Campaign for a Leith Museum

Support from our local elected representatives

2009-09-06T16:20:00.003+01:00

Our campaign is supported by a large number of local elected representatives from Leith and the rest of Edinburgh:

Mark Lazarowicz, MP for Edinburgh North & Leith (Labour);
Malcolm Chisholm, MSP for Edinburgh North & Leith (Labour);
Robin Harper, MSP for Lothian (Green);
Gavin Strang, MP for Edinburgh East (Labour);
George Foulkes, MSP for Lothian (Labour);
Ian McKee, MSP for Lothian (SNP);
Margo MacDonald, MSP for Lothian (Independent);
Rob Munn, Councillor for Leith,Depute Lord Provost (SNP);
Marjorie Thomas,Councillor for Leith (Liberal Democrat);
Gordon Munro, Councillor for Leith (Labour);
Angela Blacklock,Councillor for Leith Walk (Labour);
Maggie Chapman, Councillor for Leith Walk (Green);
Louise Lang, Councillor for Leith Walk (Liberal Democrat);
Steve Cardownie, Councillor for Forth (SNP);
Cammy Day, Councillor for Forth (Labour);
Councillor Stefan Tymkewycz (SNP)

Custom House is looking good!

2009-03-17T18:32:00.003Z

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.

Steve Mitchell, 1947-2008

2008-12-08T18:17:00.000Z

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.

Leith's Rolls of Honour

2008-06-02T20:39:00.002+01:00

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.

More Council backing for Leith Museum - and Newhaven

2008-04-27T18:50:00.003+01:00

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.

Tom Farmer to become Patron of Museum Campaign

2008-04-19T18:14:00.006+01:00

Sir Tom Farmer has agreed to become the Patron of the campaign for a Leith Museum, the Leith Museum Group has announced.

Sir Tom said: "I am delighted to give my support to the campaign to establish a Museum for Leith. The history of Leith is also central to the history of Edinburgh and of Scotland, and deserves a home where its story can be told. As someone who has benefited from being born and brought up in Leith, I welcome the widespread support for the current campaign. I hope that local and national government will work with the local community to make the dream of a Leith museum a reality.”

Mark Lazarowicz, MP for Edinburgh North & Leith, who chairs the group which has been spearheading the museum campaign, added: "We are delighted to have this support from such a prominent Scottish businessmen and leading Leither. I know that Sir Tom has backed the idea of a Leith museum for some time, and his public support will be a big boost for our campaign. His backing is yet another example of the growing support for a museum for Leith, which makes me confident we will eventually achieve our objective."

Update on our petition to the Scottish Parliament

2008-04-02T19:32:00.001+01:00

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.

Scottish Parliament committee backs our campaign!

2008-03-10T21:45:00.002Z

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.

Leith 100 years ago

2008-03-10T21:41:00.001Z

We are grateful to Steve Mitchell for the following two articles

LEITH 100 Years ago: 23rd Feb - 7th Mar 1908.
From the Leith Observer & Advertiser. (The main weekly newspaper for Leith.)

Feb 29th Edition:

What better way to start the weekend than by sitting by the fire with a glass of ‘Haggets Nourishing Stout’, only 2/6d a dozen and coal now at a low price of 17/- a bag (cwt) for Good Lothian and 22/- for Best Niddrie.

(We have to recall that in the past few weeks Leith Town Council had decided that only those with a family income of 20/- a week could rent Corporation house with two bedrooms?)

The Tramway ticket returns for the previous week were £455/11/10d an increase of £12/10/- on the previous year. (This is only mentioned because there is no other report on Tramway business this week – what’s happening on Lower Granton Road?

Health statistics showed a normal (sic) death rate, 17 male, 30 female. Seven under one’s - 9 between 1 and 5 years and 13 over 60. There were18 notifiable diseases recorded and 16 patients had been sent to East Pilton Hospital.

Under Provost Mackie, the Edinburgh and Leith Gas Commissioners met, amongst other things they decided to provide canteen facilities at Granton gas Works, and that the old works were to be sold. They accepted a proposal to oppose the ‘Coal Mines 8 Hour Bill’ saying it would lead very much dearer coal for the Gas Companies. The Government were strongly in favour of this Bill and had pledged to carry it through; the mood of the country was that this Bill was eminently desirable. – Decision deferred.

Provost Mackie’s annual treat for the poorhouse dwellers filled the large hall. A concert was given by many local artists and gifts of food, sweets and tobacco were distributed.

It was announced that Bruce Peebles, the East Pilton Engineers were to go into liquidation.

On Junction Bridge a horse bolted, injuring a lady passenger in a lorry it collided with. Its trailing harness overturned a grocer’s barrow near Bowling Green Street, after which the
horse veered away and cantered back to its stables in Coburg Street.

The Burgh of Leith tendered – again – for uniforms for Tramway workers.

