The Leith Flag

Leith, ah Leith, that wee un-loved gem nestling on the shore north of your big neighbor - Edinburgh, whatever went wrong, another forced marriage between unequal partners, sad really, history repeating itself again, isn’t it ?. When did it all go wrong ?.

Answer, in 1920. At long last Edinburgh got her wish and subsumed Leith into it’s grasp. Leith and its proud citizens who were and are always Leithers first, and Edinburgers last, gave up the ghost and knuckled under. In all the bru-ha-ha, the one single important symbol of Leiths unique status as a newish burgh and an ancient town was lost, seemingly forever, their historic emblem, their unique flag !.

Fault can be laid at the door of the then councillors of Leith for not recognizing that in giving up their individual identity also meant loosing their special flag. In the same vein, the councillors of Edinburgh, equally were deficient in not recognizing the great identifier that the Leith flag was, not only for Leith but for the city as a whole. So, in all the administrative details that had to be attended to, the flag was overlooked but not by everybody.

The crown, who have some role in these things took it upon itself to grab title to the emblem of Leith as they invoked their authority on what they regarded as a crest and therefore an heraldic symbol of Leith and it’s former status as a burgh. So, since 1920 the ancient flag of Leith has been crown property and illegal to be flown over the town of Leith, or anywhere else for that matter.

This situation was felt by the writer to be unconscionable and needed re-dressing. How to go about it ?. Perhaps go to source ?. So a visit to the office of the Lord Lyon was in order. The Lord Lyon, the Queens representative in Scotland on such matters is a fairly formidable person to take on but after 90 years, it was time. Initially, polite but unhelpful their resistance faded when I threatened to call Lizzie to demand the flag back as clearly, she had no need for it. Suddenly, the Lord Lyon’s office became more helpful. Having detailed out a mechanism as to how the flag could be retrieved fro Leith the writer made his way back towards Leith mulling over the implications of the advice and how to create a mechanism as to how to potentially retrieve the return of the flag with some local involvement.

The long walk back home formulated a plan. Firstly, the pupils of Leith Academy wore a version of the Leith flag as their uniform badge, perhaps the school might be interested in supporting a campaign ?.

Then, recalling that an old acquaintance was now the Deputy Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, the die was set.

Phone calls were enthusiastically received and meetings arranged. The school were in their 450th year and about to celebrate this historic anniversary later in the year, bingo !. They were all for rolling up their sleeves and supporting the writers campaign. The Deputy Lord Provost too was highly enthusiastic. Game on !.

During 2010 the following occurred. The Academy set about creating a task for their Modern Studies department to prepare a petition to be delivered to the city and upon receipt, the Deputy Lord Provost would then himself petition the office of the Lord Lyon for the return of the flag. Much more clout than the writer on his own could evoke.

June 2010 an 800 signature petition was formally received at the City Chambers, delivered by the pupils and staff of the Academy. This little ceremony was a great experience for the kids and the city laid on a small reception for them in the offices of the Deputy Lord Provost, enjoyed by all.

In some respect, that was the job done by the school but not quite.

Edinburgh, a city of great history could not be allowed to let the 450th anniversary of the school slip by - unnoticed. The writer, twisting a few arms, managed to persuade the city to formally honor the school and this proposal was placed before a formal council meeting.

The city embraced the idea with enthusiasm to the extent that they elected to hold a Civic Reception for the school later that year at the main meeting room of the Council Chambers.

In the meantime, the school had to celebrate it’s historic anniversary which was scheduled for October. Horror upon horrors. The writer discovered that whilst the school had it’s own version of the Leith flag as their school badge, they had never ever had a flag created from it.

A quick check revealed that in providing a dispensation to the school to utlilise a derivation of the Leith flag as a school badge that the dispensation also extended to the creation of a flag, something which had never been activated.

A quick proposal to the local business community via the area Business Association produced the necessary funds to provide a flag to coincide with the celebrations. So it was, that on the 450th anniversary of Leith Academy the local Business Association presented to the school in a packed Assembly Hall a stunning hand embroidered 5’ x 4’ flag to rapturous applause and cheering. Another job done.

