Water of Leith

An exploration of Edinburgh’s hidden natural asset, the Water of Leith. Flowing for 24 miles from its source in the Pentland Hills, the river winds its way through the heart of the Scottish capital to its outflow into the Firth of Forth at Leith. Once Edinburgh’s industrial heartland and backbone, the valley was host to over 70 mills harnessing the power of the water to produce paper, fabric, and flour with the river mouth supporting a vibrant dock and boat building industry. Today the river is home to a wide diversity of plants and animals, as well as local life.