‘The Woman who Gambled’ was coming to the end of its run at the Gaiety, to be followed by the weird mystery – from life to death – ‘A False Wife’.

The Leith Hospital general council of Contributors, at their AGM heard that 22190 patients had been treated in 1907, an increase from 21917 in the previous year. Given the average number of patients per day, the cost per annum per occupied bed was £250.
The ‘Shilling’ und saw a bad week, given that 20/- was contributed by children of he Burns Street mission, only a further 39/- had been donated.

Dalmeny Street United Free Church celebrated the semi-jubilee of the Sabbath School, 272 children attended a special service t which some 140 teachers, past and present and guests had been invited.

A Railway porter was fatally injured at Central Station sidings, when shunting carriages ran over him severing both legs.
A letter had been received by the Leith Observer, from the organisers of the Scottish National Exhibition – Edinburgh – 1908 with an – ‘Appeal for a Leith Exhibit’. Wm Lindsay, FRSGS, Joint Convenor, wrote:
“Sirs. I am convinced that were her citizens willing the historic Port of Leith could take a lead in making the Exhibition successful and more distinctly National.
Leith, on many eventful occasions has, by the combined sagacity and patriotism of her merchants and the skill and hardihood of her mariners, secured for Scotland a renowned place in the annals of naval supremacy. In this connection it is pleasant to remember that the Port of Leith was virtually the birth-place of the Scottish Navy of the past, and from its harbour, Wood and Barton sailed the seas and kept the flag of Scotland proudly waving in spite of every foe.
Was it not from the good town of Leith that King James IV’s renowned ship, “The Great Michael” was launched, and was it not for the size and strength the wonder of her time; then good ships all of them: The Flower – The Yellow Carvel – The Lion – The Jenny Pirwin – The Cuckoo – The James – The Margaret, and others of the same period showed that Scotland’s commerce was promoted and protected by the men of Leith.
This being her honourable record in the stormy past, would it not b a gracious act – an act of patriotism – if leith would kindly contribute to the Exhibition a model that would clearly symbolise the foundations of her commercial enterprise.* Models of the aforementioned famous ships would prove an immediate attraction too the public, and were a large model of, say, the Yellow Caravel - the work of Leith’s own carpenters – presented to the Exhibition by Leith’s townsmen, it would be a tribute whose value and whose interest would be unique. The model could be appropriately anchored on the Water of Leith within the Exhibition Grounds (at Saughton) and would effectively remind the crowds of visitors that as of old the Port of Leith was still a leader in commerce and trade the world over.
I make this appeal because I know the people of Leith are desirous of their town’s advancement. I know they would like her to maintain her worthy place in Scotland’s history. I know they will gladly help to realise this suggestion, made for the sake of the success of a national event which is intended not only to advance the national prosperity, but to spread the blessing of peace, fraternity and lasting friendship among the nations of the world.
The ultimate destination of such a model, after the Exhibition is over, might be in our Royal Scottish Museum.
Trusting the Leith citizens will be pleased to consider the suggestion herein contained, and hoping that it may appeal to them and meet with their approval. Yours etc;”

Leith Academy Former Pupils held an evening of Musical Entertainment and Dance at Coupar Street Halls. ‘Cinderella’ was the theme.
The boys’ Brigade inter-company football league competition ended, the 4th Leith being top of the league, he 10th Leith narrowly beaten into second place.
Hibs lost to Kilmarnock by one goal to no goals.

MARCH 7th Edition:
There had been a proposal to extend Starbank Park and a public meting was held in the Madras Hall on Craighall Road where some 50 residents heard details of the proposal. A petition, which gathered about 600 signatures in favour of the extension were assured that the purchase of the land required for this scheme would not be affected by the extension at Victoria Park and the extension would not only be enhanced amenities for the local community but for the entire ward. In support of the proposal, it was stated that as Leith had no sea beach, what better substitute than a seaward looking park. The proposal was sent to the Council.

The National Actors Association decided to ‘demand’ a minimum wage of £2 per hour.

At the Market Hall, the Temperance Society entertained and presented a concert by the St Cecelia’s Orchestral Choir on behalf of Leith Hospital funds. £w/13/4d was raised, and gratuitously raised to £3 by the Society.

Meanwhile the ‘Shilling Fund’, now nearing the end of its fundraising time-span at the end of March raised another 207/-.

In the Leith Dean of Guild Court, James Bertram & Sons were given permission to build a Brass foundry at their Leith Walk premises. Robert Lamb of Logie Green Works were given permission to erect a wooden shed at Seafield’ on the understanding that it would not interfere with the adjacent wall belonging to Leith Town Council.

