Older locals trawler men or dockworkers might lament the loss of Leith's gritty, salt-of-the-earth reputation, but the town has an air of excitement about it.
Leith is a better place for losing its salt-of-the-earth reputation.  
mnli hypothesis: Leith is a better place for losing its salt-of-the-earth reputation.   premise: Older locals trawler men or dockworkers might lament the loss of Leith's gritty, salt-of-the-earth reputation, but the town has an air of excitement about it.