Created 30-Nov-22
Modified 4-Jun-24
Edinburgh Street Tramways had an extensive network of horse tramways which also included Leith. When Edinburgh Corporation took over the tramways in their area on 9th December 1903 the company was left with a much smaller network operating in Leith. This was taken over by Leith Corporation who went about a programme of conversion to electric traction. The first electric tram ran on 18th August 1905 and the formal opening took place on3rd November 1905. The system expanded slightly to its maximum length of about nine miles by 1909.
Although the two systems used the same gauge, through running wasn't possible as Edinburgh had opted for cable traction. This was a significant impediment to the considerable through traffic from Edinburgh to Leith and passengers had to change at Pilrig, a major inconvenience which was known as the "Pilrig Muddle".
From 20th November 1920 the system was incorporated into the Edinburgh network as Leith had become part of the City of Edinburgh. Following the abandonment of the cable network in Edinburgh through running of electric cars was introduced and operation in Leith continued until the very end of the Edinburgh system on 16th November 1956.
© David Beilby
