This Monday, 29th June, I’m launching Leith Built
Ships, Volume 5: Steam Yachts (1875–1928) at the Port of Leith Distillery —
a perfect setting, built on the very ground where Henry Robb’s shipwrights once
shaped some of Scotland’s finest vessels. Join me for a short talk on Leith’s
steam yacht legacy, a few stories from the yards, and a celebration of the
craftsmanship that helped shape the Royal Yacht Britannia just down the
road.
Step back into an era when elegance met engineering, and
Scotland’s shipyards gave birth to some of the most magnificent vessels ever to
grace the seas. Magnificent Steam Yachts of Leith, 1870–1928 is a richly
detailed maritime history that uncovers the forgotten world of luxury steam
yachts built in the bustling port of Leith.
Between the late Victorian age and the dawn of the Jazz Age,
Leith’s master shipbuilders crafted floating palaces for aristocrats,
industrialists, and adventurers. These yachts were more than ships—they were
symbols of prestige, innovation, and the romance of the sea. My book traces
their stories: from the design and craftsmanship that made them marvels of
their time, to the voyages and owners that carried them across oceans and into
legend.
With archival research, rare illustrations, and vivid
storytelling, this work brings to life the glamour and grandeur of a bygone
era. It is not only a tribute to Leith’s shipbuilding heritage but also a
window into the social and cultural currents that shaped the age of steam.
Whether you are a maritime historian, a lover of Scottish
heritage, or simply captivated by tales of opulence and adventure, this book
offers a journey into one of the most fascinating chapters of nautical history.
Volume 5 in the series will be at a good bookstore near you in April 2026.
