An Edinburgh history enthusiast has unearthed an incredible image of the Tsar of Russia arriving at Leith docks.
Ross Kelly, 29, who works as a journalist, runs Rambling History UK in his spare time, and shared the picture on social media.
He says he first encountered the picture from 1896 of Tsar Nicholas II with Tsarina Alexandra on the Historic Environment Scotland website when researching Mary Queen of Scots landing at Leith port in 1561.
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It is understood that Tsar Nicholas II arrived with his wife in Leith before travelling to Balmoral for a private audience with Queen Victoria.
On his discovery, Ross said: “I first encountered reports of the Tsar's visit to Leith when reading on Mary Queen of Scots' landing at the port in 1561. In all honesty I ended up going down a bit of a Leith history rabbit hole as there's no shortage of interesting stories and events.
“Tsar Nicholas II arrived in Leith ahead of a trip to Balmoral for a private audience with Queen Victoria. Nicholas II had been married two years prior to Alexandra Feodorovna, the granddaughter of Queen Victoria.
“Their arrival at the port was, as one would expect, quite a grand affair. The Prince of Wales met the Tsar and Empress, crowds gathered, dignitaries were present and the Russian royals were escorted by the Royal Scots Greys, of which Nicholas II was Colonel in Chief, having been granted the title by Queen Victoria.
“News reports from the time stated that the royal household brought with it several tonnes of luggage.
“I think it offers a great glimpse into a bygone era. In the background we see warehouses and chimney stacks and a port area that would have been bustling with activity. A hotbed of trade and commerce like many other port towns and cities across Britain; all of which played a key role in fuelling the British Empire.”
Ross started Rambling History as little more than a hobby but he says that it gives him a chance to delve into a range of historical events and explore stories from all over the world, not just Scotland.
The idea behind the ‘Rambling’ is that Ross will take to the blog and share various “bits and bobs” that he has encountered during his research.
He added: “When you encounter images such as these though, I think it brings you closer to the history of your home town and instils a deeper appreciation of the streets you walk down and the buildings you pass every day.
“My father is from Leith, so every time we're down in that area it's fascinating to hear him talk about what building, or commercial unit or workers yard stood where there's now either nothing, or new-build flats etc.”
It was rumoured that Tsar Nicholas II was also welcomed by a group of Edinburgh anarchists who made a bit of a racket at the monarch arriving in Scotland’s capital.
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