Day 54
The Kirkgate
“As a bairn in the 60’s, born in Ballantyne Place, looking up Leith Walk from the old Kirkgate, the road seemed to go on, and on, and on...Now, in my 60’s, whenever I get to visit, it’s a different vista in a differing world yet as thriving as it ever was. There is, clearly, a ‘Spirit of Leith’; one that has welcomed incomers and facilitated travellers to spread themselves across the globe, yet still offers a “hame tae a’”.”
In the redevelopment of the Kirkgate several streets disappeared along with the old buildings, and the Newkirkgate shopping centre was born. As with many high streets, the 60’s began a gradual shift from small independent retailers to larger chain stores. Yet, the Kirkgate remains a focal point of Leith, a busy hive of activity.
Do you have memories of the Kirkgate before the 1960’s demolition and rebuild of the Kirkgate centre as it is now? Or of the changing shop fronts over the years? Comment below or contact us via this website.
Many images in slide show provided by City of Edinburgh Council - Edinburgh Libraries Capital Collections.