The Pilrig Muddle

I was meeting an old friend on Leith Walk. They have worked their entire career in the rail industry and wanted to talk me through the history of “the Pilrig Muddle”.

Edinburgh’s tram system was predominately cable-run and Leith’s was electrified. This meant passengers travelling along Leith Walk were forced to change trams outside the Boundary Bar opposite Pilrig Church. This inconvenience was known as the "Pilrig Muddle" and existed until the late 1920s when Edinburgh electrified its system. When they were digging up the road for the new tram system they found the old cable-winding wheels intact so used them to create this memorial.

The things you learn when you meet an old pal for a coffee and a natter.