The Water of Leith snakes through the city of Edinburgh before reaching its terminus in the Firth of Forth. Here, along its last gasp in its namesake town, the water throws back a distorted and gorgeous version of the shoreline. The views along this stretch defy old characterizations of Leith as a down-at-heel and dangerous sea port.
Earlier, a rose hung in the water, perfecting the dead man’s float. The hair on the back of my neck stood on end with the layers of implied metaphor.
Leith is complicated. It’s a distinct region that clings to its autonomy yet exists within greater Edinburgh and is often considered part of its neighbor city to the south. Distinct though they may be, the Water of Leith is an umbilical cord between the two that proves they are related.
Beautiful! Just beautiful.
Keith, I really need to follow your blog more to learn more about Scotland. As I mentioned with you and Andy (@groundedtravelr), very interested in the country right now and would love to learn more about it. I just need more time in my day! 🙂
Hey Jeremy, you’re in the right place for learning about Scotland. Let me know if you have any specific questions or need some advice. I’m mulling over the idea of adding a consulting branch to Traveling Savage for people planning trips to Scotland.
Lovely photo (as is the rose one), but just gorgeous writing. Love it all.
I quite often find dead flowers washed up on the beach, and have that same feeling. I have something written about them, but can’t get it right yet.
There’s something oddly magical about seeing a solitary flower floating in the water. Especially when it’s a rose, England’s flower, floating dead in the water of Scotland. British strife? Cast-off love? It goes on and on.
Sorry, if this is a duplicate but not sure my first attempt succeeded.
What a magical shot of the shoreline of Leith and you’re right about its reflection, it is gorgeous. Quaint architecture surrounded by the blue sky and the reflected blue water! You know, I am loving your latest photography of Edinburgh, especially the castle…magnificent!
Thanks for the compliments, Jeff. Edinburgh doesn’t need much help to look beautiful. As my family says, even a blind squirrel finds a nut sometimes. 🙂
That’s an amazing photo.