Bernard Sayers, the golfer, had intimated that he would be very pleased to play at the opening exhibition of the new golf course together with Mr Massy of France the current open Champion. Prise money of £25, £15 and £10 was suggested. The matter was approved, but there was some disapproval that the course needed more money spending on it. ‘The grass isn’t even growing. ‘The charge of 1/- a head entrance fee wouldn’t help the grass – it would make it worse’. It was agreed t proceed with the exhibition and the charges.

The Leith School Board, at their meeting announced that Leith academy would take part in the Scottish National Exhibition as part of a 230 strong choir and orchestra in the Grand Hall.
It was asked if this was the only school involved ad confirmed that it was.
‘What about the Newhaven School dressed as fisher people?’ Don’t know, but will refer to committee for consideration.

Leith Town Council had a long debate about Rates, the arrears thereof and their collection.
It was stated that arrears would be subject to a penalty, and in future there would be an opportunity to pay by instalments. No details as to how this would operate, but reference was made to the Gas company payments which were due 3 times a year. Any who don’t pay are made to pay by ‘penny in the slot meters’ or get no gas at all.
‘Are we to do that as well?’ (Laughter) – ‘something after the same manner – but still in advance!’ The motion was carried by 10 votes to 5 votes.

At the Police Courts a carter from Eastfield pleaded guilty to being drunk while in charge of two horses, both attached to the same cart. Eight previous convictions were reported and the sentence was 20/- or 14 days in custody.

Three labourers sons from Bangor Road, aged 12 and a half, 10 and a half and 8 and a half respectively were fund guilty of stealing from the green in Tennant Street, two pairs of ladies knickers, a nightgown and a bolsterslip.

A labourer’s wife from Weir’s Close was fined 6d or 5 days for being drunk in charge of two children under two.

Yet another labourers wife, from Bonnington Road was fined 5/- or 3days for being drunk in Coburg street on Saturday and again on Sunday in Leith Walk.

A Dock Place seaman was convicted of assaulting two showmen in the Kirkgate with his fists. - 7/6d or Twenty Five Days.

Four youths were charged with playing football in Smiths Lands on Sunday. Three were fined small amounts; the fourth had the case dropped as he was in the Smallpox Hospital.

A carpenter’s son from Starbank was remitted to Haddington Sheriff Court. He had stolen £2 from a box at Blaghie Farmhouse, where he was employed. He had gone to London by train, but, tiring he returned to his parents house in Newhaven. The Police had been made aware of the theft, and on his return the boy was recognised and arrested. The detective discovered that he had handed the balance of the money to his mother. £15/13/6d.

The Government’s Licensing Bill had created much ‘disquietitude’ in the Trade, both in England and Scotland, which was set out in a statement of opinion by a Mr WG Sinclair of Edinburgh, Managing Director of Allsops Brewery, also of Edinburgh and we give space to it as more dispassionate and better responded than others that have been published. The Statement begins: “The Bill is so extraordinary in character that as a businessman I am almost tempted to say it is not worth while recording it”. The Bill, in summary, set out to vastly reduce the number of licensed premises and impose far greater duties on the sale of alcoholic beverages. It was intended to compensate those who ‘lost’ licenses but only meagrely. The great amount of drink related crime was one of the reasons given for these changes, but the trade and local councils as well were against the move. The trade because of the hardship on its members, and the local councils because they too would lose out since they charged rates for licences. The statement went on at length, giving many arguments against this imposition, but to no avail, the Bill was passed by Act of Parliament.

Hibs beat Port Glasgow Athletic by two goals to one goal. Leith met East Stirlingshire at Falkirk in front of a crowd of 800 supporters. East Stirlingshire were the winners by three goals to one goal. NB Thistle met Leith Athletic Jnrs at Holyrood Park in the Edinburgh League, NB winning comfortably by Seven goals to three goals. At Chancelot Park Leith Battalion BB’s were due to play the ‘Old boys’ in preparation for the next week’s game against Edinburgh.
· Editors note. The copy sent to ‘aboutmyarea/eh6’ stops at this point.

For further Information on Leith see ‘Leith’s Living Archives’ - http://firstleither.blogger.com
Printed & published by Strobomi Publishing © 2008 – leithslivingarchives

Remembering the Leithers who died in the 1st World War

2008-03-10T21:39:00.000Z

Supporting the Campaign for a Leith Museum
Leith WW1 Rolls of Honour

PRESS RELEASE

The Rolls of Honour of the Leith servicepersons who made the Supreme Sacrifice for Town and Country during this conflict will be displayed during the Leith Festival.

May 30th – June 8th in Leith Library.

This will be the first occasion on which these artefacts have been publicly displayed in this manner, although they were on show in the Leith Hospital entrance hall for some years.

Full details will be available progressively during the period leading up to the event, but it is hoped to have the Rolls accessible on computer in addition to the Physical presence of the Rolls themselves. While the Rolls may go on public access via the Lothian Health Service Archive website, this remains to be decided.

