Kirkgate, Leith

Summary

Kirkgate is an ancient thoroughfare in Leith, Edinburgh, Scotland. It runs north from the foot of Leith Walk towards Leith Docks. It is one of the oldest streets in the district and historically one of its most vital road links.[1]

Kirkgate, Leith
Kirkgate, Leith
Kirkgate, Leith

Most of the buildings on old Kirkgate and neighbouring streets such as Tolbooth Wynd were demolished in the 1960s and replaced by the Newkirkgate Shopping Centre and a new housing complex, which incorporates the A-listed tower block Linksview House, in 1965.[1] The resident population were mainly dispersed to new housing developments elsewhere in Edinburgh.[1]

Etymology edit

The street name is of Old Norse origin, and is identical in meaning with "Church Street".[2] The church it refers to is probably South Leith Parish Church.

Notable buildings and landmarks edit

Notable residents edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c "Lost Edinburgh: Old Kirkgate recalled". Edinburgh Evening News. Edinburgh. 29 April 2017. Retrieved 8 May 2017.
  2. ^ Reaney, P.H. The Origin of English Place Names (1964 ed.). Routledge and Kegan Paul. pp. 168, 181.
  3. ^ "Scotland's 50 post-war A-listed buildings". BBC News. BBC. 4 February 2017. Retrieved 1 April 2021.

Bibliography edit

  • Grant, James A. Cassell's Old and New Edinburgh: Its History, its people and its places. Vol. VI. London: Cassell & Company.