Leith, Dock Place, Winches And Capstans, Swing Bridge And Lock Gates Including Turning Platforms

The structure is an early to mid-19th century swing bridge, designed following the template created by John Rennie and Ralph Walker around 1800-1806. It underwent alterations by James Leslie between 1846 and 1850. This rare cast iron swing bridge, which includes associated lock gates, turning platforms, winches, and capstans, spans the Old East and West Dock entrance between Dock Place and Rennie's Isle in Leith.

The bridge features a shallow-arch, three-pin design with bracing and six ribs. It measures 27 metres long, with a clear span of 10 metres over the water and a width of 4.7 metres. The deck is timber-planked, with wrought iron handrails along the outer sides. Supporting the bridge structure are ashlar turning circle platforms located to the north and south of the former dock entrance cut, which have recessed ashlar walls and stone access steps.

The lock gates consist of remains of timber gates that are set flush with the quayside on either side of the entrance lock. These gates are timber with some metal sheathing, accompanied by timber-decked walkways and wrought iron handrails that match those on the swing bridge.

Additionally, there are seven cast iron hand winches that were used to operate the lock gates, originally two located flanking each gate. A larger hand winch on the south turning platform was used to operate the swing bridge, and there are two ashlar-mounted cast iron capstans, one on each platform.