Custom House, Leith

07/10/2026

A Perseverance of Crones present Domestic Uncanny, an art exhibition at Custom House Gallery, 8 to 18 October 2026.

In Domestic Uncanny, three older women give the world the side-eye.

A Perseverance of Crones is a collaboration between Jan Pimblett, Kate Charlesworth and Dianne Barry, three artists who in their age and queerness come together to reflect upon and celebrate the strange and mysterious hidden life of domestic objects and spaces.

Replacing the familiar and commonplace with uncanny connections, they delve into the darker and more curious side of domesticity, relationships, memory, and social structures. In a series of unsettling, odd and curious mixed media installations over three spaces, they explore what alteration comes as we age and see the world differently.

Domestic Uncanny is a laboratory for developing themes and methodologies for their future exhibition, Lagan (2028): found materials and memories explored through objects discarded and re-found, places left and revisited.

A Perseverance of Crones is based at Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop.

Please get in touch if you would like further information about Jan Pimblett, Kate Charlesworth and Dianne Barry, and their work: [email protected]

22/09/2026

Do you have something connected with Leith’s history sitting in a cupboard, under a bed or up in the attic at home? We would love to hear from you on Doors Open Day at Leith Custom House on Saturday the 26th of September.



We are building a digital collection for the future Leith Museum, and we would like people to bring along documents, books or objects – or even just photos of them – to Custom House to show the team and hear the story behind it. We’ll take pictures of your items and then if your object helps tell a part of Leith’s story we may arrange to have it scanned and digitised to become part of the collection. It could be an old tram timetable or a school notebook, a shop sign, a newspaper, a piece of clothing or something completely unexpected! A treasure found in the attic of Custom House – a map from 1814 – and so we know there are special things out there.

We won’t be digitising items on the day and we cannot keep things you bring, so if your object is heavy or fragile, please take some photos to show us and we will record your information. If you can’t make it on the day, you can email us at [email protected]

18/09/2026

We have a gorgeous 1st floor studio to rent in Custom House with views to The Shore, boasting generous ceiling height and incredible light.

Suitable for 1-2 people. If you are interested in viewing the studio or would like more info, please contact Antonia, Senior Property Manager of Scottish Historic Buildings Trust on [email protected]

17/09/2026

28/08/2026

We’re proud to be part of Leith’s community-led bid to become UK Town of Culture 2028 Leith 2028. Scottish Historic Buildings Trust SHBT cares for two of the most historic buildings in Leith – St. Ninian’s Manse and Custom House.

St. Ninian’s Manse is a remarkable survivor, with parts of it dating back as far as 1493 and it is thought to be the oldest surviving building in the area. Although its chapel was destroyed in the 19th century, the manse survived, and its 17th century steeple still stands proudly. It was restored by SHBT between 1996 and 2002 and today a range of businesses are based within its characterful spaces.

Leith Custom House is a Category A-listed Greek Revival building by The Shore, and currently houses artist studios, a gallery and event spaces. We are currently developing plans for the full restoration of the building ahead of it becoming the home for a new innovative museum that tells the rich history of Leith.

Leith has a long and proud history, and its stories are ones full of passion and creativity. In 2028 we hope that it will be recognised as the UK Town of Culture, honouring its past whilst embracing the vibrancy of its present. Follow Leith 2028 Leith2028 for updates from the Town of Culture team.

04/08/2026

Found folded up in a cupboard in the attic of Leith Custom House years ago, and given to SHBT by a member of the public, this map is not only an important artefact from Leith’s past, it is set to play a key role in its future, as item No.1 in the collection of the future Leith Museum.

Dating from 1814, just two years after Leith Custom House was completed, this hand-drawn map depicts the area around The Shore, including as-yet unbuilt docks and streets.

After being folded up for over 200 years, it was in a poor state - multiple folds and tears, as well as extensive staining and dirt, meant that before we could accession the item into the new collection, we had to have it professionally conserved.

In this video, specialist paper conservator Graeme Gollan talks about how he undertook this task.

The conservation of this map was made possible by Leith Civic Trust, our friends and partners for the future Leith Museum - we are very grateful for their support.

The map is now being digitised for the collection, and we’ll share more information about it in the weeks to come.

Images: © Richard Murphy Architects (Visualisation of Future Museum)

13/06/2026

It’s Gala Day in Leith! Leith Festival

SHBT is sharing the latest updates from Leith Custom House which will ultimately become home to a museum for Leith.

Come down to the community marquee on Leith Links and get a sneak peek of our exciting plans for a pilot exhibition coming next year, share your thoughts on Leith’s most famous figures and make your own Provost hat.

More updates to come!

10/05/2026

Botanical Reverie is a new solo exhibition by artist Inês Hermione Mulford , bringing together intricate botanical works alongside anthropological explorations of our relationship with the more-than-human world.

Mulford's work moves beyond traditional botanical illustration, combining detailed studies of plant life with a wider enquiry into how we see, understand, and situate ourselves within the natural world.

As part of the exhibition programme, two leading scientists from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh will present public talks:
- Dr Neil Bell, bryologist, will speak on mosses, liverworts and hornworts — revealing their surprising diversity and global significance.

- Dr Becky Yahr, Lichen Biodiversity Scientist, will share insights into the fascinating world of lichens and their vital ecological roles.

Custom House Gallery at Leith Custom House, Edinburgh
22 to 31 May 2026