The steady hand of the Deputy Lord Provost was now working with the office of the Lord Lyon to secure the return to Leith of its ancient symbol. Monies were paid and done through official channels, unlikely therefore that the Lord Lyon would ignore a formal request from the city whereas he might have summarily dismissed any approach from an impoverished private citizen.

These things move inexorably slowly. Speed is not a word used lightly in the Lord Lyon’s exalted establishment. Most of 2011 has passed as the Lord Lyon considers the request. This time however has not been wasted. The potential return of the properly entitled Flag of the Port of Leith has created many opportunities for a complete re-branding of Leith as a destination within the great historic city of Edinburgh itself a World Heritage site but sadly, for the moment, excluding Leith. Hopefully in time, all that will change, if the writer gets his way !!!.

The whole business community in Leith can see the advantages for Leith in re-identifying itself with it’s own symbol. This is not something exclusive to the business community for the flag is for all Leithers not just one section of the town.

A revived sense of community, a re-establishment of local pride and a one up for Leith for so long denied even that by it’s larger neighbor is so long overdue. This one action, the return of the flag is the one galvanizing element that has been missing for all these long 90 years and hopefully, soon, it will make a triumphal return to the Port of Leith and it’s environs where it can be celebrated with pride and visited by tourists and locals alike keen to understand the highly significant symbol that has been Leith’s for nearly 950 years. Who can deny us this history ?.

The Flag of the Port of Leith is thought to have arrived in Leith in the middle of the 11th century. The flag is not Scottish, far from it and the flag does not depict what people believe it does, that is a whole other story which, if this little expose excites you can be the subject of another article. Save to say that the flag of Leith predates the Saltire, probably by several hundred years although the Saltire was extant at the time of arrival in Leith of what was to become, its adopted flag.

Leith Flag now flying high

The historian had very much hoped that the flag would be released in time for the Leith Pageant in June, but unfortunately that was just not possible. It seems that things move slowly in the world of heraldry and every box must of course be ticked to ensure the provenance of any claim.

Part of the work to obtain the rights to the coat of arms was directed by former Deputy Lord Provost Rob Munn who was also present at the ceremony today. Following the bestowal by Mrs Elizabeth Rhodes from the Court of the Lord Lyon, the Sea Cadets helped fold the flag properly and it was then taken to roof of Leith Library where it is now flying. Mackenzie & Millar transported Mrs Rhodes with the Letters Patent to the Leith Library this morning in a very fancy chauffeur driven car as their contribution to this big Leith Community event.

The history of the flag is a very old one.

Alex explained:-“For more than 770 years, this flag flew proudly over the town of Leith. It was such an iconic image that it was selected to become the Coat of Arms of Leith in 1833 when Leith achieved Burgh status.It was at this time that the legend ‘Persevere’ first appeared to be added to the cartouche along with the Latin inscription Sigillum Oppidi de Leith, the Emblem of the Port of Leith.

“As the rights to the flag/Coat of Arms could only be awarded by the office of the Lord Lyon to a Leith-wide organisation it was the decision by the Deputy Lord Provost, Rob Munn, who was very helpful in moving the flag forward while in office, that it should be the Neighborhood Partnership that should receive this, once granted.”

Alex is hopeful that the principal idea to have the flag flying from as many buildings in Leith as possible will now be fulfilled

We spoke to him and some of the others attending the ceremony today to find out more about how the process unfolded and what it means in the future.

Alex Wilson a Leither at heart

Alex Wilson did not live all of his life in Leith, nor was he born there, but he was a sure and certain part of the fabric of the area until his untimely death last week.

The Edinburgh Reporter met Alex in his guise as Chair of the Leith Business Association. Then of course he was a historian, and yes there was the flag, oh and the walking tours. He was passionate about everything he did, but passionate in particular about Leith. He will be very much missed by all who knew him.

