"Leith deserves a museum which will appeal to both young and old, strengthen community links at a time of rapid social change, and highlight Leith's important role in the history of Scotland as a whole.

Historians, community leaders and politicians are behind a drive aimed at the creation of a major new visitor attraction in the area.

Memorabilia and artefacts dating back hundreds of years would be sought for the venture, which organisers hope will be supported by the city council and heritage organisations.

John Arthur, of Leith Local History Society, which has triggered the campaign, said it was a "disgrace" Leith did not boast its own museum. He said: "You only have to count the number of museums within a square mile of the Tron Kirk to realise how many there are in the city centre.

"But there is no kind of museum at all in Leith, despite the rich history of the area, and something like this is long overdue."

Any new museum would be expected to celebrate landmark occasions in Leith over the years, including the visit of Mary Queen of Scots in 1561, the attempted attack by the American navy during the War of Independence in 1779, the Siege of Leith from 1559-1560 and Leith's controversial merger with Edinburgh in 1920.

The proposed museum would also chart the fortunes of Hibernian Football Club as well as honour the achievements of famous Leithers such as folk singer Dick Gaughan, chart-toppers The Proclaimers, writer Irvine Welsh and artist Eduardo Paolozzi."

Above taken from The Scotsman 03/05/07 - click here for the full article