A pair of cable wheels which were once used to help power the Edinburgh Cable Tramway are to go on permanent display on Leith Walk it has been confirmed. The wheels were discovered during Trams to Newhaven construction works at the Pilrig Street junction with Leith Walk in August 2021 and after their careful removal for conservation work and consultation with the local community a location for their display has now been decided.
The wheels date from 1898 and are 2.6m in diameter. They were used in the underground cable-winding mechanism for the cable operated tram network and as such would not have been visible to the public but their new display will be on full public display. They will be placed side by side to reflect their arrangement when in use They were last used in anger in the 1920s when the cable tramway was replaced by overhead electric operation.
They are to be located on the opposite side of Leith Walk from where they were found, at the junction with Iona Street. This will be a newly pedestrianised area and they will be joined by an information board as well as benches and planters. Work on these works started on Tuesday 11th April and should be completed within the next few months.
Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “The presence of trams in Leith is part of its heritage, so it’s fantastic that we’ll be able to return these historic wheels to their home, for the community to enjoy and learn about. As we approach the completion of Trams to Newhaven, it’s touches like these that demonstrate that, as well as delivering a sustainable, high-capacity transport link between the city centre and the north, the project is transforming spaces along the route.”
John Lawson, City of Edinburgh Council Archaeologist, said: “I’m really excited that we’ll be able to showcase the Pilrig wheels close to their original location. Celebrating our archaeological heritage with the public is an important part of the project. The wheels are a unique part of Leith’s and Edinburgh’s heritage and provide a fascinating link between the old and new tram systems.”