History

42 police boxes designed by city architect Ebenezer McRae, were originally installed in 1933.  These were manufactured by Carron Ironworks in Falkirk. The boxes once had sirens on top and were used by police officers on the beat to phone in to the station with a note of where they were and perhaps get instructions on what they might do next. Each had a sink, a phone, a heater, a small desk on which to fill out forms. And of course, a kettle.

In 2012, twenty-two of the police boxes were put up for sale by Lothian and Borders Police. The Leith Walk Police Box was one of these.

People still come to the police box, sometimes looking for directions, sometimes lunch or a friendly face. We are here most days, hosting pop-up vendors, events and community projects. We are proud of our role in the community and we are happy to remain a beacon on the walk for good vibes and interesting ideas.