Comment: A great website. We`ve already recognised many names of those signing in. Great stories that bring back lots of memories of wonderful days at Bonnington Road Primary and Broughton Secondary Schools, and the 14th Leith Boys Brigade. If you remember Rosemary or me then drop us an e-mail.
We will be in Leith from 19th July to 7th August, 2002
Andrew Brodie
Born at 5 Summerfield Street in 1938 and resided there until 1962.
My wife Norma and I now stay in Auckland, New Zealand.
Comment: A wonderful site that I visit regularly. Having followed some of the links that are listed I find that Leith is steeped in history as Edinburgh.
George Murray
Lived at 38 West Bowling Green St 1947--1955,
went to Bonnington Rd Primary for a couple of years,
then moved west to East Kilbride. Came back to sunny Leith 1960 and lived at 32 Sandport St. Went to Leith Academy till 1962, then served my apprenticeship as a fitter with Bruce Peebles. Love to hear from anyone who knows me or my family.
Comment: Visited sunny Leith today (10/8/02). Went to Bangor Road and shopped at Leith Mills. Route taken-Leith Links, Duke Street, Junction Road and down Bonnington Road and into the Mills.
Eric Kerr
96 Duke Street - 1938-1953: 74 Pirniefield Place - 1955-1961
Have stayed in Canada since 1966, St Catherines, Ontario.
Comment: My wife and I with our three daughters arrived in Australia early in 1963. I attended Hermitage Park Primary then Leith Academy Secondary. My wife Minnie (Min) Laidlaw attended North Fort Street Primary then David Kilpatrick Secondary.
For a while after we were married, we lived in Burn`s Street, Leith before moving to our Prefab at Saughton.
We`d be happy to hear from people who remember us.
Comment: My dad stood in the Kirkgate, at Trinity House, for 40 years every Saturday before and after the war with the fruit barrow. I don`t think he would like what has been done to the Channel. He was a real Leith character was old Harry.
Michael John Tough
My old address was 116 Restalrig Road
from 1941 -1942
Now staying at 6/5 Hawkhill Court, 2 Restalrig Park.
Comment: We stayed with my mother`s sister and brother-in-law, Sarah (Sally) Baigrie (nee Macdonald) and Willie Baigrie, during the war years. I was born in the Anderson Shelter at the back of 116 during the air raid warning 13/4/41. We later moved to Wauchope Road, then Mountcastle Drive then eventually I moved back to Hawkhill overlooking the `cabbage patch` where I was reputably born!
Comment: Early years spent in Duke Street then moved to Restalrig Square for a time then back to Lochend Road before emigrating to NZ in 1973. My wife of 31 years (Honor) is from nearby Loganlea Terrace in Craigentinny. We have never lost our affection for the home port, indeed our daughter is named Leith.
at 12 Pilrig Street for a couple of years, then on to Warriston Drive. Left there and emigrated to San Diego in 1965. Maury just passed away on September 1. Love to hear from anyone who remembers us.
Comment: It seems everyone else was in the BBs. I was in the 20th Leith Cubs and Scouts. We met in the church hall behind Dalmeny Street Church. The scoutmaster was Ballantyne, and a couple of my peers were Tommy Bolland and Kenneth Coghill. This might stir a wee bit of interest. Thanks again to a braw site.
Comment: Married Margaret Dewar 143 Constitution Street in South Leith Church in 1966. Have a son and daughter, Bily and Jacqueline. Play golf at Prestonfield and Kilspindie. If you fancy a game gies a phone 455 7373. M.D. of Mr Bathrooms and Kitchen Art at Chesser Avenue.
Started school at Lochend in 1950 then transferred to Hermitage Park a year later. Secondary school Norton
Park from 1957 - 1960. Getting older and back on beer. What a rare time I`m havin`. Ta the noo.
A 2 year stint in South Africa and have been employed with GNER at their railway maintenance depot at Craigentinny for the last 14 years. Block B, the stables, Petries juice factory, Pilrig Park, football in the street, Store Bakery, catching eels in the Water of Leith between Anderson Place and Bowling Green Street bridges. I could go on for ever.
Comment: Married in 1952 at St Mary`s Cathedral, Broughton Street and have lived in New Zealand since 1953. We are the proud parents of 6 children (1 deceased) and 14 grandchildren who are very much New Zealanders, but are also very interested in their Scottish/Irish ancestry.
Comment: Remember we used to say `I`ll meet you at the GPO. If I get there first. I`ll chalk an X on the wall. If you get there first, you can rub it out`.
William (Billy) Shepherd
Used to live at 87 Bonnington Road (The Bowery), Leith for 13 years.
