The passing of the Edinburgh Boundaries Extension and Tramways Act of 1920 led to a major expansion of the city’s boundaries, including the amalgamation of a number of Midlothian parishes to the south and the fiercely independent burgh of Leith to the north.
Leithers were passionate about the sovereignty of their town and voted overwhelmingly in favour of remaining separate from Edinburgh in two plebiscites held over the course of 1920. Controversially, the boundaries act still went through.
From boundary markers to fading street signage, we take a look at 11 remnants that serve as a reminder of the days when Leith was an independent burgh in its own right.
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5. Leith Bank
Founded in 1793, Leith burgh once had its own counting house and circulated its own unique notes. The old Leith Banking Company building can still be seen today on Bernard Street. Photo: NEIL HANNA
6. Leith coat of arms
Every independent burgh. needs its own coat of arms and Leith was no different. Granted on Feburary 27, 1889, the coat of arms bears the famous "Persevere" motto. The coat of arms can still be seen all over Leith today. Photo: Contributed
7. Street names duplication
The 1920 amalgamation forced the alteration of numerous street names in Edinburgh and Leith to avoid duplication - a real headache for taxi drivers. Hope Street (pictured) in Leith was changed to Casselbank Street, while in Edinburgh's New Town, Pitt Street, which had a Leith twin, was altered to become an extension of Dundas Street. Photo: Contribution
8. Lamp columns
Leith had its own distinct ornate lamp columns, which were emblazoned with the town's coat of arms and motto. Several examples of these columns can still be found around the Leith Shore area. Photo: Contributed