Representatives from the Lothian Health Services Archive will be in attendance during some of this display, when an appointment system will be in place whereby members of the public with relatives and loved ones named in the Rolls will be able to see the particular page involved, and through the LHSA obtain copies of these pages either in photographic, digitalised electronic transfer or other suitable means. This access will be purely on a first come booking basis and booking times etc; will be advertised in advance. The means and times of booking will also be widely advertised.

Should there be a large attendant interest in the computerised version; the viewing time available will be controlled by the staff depending on the circumstances at any given time.

This opportunity of facsimile copies of the computerised version, which is excellent in itself, will also be available to the wider public via the above route.

The people of Leith owe a great debt to Lothian Health Services Archivist and colleagues who, almost lovingly, have been custodians of this truly important part of the History of Leith and its people.

The WW1 Memorial Rolls of Honour of the 1st Leith Company, The Boys Brigade, will also be displayed during the event, with similar opportunities for viewing and obtaining facsimiles of relevant documents.

Positive reaction from Scottish Parliament to museum petition

2008-02-20T20:46:00.003Z

The Scottish Parliament Public Petitions Committee considered our petition again on February 19th. This is what they agreed:

The Committee agreed to seek a further response from the City of Edinburgh Council on what practical and financial support it can and will give to progress the establishment of a Leith Museum. It also agreed to seek a response from the Scottish Government on what action it will take to encourage applications and provide practical assistance, for example through capital grant funding, to assist supporters wishing to establish local museums and, on this specific proposal, whether it will consider establishing a working group to help progress this matter further. It also agreed to write to Scottish Enterprise to seek an update on the current waterfront visitor destination development plan.
These organisations have been asked to respond by 25 April......

Here is a link to the Petitions Committee website which shows what they have been doing.

3072 say YES to a Leith Museum!

2008-02-09T17:34:00.000Z

Our petition to the Scottish Parliament goes back to its petitions committee on Tuesday 19 February. You can read here all the responses the Parliament received when it consulted various organisations about the petition, together with our own campaign´s further comments in response. The Scottish Parliament website also confirms that our petition was supported by a total of 3072 signatures (and of course, we´ve had more since the petition was submitted!).

More support for the Leith Museum

2008-01-16T16:43:00.001Z

Support for a Leith Museum continues to grow. The Scottish Parliament, as part of its process of considering the petition in support of our campaign, has asked various organisations for their views on the idea of a Leith Museum. There have been a lot of positive responses. The full set of responses can be found on the Scottish Parliament web-site. They are well worth a read.

Some of the key messages in the responses are the following:
the Scottish Museums Council supports the principle of a Leith Museum

City of Edinburgh Council said: The importance of Leith and its role in Scottish history deserves to be told in a dedicated museum....[and] Custom House..remains the most appropriate venue for a museum of Leith

Scottish Enterprise Edinburgh and Lothian "has recognised the need to jointly create an international world-class Waterfront [which includes Leith]"

Sir Tom backs Custom House for Leith Museum

2008-01-13T17:32:00.000Z

Welcome news in this Saturday's "Scotsman" of Tom Farmer's backing for the idea of Custom House for a Leith Museum. He is quoted as saying "There's no doubt in my mind that Customs House is the finest building in Leith and it's a crying shame that it's not open to the public. I think it would be absolutely fantastic were it to become a museum, especially as Leith has such a rich history and for years was Scotland's main port. It's a real dream of mine to see it brought back into public use." We agree - thanks for your support, Sir Tom! See here for the full report.

The case for a Leith Museum

2007-11-18T18:36:00.001Z

A good article by Museum campaign supporter in Saturday's Evening News - click here to read it!

Campaign Steering Group

2007-11-14T08:25:00.000Z

Here are some of the members of the steering group for the Campaign for a Leith Museum:

Mark Lazarowicz MP for Edinburgh North & Leith (Chair)
Ian Gilmour, Minister, South Leith Parish Church
Jacqui Austin, who is an exhibition projects manager
Gilbert Archer, local businessman
Jim Tweedie, Chair, Leith Local History Society
Margaret Allan, from the local business community
Alun Rae, a structural engineer with a local practice
Steve Mitchell, representing the Leith Festival Association
John Arthur, local historian
Ian MacDonald, representing the Edinburgh branch of the Saltire Society

Scottish Parliament discusses Leith museum campaign petition

2007-11-07T16:10:00.000Z

Thanks to the community website "Leith and North" for the following report on our petition before the Scottish Parliament. (Have a look at "Leith & North" for lots of good community information!)

Petition PE1083 went before the Public Petitions Committee this Tuesday, November 6th. Convener Frank McAveety declared it "a good petition worth exploring". Malcolm Chisholm (MSP for Edinburgh North & Leith) was there urging the committee to support this petition, noting the thousands of signatures gathered on the streets of Leith and speaking of the "strong feeling in Leith, that we have a rich and varied history ... with a distinct identity.

