Kirkgate, Leith facts for kids

Kirkgate, Leith, a historic street in Edinburgh.

A view of Kirkgate, showing its traditional architecture.

Another perspective of Kirkgate, highlighting its long history.

Kirkgate is a very old street in Leith, which is part of Edinburgh, Scotland. It stretches north from the bottom of Leith Walk towards the Leith Docks. This street is one of the oldest in the area and was once a super important road for travel and trade.

Most of the buildings on the old Kirkgate and nearby streets like Tolbooth Wynd were taken down in the 1960s. In their place, a new shopping area called Newkirkgate Shopping Centre was built, along with new homes. This project, finished in 1965, included a tall apartment building called Linksview House, which is considered a special historic building. Many people who used to live in Kirkgate moved to new housing areas in other parts of Edinburgh.

What's in a Name? The Story of Kirkgate

The name "Kirkgate" comes from an old language called Old Norse. It means "Church Street." The street is likely named after the South Leith Parish Church, which is a very old and important church in the area. So, its name tells us it was the road leading to the church!

Important Places and Buildings on Kirkgate

Kirkgate has been home to several important buildings over the years. Some of these include:

• Gaiety Theatre, Leith: A place where people used to go to watch shows and performances.
• Trinity House of Leith: This building was once the headquarters for a group that helped sailors and their families.
• Leith Hospital: A hospital that provided care for people in Leith.
• South Leith Parish Church: The historic church that the street is likely named after. It's been a central part of the community for centuries.
• Linksview House: A modern tower block built in the 1960s, which is now a protected historic building.

Famous People Who Lived on Kirkgate

Over the years, some interesting people have called Kirkgate home. Here are a few:

• Lord Balmerino: A Scottish nobleman.
• Robert Andrew Macfie: A successful businessman who also served as a Member of Parliament, meaning he was elected to help make laws for the country.
• William Merrilees: A well-known policeman.