Leith

Leith is a port district in northern Edinburgh where the Water of Leith meets the Firth of Forth and cargo ships plus ferry connections dock. The area stretches from the old harbor basin to the modern Ocean Terminal, with brick warehouses lining the quays and residential blocks in former industrial buildings.

The harbor was founded in the 12th century under the name Inverlet and developed into the main seaport for Scotland's capital. In the 19th century the district gained independent town status before merging with Edinburgh in 1920.

The waterfront along The Shore brings together fishing boats, sailing yachts and floating bars, while small art galleries in converted warehouses host open studios. Local whisky distilleries offer tastings where visitors can learn about Scottish malts, while pubs in the area serve as meeting points for residents after work.

The district is easy to explore on foot, with the walk from the old harbor to the modern terminal taking around 20 minutes. The area is flat and accessible, with walkways along the quays and public benches facing the water.

Stone quay walls from medieval times remain visible along The Shore today, showing where the harbor's first docks ran. These remains belong to the oldest preserved harbor structures in Scotland.

Location: City of Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Address: Leith, Edinburgh, UK

GPS coordinates: 55.98010,-3.17005

Latest update: December 15, 2025 04:14