Malcolm went on to explain that the campaign wants to see a feasibility study carried out and referred to the appropriate bodies for consideration. He explained that Leith Custom House is owned by National Museums Scotland, and that they are happy for the building to be used if the items they store there can be housed elsewhere. Robin Harper (Green MSP for Lothians, and a committee member) supported the petition, noting that many smaller communities already have their own museums. Malcolm agreed noting that Leith is "one of the largest historic communities" that doesn't have one.

The Petitions Committee will seek the views of City of Edinburgh Council, COSLA, Enterprise companies and the Scottish Museums Council, with explicit questions about funding and any possible constraints; it will then make further recommendations. This does not fast track the petition as its supporters would have liked, but it does keep it before the Parliament under active consideration and leaves the opportunity to gather even more support.

Click here for more on the Campaign for a Leith Museum in "Leith and North"

Our submission to the Scottish Parliament in support of a Leith Museum

2007-10-25T08:46:00.000+01:00

We've submitted our evidence to the Scottish Parliament whose Public Petitions committee will be considering our petition shortly. It is a good position statement of our case, so we're posting it below.
Local MSPs can attend the meeting and speak in support of a petition - so why not contact your MSP and ask them to be there! (You can find details of your local MSP on the Scottish Parliament website)

Campaign for a Leith Museum
Evidence for Scottish Parliament Public Petitions Committee
Petition PE 103, to be considered at the meeting of 6th November, 2007

Introduction

The campaign for a Leith museum fully supports the petition to the Scottish Parliament submitted by John Arthur. We would request that the signatures to our paper petition be considered alongside and in support of the e-petition. The signed petitions have been submitted to the Clerk.

Our campaign is directed at the establishment of a Leith museum, but we do support the developments of local museums elsewhere in Scotland.

Why Leith?

Leith is one of the largest historic communities in Edinburgh without its own dedicated museum. There have been repeated efforts over decades to establish a Leith museum, but these have never come to fruition. Edinburgh City Council has from time to time investigated the possibility of such a museum being established, but once again these have never resulted in any positive outcomes. At present, the only museum facility in Leith is at Trinity House. This is the home of the Incorporation of Shipowners and Shipmasters, and has a small collection of maritime memorabilia which can be visited by appointment.
Apart from that, there has been nothing else except occasional displays in Leith library, and for a short period in about 1985, an exhibition on the “forced merger” of Leith with Edinburgh, which was displayed in the Custom House Gallery section of Leith Custom House (see below). There is a small fisheries heritage museum in Newhaven. This, however, is only a small museum dealing solely with the heritage of Newhaven with a concentration on its history as a fishing port. It does not deal with the wider history of the area (of which Newhaven is only one small part), and in any event this museum has been temporarily closed by Edinburgh City Council.
Leith’s history is rich and varied, and given the port’s importance as the gateway to Scotland’s capital, its history includes some of the most significant events in the history of Scotland. Our campaign therefore seeks to establish a museum which will feature not just the history of Leith, but place it in its wider context as part of the history of Edinburgh and of Scotland. Furthermore, Leith, like many other communities in Scotland, is currently undergoing rapid change with new developments, new residents, and a growing representation of new ethnic communities. We believe that a Leith museum could play an important role in strengthening community links between the existing and new communities; such a museum should be a living and vibrant place where the community of today and the next generation can find out more about the history of their community, and where the older and existing community can celebrate the history and culture which has made Leith the place it is today.

A museum for Leith would also be of economic development benefit to Leith, which notwithstanding recent changes still includes some of the areas in Edinburgh with the highest indicators of social deprivation. It would also provide a boost to the tourism potential of Leith and of Edinburgh as a whole.

Where might a Leith museum be established?

There is no shortage of suitable historic buildings in Leith where such a museum could be established. Possibilities also exist in the new developments currently taking place and proposed for Leith docks, and we note that Forth Ports have suggested making space available for some type of museum in their proposed redevelopment. As a campaign, we have not yet expressed a preference for a particular venue, as we consider our priority is to build up support for the principle of a museum so that we can work with the relevant local and governmental authorities to carry out the necessary feasibility work to take forward the idea of a museum for Leith. However, we are particularly interested in the possibility of using the Custom House as a location for a museum. This is currently used by the National Museums of Scotland as storage. The National Museums have expressed a willingness to move out of the building, but would require funding from the Scottish Government (or elsewhere) to provide alternative storage space to allow them to vacate the building.

