Tally Toor, Martello tower in Leith, Scotland
Tally Toor is a cylindrical defensive tower standing on the eastern breakwater of Leith Docks, now surrounded by industrial development following land reclamation. The structure remains visible above the surrounding landscape despite being partially buried by modern harbor expansion.
The tower was built in 1809 during the Napoleonic Wars as a coastal defense structure for Leith Harbour. This period marked an era of heightened fortification efforts across Scotland's coast.
Irish folk symbols are carved into the stonework, marking the presence of Irish workers who participated in its construction. These inscriptions provide a direct connection to the laborers who built this defensive structure.
Access to the tower requires permission from Forth Ports, which holds the keys and manages the structure as part of the protected harbor infrastructure. It is best to contact the port authority in advance to arrange a visit.
In the 1850s, the structure received a trefoil gun-emplacement and interior modifications to adapt to changing military technology and tactics. These alterations reveal how coastal defenses evolved to meet new threats over time.
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