In 1560, Scotland was ruled from Leith by Mary of Guise, who was acting as Regent for her daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots, while she was in France. While in charge, Mary of Guise moved the Scottish Court to Leith, and established a palace on Rotten Row, which is now Water Street.
When the large French garrison stationed in Leith was attacked by Scottish Protestant lords, reinforced by troops and artillery sent from England, Mary of Guise hid away in Edinburgh Castle.She died in June of 1560 and the Siege of Leith ended after the French troops signed the Treaty of Leith, also known as the Treaty of Edinburgh.
The “Wars between Edinburgh and Leith” took place from 1571-73 following Mary Queen of Scots’ abdication in 1567. This civil war saw supporters of James VI of Scotland fighting his mother's supporters while basing themselves in the town.
Later, during the American War of Independence, John Paul Jones set sail with a squadron of seven ships, planning to destroy British commerce in the North Sea. He had planned to capture Leith port and hold it to ransom, but the Scottish weather put paid to his plans when a storm kept him at the mouth the Firth of Forth. The attempt to capture the port led Leith Fort being built, presumably to stop any more attempts.
Leith Docks became known as the port for Edinburgh, and the shipbuilding and repair industries started to grow there. In May 1806, the new wet dock opened with a grand procession of the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Baillies, and Council, plus well titled ladies and gentlemen.
The foundation stone for the second wet dock was laid in March 1811, and completed and opened in 1817 by Lord Provost Arbuthnot. Marking the town’s prosperity, the Trinity House in Kirkgate was built the same year at great expense.
Leith Docks went into decline following the-Second World War, and the town gained something of an unsavoury reputation. In recent years, however, things have improved greatly, with investment into regeneration.
The 'Leith Project' gave the town a welcome economic boost, turning the old shore into an attractive area with a range of upmarket pubs and restaurants. In 2003, Leith even hosted the MTV Europe Music Awards, in a temporary venue next to Ocean Terminal.
The town is now a busy port which entertains visitors from cruise liners and is also the
residence of the Royal Yacht Britannia, Ocean Terminal, and administrative offices for
several departments of the Scottish Government.