Our campaign and steering group

This present campaign for a Leith museum was established by the MP for Edinburgh North & Leith, Mark Lazarowicz. It now has all party support from a wide range of representatives for the Leith area, including the following:

Mark Lazarowicz, MP for Edinburgh North & Leith (Labour)Malcolm Chisholm, MSP for Edinburgh North & Leith (Labour)Robin Harper, MSP for Lothian (Green)Gavin Strang, MP for Edinburgh East (Labour)George Foulkes, MSP for Lothian (Labour)Ian McKee, MSP for Lothian (SNP)Margo MacDonald, MSP for Lothian (Independent)Rob Munn, Councillor for Leith , Depute Lord Provost (SNP)Marjorie Thomas, Councillor for Leith (Liberal Democrat)Gordon Munro, Councillor for Leith (Labour)Angela Blacklock, Councillor for Leith Walk (Labour)Maggie Chapman, Councillor for Leith Walk (Green)Louise Lang, Councillor for Leith Walk (Liberal Democrat)Steve Cardownie, Councillor for Forth (SNP)Elizabeth Maginnis, Councillor for Forth (Labour)
Councillor Stefan Tymkewycz (SNP)
It also has support from a large number of community organisations in the Leith area, as follows: Leith Local History Society, Leith Festival Association, Leith Harbour & Newhaven Community Council, Leith Open Space Group, Rotary Club of Leith, Saltire Society Edinburgh Branch, Leith Central Community Council, Leith St. Andrews Parish Church, Pilrig - St. Pauls Parish Church, Leith Links Community Council, South Leith Parish Church, and North Leith Parish Church.
The campaign is now being led by a steering group drawn from a wide cross section of the Leith community, including representatives from many of the above organisations together with a number of local business leaders.

Our priorities and our request to the Public Petitions committee

The current top priority of the campaign is to obtain the support of local and central government, along with other relevant agencies, to the principle of a Leith museum, and thereafter to work with us to carry out the necessary feasibility work into the establishment of such a museum. As indicated above, our view is that this work has relevance for Scotland as a whole, not least because of the possibilities offered by use of Leith Custom House, which would require support from an agency funded by the Scottish Government, namely the National Museums of Scotland.

We would therefore hope that the relevant departments of the Scottish Government would agree to work with our campaign to develop the proposals set out in this paper. We would also hope that our efforts would be supported by the relevant economic development and tourism promotion bodies given the obvious potential of such a museum in these respects.

For further information, contact the Chair of the Campaign for a Leith Museum, Mark Lazarowicz MP, at mark@marklazarowicz.org.uk
Visit http://leithmuseum.blogspot.com
for more details of the campaign and its supporters.

Save Newhaven museum

2007-10-10T20:22:00.000+01:00

Worrying news recently about the Newhaven museum. According to an article in the Evening News the council is in dispute with Forth Ports, and Newhaven museum may not reopen!

As a campaign for a Leith museum, we certainly don't want Newhaven to lose its museum. Newhaven has its own history, and the Newhaven museum should complement a Leith museum. Let your City Councillor know that Newhaven museum should be reopened as soon as possible! Click here for details of how to contact your local Edinburgh councillor.

Scottish Parliament to consider Leith Museum petition

2007-10-10T19:09:00.000+01:00

Our petition in support of a Leith museum will be heard by the Scottish Parliament Public Petitions Committee at its meeting on Tuesday 6 November. The meeting will be held in Committee Room 1, at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, and is scheduled to start at 2.00 pm.

MSPs who are not on the Public Petitions Committee can still go along and address the committee. Encourage your MSP to go along and support our campaign!

Custom House in the "Evening News"

2007-10-05T21:24:00.000+01:00

A good article here in the Evening News about Custom House becoming a Leith museum!

Leith Docks planning application

2007-10-01T21:08:00.000+01:00

We're still wading through the massive planning application by Forth Ports plc to redevelop Leith docks to find out what they are saying about a Leith museum (see below). The application consists of about 12 volumes, which makes it very hard to understand the whole picture (a fact which has led Mark Lazarowicz MP to call for an extension of the very limited period available for public comment on the proposals).

At present, however, comments on the application close on Friday 12th October, and on the supplementary documents on Friday 19th October. STOP PRESS: the closing date has now been extended to 2nd November.

You can find the application on-line at Edinburgh City Council's planning website and can also submit comments on-line. If you can make a full comment, so much the better. At the very least, it would be helpful for museum supporters to write in and say they think that a museum should be provided for Leith; and if it is not in the docks redevelopment, then the developers should be required to make a contribution to the cost of establishing a museum elsewhere in Leith (which many people would prefer). Click here for a link to the City Council's planning website. To access the planning application for Leith docks, enter the following application reference: 07/03895/OUT

Although the planning application is difficult to get through, the Evening News had a big article on the development which does give more information.

Update on Leith Docks planning application

2007-09-29T19:06:00.000+01:00

We've tried to find out more about the suggestion that the planned redevelopment of Leith docks recently announced by Forth Ports might include a Leith museum. We've had look at the massive outline planning application and supplementary documents. So far we've certainly been able to find a reference to a museum being a possibility, but no definite commitment. We're trying to find out more, and will put a post on this blog when we do (see above). Whether or not that's the best place for a Leith museum is a good question, which we'll come back to. Anyone with any views, let us have them in a comment!

