with the city council. It might be worth getting information about resources and any applications that may be made to the various sources for funding, including Europe, the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund. There is a real chance to create a dynamic that might result in something positive.
Robin Harper: The minister could be invited to respond on what further support and interest she is taking in the Scottish Museums Council, which I believe is on the point of relaunching itself under a different logo—museums galleries Scotland, if I am correct.
16:45
The Convener: So, on those recommendations, we are happy to continue to give that kind of tacit and encouraging support to the petition. We will raise the fundamental issues that Malcolm Chisholm and the petitioners raised with us with the relevant Government minister and departments, through correspondence and other communication. I hope that that is helpful.
I thank Malcolm Chisholm for his patience because he came in here at 2 o'clock and is still here are 4.45.
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