Depute Lord Provost Councillor Deidre Brock said: “Alex Wilson was one of this community’s biggest champions, and was involved in so many different campaigns on behalf of his beloved Leith. He always wanted the very best for the area and for everyone who lived and worked here, and he will genuinely be greatly missed by us all”.

His friend and colleague Cron Mackay writes:

I FIRST MET ALEX WILSON WHEN HE SPOKE TO LEITH ROTARY ABOUT BRINGING THE LEITH FLAG HOME TO LEITH AND HAVING A LARGE NUMBER OF LEITH FLAGS DECORATING THE TOWN.

HE WAS SO VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT THIS THAT IT ALMOST AMOUNTED TO A CRUSADE. HE STRONGLY BELIEVED THAT EVERY LEITHER SHOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO FLY THEIR OWN FLAG. HE MANAGED TO PERSUADE COUNCILLOR ROB MUNN TO BECOME A SUPPORTER AND THE COAT OF ARMS WERE EVENTUALLY AWARDED TO LEITH NEIGHBOURHOOD PARTNERSHIP. UNFORTUNATELY, ALTHOUGH HE WON THE BATTLE, HE LOST THE WAR, AND THE ONLY LEITH FLAG THAT WAS EVER FLOWN, ADORNED LEITH LIBRARY UNTIL IT BECAME TATTERED AND WAS BROUGHT DOWN.

ANOTHER CRUSADE WAS IN SUPPORT OF THE BUSINESS OWNERS IN LEITH WALK AND CONSTITUTION STREET. THE ALMOST CONSTANT DISRUPTIONS TO THE BUSINESSES THERE CAUSED BY CONTINUAL PREPARATION WORKS FOR TRAMS HAD CAUSED FURY FROM MANY LOCAL OWNERS.

HE TRIED TO CONTAIN THIS, AND THROUGH THE LEITH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, TO DISCUSS THE PROBLEMS WITH COUNCILLORS AND COUNCIL OFFICERS. HE WAS POSITIONED IN A VERY DIFFICULT PLACE BETWEEN FURIOUS OWNERS AND COUNCIL OFFICIALS WHO SEEMED UNABLE TO GIVE ANY REASSURANCES.

HOWEVER OUT OF THIS EVOLVED THE STAKEHOLDERS COMMITTEE WHICH OVERSAW THE WORKS AND INFORMED THE BUSINESSES. INDEED, WITH THE RECENT WORKS, THE COUNCIL HAS PRODUCED DETAILED PREDICTIONS OF THE TIMES WHEN ROAD DISRUPTION WOULD OCCUR AND IN WHICH SECTION. THIS HAS GONE A LONG WAY TO ASSIST THE SHOPS AND OTHER BUSINESSES. ALTHOUGH THE BATTLES INVOLVED IN GETTING THERE NEARLY DESTROYED LEITH BUSINESS ASSOCIATION, LEITH WALK BUSINESS OWNERS OWE ALEX A HUGE VOTE OF THANKS.

HE MADE SEVERAL OTHER ATTEMPTS TO ACHIEVE LARGE IMPROVEMENTS IN LEITH. WE BOTH FELT STRONGLY THAT A WELL MARKETED LEITH WOULD BE OF IMMENSE BENEFIT TO EDINBURGH. WE DID NOT SUCCEED AT THE TIME EITHER. HOWEVER, THE SIGNS ARE THAT MANY OF THESE PROJECTS WILL HAPPEN IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

WHEN WE ALL LOOK BACK, WE MAY WELL REALISE THAT HIS VOCAL SINGLE MINDED DETERMINATION SET US ALL ON THE RIGHT PATH TO A RESURGENT LEITH.

Former landlady of the Port O’ Leith, Mary Moriarty said: “I met Alex many times at meetings and of course in the streets when going about his business. His enthusiasm and dedication to Leith will be sadly missed. The Leith Festival poster for next year has three Leith flags on it. He would have liked that.”

Sandra Marshall said:- “Alex Wilson will be sorely missed in Leith. He threw all his experience, into trying to help Leith become a better place, and we will all remember a strong, committed person who never gave up trying to help our community.”

