Tally Tor Martello Tower was built in 1809 on a rocky outcrop (Mussel Cape Rocks) just outside Leith Harbour. The cost of construction was £17,000. The tower is circular in shape with wall about two metres thick. The tower had emplacement for three guns on traversing carriages mounted on the roof. The tower is of two storeys, the basement with the magazine and stores, the first floor with the barracks and the rooftop with three gun emplacements.
The Tally Tor Martello Tower was stood down in 1815 but was reactivated in 1850 when the Royal Engineers refurbished it for use by the the Royal Artillery. One would assume that the tower was used for training purposes, possibly as a practice battery. It remained in military use until 1869. The Tally Tor Martello Tower is now part of the mainland as part of reclamation works.
Images, including the inside, of the the Tally Tor Martello Tower can be see on the web site link: