Edinburgh Council has confirmed it is to work with the Scottish Heritage Building Trust (SHBT) to save the historic Custom House in Leith.

The property has been suggested by the 'Campaign for a Leith Museum' as the perfect venue for housing cultural exhibitions regarding the maritime heritage of the area.

Following a Council meeting last week, the Capital Coalition decided to acquire Custom House through the Common Good Fund, subject to legal and financial checks.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture and Sport Convener, said: "Without any pledges on the table to save Custom House on the Shore, the campaign for a Museum in Leith has reached a crisis point. Leith had such a rich heritage and we could not sit and watch this opportunity pass by.

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"The Council has voiced an intention to save the venue, and we have placed a bid which we hope will purchase the building before it is put up for general sale by National Museums Scotland."

John Campbell, Chairman of the Scottish Heritage Building Trust, commented: "We are delighted with the contribution of the Council to save Customs House for the benefit of the people of Leith and beyond. SHBT, as an organisation which has restored many buildings throughout Scotland look forward to working with the Council, the community and other key stakeholders in the development of this exciting project.

"Leith Customs House is the oldest in Scotland, built by Robert Reid in 1812, is the most historically significant building on the Leith waterfront and set the standard for Customs Houses throughout Scotland."

(JP/CD)