McCue secures new museum exhibition in Leith

In Spring 2027 Custom House: Leith 900 due to open.

The historic Leith Custom House building.

In the lead up to the 900th anniversary of the first written reference to Leith in 1128, this exhibition will serve as both a celebration of the past and an opportunity for the public to share their stories and ideas for the future Leith Museum, set to be located in the historic Custom House once it is restored.

Following a national competition which saw esteemed firms from across the UK bid to design this pilot exhibition, Scottish Historic Buildings Trust is delighted to announce that McCue and People Make Culture will be bringing Leith’s stories to life.

McCue will lead the fabrication and installation of the exhibition and have developed a nationwide reputation for quality over many years.

Alan Stewart, Head of Business Development at McCue said:

“How to create a high-quality exhibition in an unrestored building, using spaces not normally accessible to the public, is quite the challenge – but one we are very much looking forward to. Custom House is an important building and Leith is a special place, and we will keep that in mind as we turn People Make Culture’s designs into reality, delivering an exhibition worthy of both.”

The team at People Make Culture will utilise their extensive experience built up over decades of working on innovative and engaging exhibitions.

Abby Coombs, Co-Founder of People Make Culture, said:

“Leith 900 brings together everything we’re passionate about – innovation and tradition, untold stories, and a rich heritage context. But the ultimate ambition is most important; to design an exhibition that has meaningful impact beyond the anniversary celebrations. It will evolve past opening, inspiring and enabling the people of Leith as a platform for community engagement and contribution, laying the foundations for their future museum. This is the first seed, and we can’t wait to see it grow.”

Dr Samuel Gallacher, Director of SHBT, said:

“After many years, momentum is building for the restoration and transformation of Custom House. This pilot exhibition will demonstrate why it is long overdue that Leith has a museum, and one which blends cutting-edge technology with timeless tales of people, passion and perseverance. Drawing on newly digitised material and items from collections across the country, this exhibition will span the centuries in the stories it tells and will evolve during its run. We could not be happier to have People Make Culture and McCue – and their Leith-based subcontractors – developing this exciting exhibition.

More details of the exhibition will be announced in the coming weeks, including an opportunity for the public to contribute directly to the Leith Museum Collection on Doors Open Day on 26 September.

Leith Port,Edinburgh.