Harpoon Gun

There were two distinct phases to the whaling industry in Leith. From 1616 until 1842 Leith whalers sailed to Arctic waters, mainly around Greenland. Although nowadays we view whaling with distaste, it was regarded as a valuable source of food oils and raw materials for industry. Whale oil was, for instance, used in the manufacture of margarine and soap. For many Leith people, whaling was a valuable source of employment till it ceased in 1963.