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 lost its salt-of-the-earth reputation at some time.  
mnli hypothesis: Leith lost its salt-of-the-earth reputation at some time.   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.