Abandoned but not forgotten. That’s the story of the Leith West Breakwater Lighthouse. It stands at the north end of the West Breakwater.
Let’s delve into its history. The western harbour’s creation started between 1936 and 1942. Two breakwaters were built. The Leith West Breakwater Lighthouse sits on the western one.
This massive project came from the Leith Dock Commission’s need. They wanted to enlarge the existing docks. The breakwater added a large area of deep water. It protected the docks from waves. The construction was filmed.
The Leith Lighthouse is now disused. It’s built on a reinforced concrete platform. It is a single storey building with a flat roof. An octagonal tower sits on top. So does a cylindrical lantern with a conical roof. Originally a semaphore device signalled to ships. Later, a small electric lantern replaced the main light. It was bolted to the handrail.
Over time, the large pool became under-used. Forth Ports reclaimed land inside the West Breakwater. This area is now Western Harbour. It’s being developed with housing and parks. One park already exists. It is the Lighthouse Park near the breakwater’s end.
The Leith West Breakwater Lighthouse is also known as the Point o’ Leith. Navigational technology advanced. The lighthouse was decommissioned. Sadly, it has been derelict for years. It has been the target of vandalism.
Today, the breakwater offers a popular path. Locals walk and cycle here. They exercise and enjoy the views.
Both the West and East Breakwater lighthouses are visible from Lighthouse Park in Newhaven.
The design of the breakwater came from tests in Holland. These tests were done in the Hydraulic Laboratory of Delft. The project was called the Dutch Dyke because of this.
Remember the Leith West Breakwater Lighthouse. Think of its past. Think of its role in protecting ships. Think of the changes around it. It stands as a marker of Leith’s maritime history.