Historic Leith bridge to be repaired

A GRADE A-listed bridge in the Leith area of Edinburgh is to be repaired, following permission received from the city’s council.

Say owners, Forth Ports (here), it has been “granted Listed Building Consent by The City of Edinburgh Council to fully repair the Category A-listed Victoria Swing Bridge located at the Port of Leith, to conserve the bridge for the future and create a useable space for the local community”.

The announcement continues: “The private six-figure investment will see the bridge, which is the largest counterweighted swing bridge in Scotland, fully repaired, with a phased programme of specialist works which will protect the character and form of the bridge.”

Adds Forth Ports: “The Victoria Swing Bridge was designed by Alexander Rendel and opened in 1874 to provide an efficient road and railway route for the port following the completion of construction of Albert Dock in 1869.

“The bridge was originally B listed but was upgraded to an A listing in 2014.

“It is constructed of riveted wrought iron, timber and steel and originally carried a double rail track along its central deck (providing access for both trains and road vehicles) and features pedestrian walkways on either side.”

Picture credit: Place Design Scotland

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