11 April 2023
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One of the wheels when found in 2021
A large pair of Victorian-era tram cable wheels discovered on the historic boundary between Leith and Edinburgh will soon be put on permanent public display.
The wheels, dating to 1898, are each 2.6m in diameter and were used in the underground cable-winding mechanism for Edinburgh’s original cable operated tram network. They were rediscovered at the Pilrig Street junction with Leith Walk in August 2021 during Trams to Newhaven excavations.
Work will now begin to install the wheels on the opposite side of Leith Walk, at its junction with Iona Street, which has been closed to traffic at its west end.
The wheels in their original position on Leith Walk
The wheels’ location was chosen in consultation with the local community and their placement side by side will reflect their arrangement when in use up until the early 1920s, when Edinburgh and District Tramways Company introduced an electric system.
Celebrating archaeological heritage
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.'
Electric tram pioneers
Created in 1905, Leith Corporation Tramways pioneered electric trams, prior to Edinburgh switching from a cable-operated tram system. During this time passengers travelling between Edinburgh and Leith would have to alight a cable-operated tram and board an electrified tram at the Edinburgh-Leith border. This became known locally as the ‘Pilrig Muddle’ and lasted nearly 20 years.
Work on the improvements at Iona Street, including the installation of the wheels, will begin today (11 April 2023) and is expected to be complete in the next few months.
The Trams to Newhaven project remains on schedule for completion by spring 2023 and within the £207.3m budget, with all major construction now finished. A specific date for when the route will be open for passengers will be announced in due course.
(report and images courtesy City of Edinburgh Council)
