The Gabrielle was the largest ship registered to Leith in the 15th century, sailing to England in 1457 with 200 tons and 30 crew. Large crews were required partly to defend against pirates that operated in the North Sea - a menace that existed even as late as the 19th century.

James I of Scotland spent much of his early life as a prisoner in England until a ransom was finally negotiated, and he was returned to Edinburgh in 1424. In 1426 a ship called Marie of Leith set sail for London, with a cargo of the king’s belongings, to be sold to fund the king’s ransom.

The first names of ships, with their masters and cargoes, were recorded in customs accounts for 1335-1336. We don’t know if Godsgrace was specifically Scottish, but we do know that its cargo was. Sheepskins and wool were one of the principle exports from the country at this time, normally destined for Holland.

The Thomas is the earliest ship recorded as belonging to Leith. The owner Allan Ballon, an Edinburgh merchant, sailed it with Thomas Ballon to England in 1396.