Consider this. Leith Links East, a green oasis in Edinburgh’s dock district, holds stories within its grassy expanse. This public park, divided into eastern and western sections, has witnessed centuries of Scottish history.
Leith Links East is more than just a park. It’s a historical landmark. In 1560, during the Siege of Leith, English and Scottish troops used this area. They created siege trenches. Two mounds, Giant’s Brae and Lady Fyfe’s Brae, served as artillery mounds. These mounds, now scheduled monuments, played a crucial role in the siege.
Fast forward to the 17th and 18th centuries. Leith Links East became Edinburgh’s premier golf destination. Golf’s history is deeply intertwined with this very ground. The rules of golf were developed here. The Royal and Ancient Company of Golfers adopted these rules when they moved to St Andrews in 1777. Charles I and James VII and II were said to have played golf on the links.
Leith Links East was also the site of a deadly plague. In 1645, a plague outbreak struck Leith. The infected were quarantined in huts on the Links. The town was divided. Quartermasters supplied food. The dead were buried here, wrapped in their blankets.
The park’s formalization came in 1888. It was part of the Leith Improvement Plan. The area was levelled. Trees were planted. Cast iron railings were erected. These were later removed during World War II.
Today, Leith Links East offers a variety of activities. The east section features an informal cricket pitch. The Leith Franklin Academicals Beige cricket club uses it. The park hosts annual events. These include the Leith Festival Gala Day in June and the Edinburgh Mela in late August.
Take a stroll through Leith Links East. Notice the mature elm trees. Despite losses to Dutch elm disease, many elms still stand tall. They were originally planted because of their tolerance to salty sea winds.
Leith Links East stands as a testament to history and recreation. It’s a place where golf legends were made. It’s a place where communities gathered. It’s a place where you can enjoy a walk or a picnic today. The park continues to be a vital part of Leith’s identity.