Leith Museum

I asked a very good friend of mine which area of Edinburgh is her favourite, particularly given she had been in the city for less than a year.

I expected Stockbridge, New Town or Royal Mile to be the answer so I was rather surprised when Leith was the answer after not very much deliberation.

And yet, why not?

It has the stunning centrepiece of the Shore area, the attractive Commercial Quay strip, the busy Ocean Terminal complex, the classy Malmaison, Martin Wishart and Kitchin establishments (2 Michelin stars between them), the King's Wark, Shore, Waterfront to name but 3 pubs which are amongst the best in the city and, of course, it has the tram system on the way which, though expensive, will look very nice down there.

The only thing that Leith really lacks is a cultural centre, a hub where the area can boast of its tangled history and heady intrigue.

So it's with delight that the campaign to have a Leith Museum in the somewhat neglected Custom House has taken a step forward with staffing, expertise and resources being allocated to the project by Edinburgh Council.

I have the joy of living right beside this beautiful building and it's a shame to see the only use it has is for people to lean against it while waiting for a bus.

I often imagine it well-lit, busy with tourists and even with a coffee shop or bar on its rooftop to help finance the project.

I'll be 'holding my thumbs' that the newly-formed group advancing the campaign for the museum has every success in getting it up and running soon.