Leith docks development and a new Museum?

2007-09-10T18:10:00.000+01:00

Interesting development this week with the launch of Forth Ports' application for outline planning permission for the redevelopment of Leith docks. It appears that one of the possibilities is that it will include a site for a museum. It's not clear to the campaign at this stage how firm a proposal this is, and/or whether there is any suggestion of any funding for such a museum, or just a possible site, but it's certainly interesting. It's also encouraging because it shows that the idea of a Leith museum is catching on (although some - including supporters of the campaign - have strong views a museum should be in the existing Leith rather than in the docks area).

Nevertheless, it's certainly a sign of how our campaign is catching on. We'll be finding out more about the suggestion and reporting back here soon.

Campaign update

2007-08-30T14:27:00.000+01:00

Here's an update on how things have been going with the Leith Museum Campaign during and after the summer break!

The petition continues to get strong backing. There's about 3000 signatures in support of the campaign so far, and more and more are coming in every day. The signatures that have been sent in on petition forms have been added to the signatures on the "e-petition" to the Scottish Parliament, and that petition will be going before the Scottish Parliament over the next few weeks.

Local MP Mark Lazarowicz who launched the campaign had a meeting with the Director of the National Museums of Scotland who are the current owners of Leith Custom House, one of the possible locations for a Leith museum. Mark says the meeting was "very useful", and there'll be more information about this on this website in a day or two.

Finally, there's a meeting on 3rd September of some of the local groups who've been backing this campaign to talk about where we take the campaign next.

There'll be more updates on all of this in the next few days.

Possible locations for a Leith Museum

2007-06-14T15:54:00.000+01:00

Where might a Leith Museum be situated? Well, there's a number of obvious possibilities. One suggestion (right) is the former Leith Town Hall, now used as Leith Police Station.

Another suggestion is Lamb's House, currently owned by the National Trust for Scotland. (left)

And many people's favourite would be Custom House (below - and a modern day photo on the right of this blog), currently used by the National Museums of Scotland for storage. This occupies a prominent position on the Water of Leith.

Of course, at present, all these ideas are just that - ideas. But it certainly shows there's no shortage of fine buildings which could be used.

All-party backing for Leith Museum campaign

2007-06-05T10:48:00.001+01:00

The Campaign is now getting all-party support from local and national elected representatives.
Here's a list of the politicians who are currently supporting the campaign:
Mark Lazarowicz, MP for Edinburgh North & Leith (Labour)
Malcolm Chisholm, MSP for Edinburgh North & Leith (Labour)
Robin Harper, MSP for Lothian (Green)
Councillor Stefan Tymkewycz (SNP)
Gavin Strang, MP for Edinburgh East (Labour)
George Foulkes, MSP for Lothian (Labour)
Ian McKee, MSP for Lothian (SNP)
Margo MacDonald, MSP for Lothian (Independent)
Rob Munn, Councillor for Leith (SNP)
Marjorie Thomas, Councillor for Leith (Liberal Democrat)
Gordon Munro, Councillor for Leith (Labour)
Angela Blacklock, Councillor for Leith Walk (Labour)
Maggie Chapman, Councillor for Leith Walk (Green)
Louise Lang, Councillor for Leith Walk (Liberal Democrat)
Steve Cardownie, Councillor for Forth, Depute Lord Provost (SNP)
Elizabeth Maginnis, Councillor for Forth (Labour)

We've written to all the councillors for the Leith, Leith Walk, and Forth wards, asking for their support. We'll update the list of supporters as and when we hear from them.

Evening News publicises our campaign launch

2007-06-05T10:47:00.001+01:00

We're pleased to see the Edinburgh Evening News gave quite a big piece of coverage to the launch of our campaign - see here The Leith Links website has also given us a lot of publicity as well - thanks!

Join the Campaign for a Leith Museum

2007-06-05T10:46:00.000+01:00

For decades, there have been repeated calls for the establishment of a Leith Museum. Campaigns have been launched, studies carried out, promises made - but Leith, one of the most historic communities in Scotland, still does not have a permanent, full time, museum. Now, as Leith undergoes massive change, the case for the port to have its own museum is stronger than ever. A museum will be a showcase of Leith's heritage to the Leith community, bringing together Leithers of many generations with those who have settled in Leith only recently. Leith deserves a museum which will appeal to both young and old, strengthen community links at a time of rapid social change, and will highlight Leith's important role in the history of Scotland as a whole. Now is the time for government and public agencies, with the support also of the big developers who are transforming the face of Leith, to make a real commitment to help establish a real museum for Leith. This campaign calls upon Edinburgh City Council to support the establishment of a Leith museum, along with the others who can have an important role to play in making this dream a reality - the Scottish Executive and Historic Scotland, the National Museums of Scotland, Scottish Enterprise, the National Trust for Scotland, the National Lottery, and the Leith community itself. If you support this campaign for a Leith museum, sign the petition and show your support as well!

