Leith has come a long way from its origins as the shipping port for Edinburgh, from which it was an independent town until 1920. There is still ample evidence of its maritime history in the trendy Shore part of the neighbourhood, a 15 minute walk from my flat.

After an economically depressed period in the second half of the twentieth century (those of you old enough to have seen “Trainspotting” will recall its reputation in the 1990s), Leith has seen a renaissance in the present century. It is now home to a youthful population of artists, makers, and key workers, and the landscape of the neighbourhood has changed dramatically as a consequence. The number of coffee shops and bakeries with “artisan” in the name has become a bit of a local joke, but the coffee and the bread are great nonetheless. My vet recently recommended acupuncture for my cat’s arthritis - that might be too much hipness even for me!

I love this neighbourhood and may never leave it. Friends who grew up in Edinburgh are astonished when they visit and see how much Leith has changed. I have no problem at all walking home late at night by myself, especially as there are people out and about at all hours. The only time things might get a bit exciting is when there are Hibernian FC games on, as Easter Road stadium is close by.