Recently, Leith has been granted permission to fly it's flag, after 92 years. The Coat of Arms came to Leith from France, circa 1050. But after the merging of the burgh with Edinburgh in 1920, it reverted back to the Lord Lyon's office and was soon forgotten. The crest features Mary and Jesus in a sailing boat, topped with a phrase "Persevere" and below a scroll saying "Sigillum Oppidi De Leith" – "the seal of the town of Leith".
However, a few years ago a version of the arms reappear on the Welcome to Leith sign, which was appropriately placed at Pilrig - the traditional Leith boundary. Then another breakthrough followed, in Leith Academy being permitted to use the Arms to celebrate its 450th anniversary, with the inclusion of books at the bottom of the shield. Councillor Munn coupled with Mr. Alex Wilson, a local resident and historian and a 582 signed petition began the process of reinstating the flag under the charge of Leith Neighbour Partnership. Aptly, the petition was presented at the City Chambers in Edinburgh, which has a stained glass window of the Arms.
Cllr Munn, who has been involved throughout the whole process, believes
"it is a very positive thing to happen. Leith had and retains a distinct identity and the Coat of Arms forms part of that identity. I think it is important to celebrate that identity and it will be great to have the Arms back and to see them more widely used throughout Leith".
Thus, in Spring it is expected Leith Neighbour Partnership will have ownership of the Arms. The design itself will be almost identical to the original, except a small colour change of the galley, to show the new ownership of the arms.
The Arms are an iconic symbol of Leith's history, culture and goals. And hopefully, the Leith community will embrace the arms as a representation of themselves - a past symbol for the present and future to be proud of.
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