Campaigning for a Leith Museum for 60 years

2007-06-05T10:44:00.000+01:00

(many thanks to John Arthur for contributing this article)

The Campaign for a Leith Museum has been going on for over sixty years and has included the last of the Balfour family who died in Pilrig House in 1941 (who in fact gave Pilrig House to the Edinburgh Council to be used as a Leith Museum but her wishes were never carried out). Dr James Scott Marshall the eminent Leith Historian and Minister of the Kirkgate Church and Councillor Rev Elizabeth Wardlaw whose efforts in developing the Leith Festival is still appreciated by many in Leith and many others over the years but still Leith hasn’t a Museum of its own.

However the first question should be “why a Museum in the first place?” For what possible reason should the Council anyone else for that matter support a Leith Museum? Can I suggest the following-?

1) If we forget the past then we condemn ourselves to repeat the mistakes of the past
2) It would inform, educate and enlighten this and future generations of what is, was and can be the future for Leith
3) It would bring people, cultures and communities closer together
4) Unless people clearly understand through different media the reasons for the problems in Leith today and there origins then current problems cannot be tackled.
5) At a time of rapid technological and cultural change there is a great temptation to forget the past and think it irrelevant to the present but such a view would be very shortsighted. Because the origins and reasons for things happening today lie in the past.
6) There are many people abroad and ex-pats who are interested in Leith and are returning in ever increasing numbers every year and so a Leith Museum would be essential to the Tourist industry and to the many small businesses, shops, hotels, B&B’s, Public Houses and restaurants that depend on the tourist industry for their business.
7) It would engender a community spirit and would bring people closer together and encourage greater understanding between generations of people and cultures which is essential in today’s climate of tension.
8) It would encourage a pride in the area
9) It would show Leith is more then merely an area for developers and for the well healed but has a proud history going back into the mists of time
10) It would help promote Leith to the wider world and place it on the World stage which may sound ambitious but the fact remains that Leithers have travelled all over the world and traded with Europe for centuries. These are our strengths and we should use it for the benefit of all and not the few.

Further a Leith Museum wouldn’t only focus of the History of Leith a small place in Edinburgh, but what people seem to fail to recognise is the central role that Leith has played in the history of Scotland. Most of the Kings and Queens of Scotland from the time of David I came to Leith including William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, the Reformation of the Church of Scotland started and was completed in Leith, The Knights of St John built one of the largest monasteries in Scotland in Leith, the whole idea of the United Kingdom has its origins in Leith, Not to mention the poets, writers, painters, doctors, social reformers, soldiers, engineers, seamen, and real pirates connected to Leith that gave the world great literature like “Kidnapped” and “Treasure Island” by Robert L. Stevenson. That is not to mention the Ship builders and inventers and the list of the contributions of Leith to world culture and heritage is endless. The first steam ship to cross the Atlantic was built in Leith like the first ship to pass through the Suez Canal and this is only scratching the surface of Leith History... So to suggest that Leith hasn’t a history is showing a very great ignorance and stupidity but also insulting to the people of Leith

So assuming we got the backing for a Leith Museum where in my opinion should it be? The Leith Town Hall currently used by the Police in Charlotte Street although a beautiful building is really too small to be used as a Museum. Lambs House is a proper 17th century merchant’s house currently owned by the National Trust which could be used. However the costs of bringing it up to modern museum standards and for the building to be brought into line with modern building regulations where the public has access may prove prohibitive. The only building suitable in my opinion would be the Custom House in Commercial Street. The reasons being-

1) It looks like a museum and has status and presence.
2) It can be developed and expanded internally for exhibitions and multi-purpose requirements
3) It has plenty of space
4) It is the sort of building that would be a credit to Leith and is recognisable
5) It’s on a main Street connecting the new Leith developments with Old Leith in close proximity to, restaurants, hotels and the Ocean Terminal and the Scottish Executive.

Although the cost to buy, run and develop the Custom House may initially be expensive in the short term in the long term it would prove to be a very wise investment in the future for the development of the area as a whole, the increase status it would give to Leith, the increase in visitor numbers and business in the area and by return a increase in employment and investment.

Let us not look at this through rose tinted spectacles to run, organise and pay for a Leith Museum is not easy nor is it cheap by any stretch of the imagination. However in my opinion it must be done not only for the well being of Leith, or the development of Leith, not only for business reasons which are good enough reasons in themselves but for the future generations of Leithers that will come after us, for our children and our children’s, children. Are we really going to allow the History and culture of Leith to be left ignored and discarded as if it was nothing because if we do that this generation and this council will stand rightly condemned at the bar of history