Nick Gardner, Labour Councillor, Leith Walk Ward said: “Alex had a lively, playful and creative character. I am very sad that his boundless energy has been taken from us, and will miss him very much.”

Keith Hales has organised a wake in Leith following the funeral which is to be held in St Monan’s this Friday

Friday 12th December, 12.15pm service in the church then 1.00pm at the graveside

St Monans Parish Church Braehead St Monans, Fife

There will also be a gathering afterwards, most likely at The Ship Inn, Elie which is a short distance from St Monan’s en route back to Edinburgh.

The Leith wake for Alex has been provisionally been arranged for Friday December 12th at &.00pm at Teuchters Landing, Leith.

TER MM Pommery Bar 2013 19

Alexander WILSON Obituary

WILSON Alexander (Alex) (Edinburgh) At the Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, on Tuesday, December 2, 2014, Alexander (Alex) Wilson, aged 64 years, Chancelot Terrace, Edinburgh, dearly loved son of the late Alex and Agnes Cameron Wilson, of St Monans. Alex was a good friend to so many but will be deeply missed particularly by Dean, Bryan, Andrew, Stuart and Gwen. He was an active member of the Scottish Democratic Alliance and worked tirelessly with Leith Business Association to raise the profile and historical significance of Leith. Funeral service at St Monans Parish Church, on Friday, December 12, at 12.15 pm, thereafter to St Monans Cemetery at 1 pm, all friends are respectfully invited.

Perseverance pays off as coat of arms to fly above Leith once more
IT has been almost a century since the historic Leith coat of arms was seen flying over the port.
From the Scotsman Newspaper 21st Jan 2012.

ow the flag is set to be returned to the ownership of the community as part of a long-running campaign to allow Leithers to fly their coat of arms once again.

The Court of the Lord Lyon, the heraldic authority for Scotland, has been responsible for the historic crest since 1920.

However, Leith councillor Rob Munn revealed that Leith will once again be allowed to use the coat of arms freely in three months’ time.

Councillor Munn, Deputy Lord Provost, said: “When Leith amalgamated with Edinburgh, the coat of arms fell out of use and was in the care of the Lord Lyon’s office. Previously the Borough Council had it. Over the past decade or so there’s been discussions about getting it back.

“The letter I received this week from the Lord Lyon’s office says they will be ready to hand the coat of arms back to the people of Leith in three months. It’s quite exciting.

“Getting it back won’t solve Leith’s problems, but if it gives it a stronger identity and sense of place, that’s something to be welcomed.

“It should be flown and it should be flown proudly.”

The decision to return the flag follows a campaign, led in part by local resident, writer and historian Alex Wilson. The drive to restore the flag has also been helped by Leith Academy pupils, who use a version of its symbol for their school crest.

With the support of Cllr Munn, and a petition signed by 582 people, the process began in summer 2010 to reinstate the flag under the charge of Leith Neighbourhood Partnership.

Mr Wilson, 58, who lives in Ferry Road, said: “The flag will bring back a sense of community in Leith which has been lost a bit over the years.

“Everybody, old or young, will benefit and see the flag flying. Nobody alive today has seen the flag flying, so it’s going to be a revelation.”

The crest of the flag features representations of Mary and Jesus in a sailing ship, under the legend “Sigillum Oppidi De Leith”, which translates as “the seal of the town of Leith”, and above the phrase “Persevere”, and is believed to have been brought to the community by 11th-century French traders.

The crest can still be seen on some lampposts, and on several old buildings in Leith.

The Court of the Lord Lyon is understood to have heraldic artists currently designing a slightly different version of the flag for the handover.

Its official title will be The Arms of Leith Neighbourhood Partnership and it will be based on the Arms of the former Leith Borough Council.

Cllr Munn added: “As far as I’m aware, there’s no great change apart from the galley will appear in brown rather than sable because it’s not going back to the actual borough council. The change is to denote the new body taking it over.”