The Caribbean Progress ship was launched from Henry Robb's shipyard at Leith in October 1971 - seen here through a Henry Robb lifebelt.The Caribbean Progress ship was launched from Henry Robb's shipyard at Leith in October 1971 - seen here through a Henry Robb lifebelt.
The Caribbean Progress ship was launched from Henry Robb's shipyard at Leith in October 1971 - seen here through a Henry Robb lifebelt.

17 photos showing Leith's legendary Henry Robb shipyard

Leith’s legendary Henry Robb shipyard employed a cast of thousands of shipwrights, fitters, welders, electricians, joiners, mechanics and painters down the decades.
By David Mclean
Published 22nd May 2020, 16:30 BST

Situated in the west Leith Docks where Ocean Terminal shopping centre now stands, Henry Robb Ltd was a proud shipbuilding institution that opened its gates shortly after the First World War.

The famous yard employed several thousand people at its peak and produced a long list of naval vessels and merchant ships.

Despite the best efforts of its 850-strong workforce, who took to the streets of Leith in a prolonged fight to save their jobs, Henry Robb’s, then the last active shipyard on the Forth, closed for good in 1984.

The former shipyard featured prominently in the music video for The Proclaimers hit Letter From America.

The Caribbean Progress ship was launched from Henry Robb's shipyard at Leith in October 1971.

1. Caribbean Progress launched 1971

The Caribbean Progress ship was launched from Henry Robb's shipyard at Leith in October 1971. Photo: Ian Brand

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Exterior of Henry Robb Limited, Shipbuilders & Engineers at Leith in August 1974.

2. Henry Robb shipyard 1974

Exterior of Henry Robb Limited, Shipbuilders & Engineers at Leith in August 1974. Photo: Jack Crombie

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Mid-20th century aerial view showing Leith Docks and Henry Robb shipyard.

3. Aerial view of Henry Robb shipyard

Mid-20th century aerial view showing Leith Docks and Henry Robb shipyard. Photo: Contributed

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The MU Athenian is launched at Henry Robb's Yard in 1966.

4. Launch of MU Athenian

The MU Athenian is launched at Henry Robb's Yard in 1966. Photo: Dick Ewart

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