Comment: I went to Bonnington Road School. Later Dr Bells. Had three brothers, Jmmy, Alex and Robert. We played football in Pilrig Park, and Kick-the-Can in the big block B.
Gary Steel
Lived in Great Junction Street then Cables Wynd House
Comment: Schooled at Cooper St, Dr Bells, David Kilpatricks. Apprenticeship at Hugh Muirhead & Sons Constitution Street. Services -RAF for 2 years. Used to attend YMCA at Fire Brigade Street (Junction Place). Married and have 3 daughters. Moved to NZ in 1955. Was keen member of Port of Leith motor boat club. Would like to hear from anyone who remembers me.
Ian Taylor
Originally from Ferrier Street 1941 -1952
Pirniefield Bank 1952 - 1963
Leith Fort - 1963 -1968
Redhall, Edinburgh - 1968 -1971
Then moved to Kirkintilloch
E.mail:
Comment: I went to Lochend School 1946 -1953 then to Norton Park 1953 - 1956. Was at sea with the Fishery cruisers and Salvesons 1956 - 1963 when Christine and I married (Chris Graham of Sandport St). She attended Dr Bells and David Kilpatricks. We moved to Glasgow area then retired early and now live in the border town of Annan. Great site!
Isobel Dalgity
Originally from Granton. Stayed there from 1958 to 1966.
Comment: Claude and I moved to Canada in 1967. We race Standardbred horses and all of them are named after Leith - Leith Dreams, Leith Links, Leith Street- hoping someday to hit it big with a horse named LEITH. Claude attended D.K. and I went to Broughton. I just found out about your website from Claude`s cousin, George. Great idea!!
Susan Emlay (nee Jackson)
Old Leith Streets - 125 Leith Walk, 3 Bangor Lane, 22 Lochend Road South and 9 Lochend Square. After marriage at 24 Burlington Street.
Comment: Would love to hear from friends from the past!
Rona Reid, nee Robertson
Old street - 64 Hawthornvale in Newhaven.
Now staying in Liberton.
Stayed in Newhaven from 1957 when I was born and then moved to Joppa. My mum and dad are still there. I went to Trinity Academy Primary in 1962 and then on to George Watson`s ladies for my secondary.
Comment: Have many happy memories of Leith and Newhaven. Both my parents are Leithers. Now stay in the Liberton area of the city with husband Phil and our son and daughter.
Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.
Norman (Norrie) Rutherford
Stayed in Woodbine Terrace, off Loched Road from 1939 until 1966
Comment: Hope to hear from anyone who remembers me from Bonnington Road school or Carrickvale secondary, Saughton Mains. Some names of the people in my class at primary are -Ethel Rogers, Billy Doig, Marion Smith, John Germany, Elizabeth Bertram, Greta Ramage, and my friend Frances Blaikie.
Moira Kloos nee Smith
Originally from 3 George Street, 35 North Fort Street and C5 Fort House.
Resident now in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada since 1968.
Comment: I dinnae mind being a keelie in fact I`m chuffed as can be tae add ma name to the Leithers` wa` hoping someone remembers me. Went to North Fort Street primary and David Kilpatrick`s secondary
Comment: I remember playing in the old saw mill/flour mill. Ventured as far as Newhaven only to catch spratts, but a big adventure as a child. Swimming at the Granton beach and the Tally Toor and also at the 1930 club at the Vickys. Was a member of the Block B card school. Anyone out there who was ever at the Bonnington Castings summer outings or the Christmas parties? Worked at the Bridge garage in Manderston Street from 1961 serving my time as a mechanic.
Harry Summers
Used to stay in 38 Hawthornvale, Newhaven for 24 years.
Comment: Married Margaret Wilson of West Pilton Circus in 1956. MOved to Canada in 1968. WE would love to hear from anyone in our past. Played for St Bernard Football Club. Member of the Edinburgh City Club
Paul Eddington
Used to live in 10 Queen Charlotte Street then Lochend.
Period of residence yonks ago. (1960s)
Now in Inverness via Peebles, Paris, Perthshire, Fife, London, Fife again, Wester Ross and Orkney
Comment: Great site, memories are flooding back. Thoroughly enjoying reading through all the entries. Things that stick in my mind are dancing at the `dub` YMCA, Monday nights at the wrestling, Saturdy mornings at the Cappy club, dancing at the Assembly Rooms, 12 - 4 dancing at the Eldo. Happy Days!
Comment: Wisnae much good at writing on walls cause ah couldnae spell very well. I was more interested in climbing the wall to see what was on the other side.
Gina Cooper
Stayed in Ballantyne Place, Elbe Street and Bangor Road during the late sixties and early seventies.
Now stay in Dalry.
E-mail: gem1070414827
Comment: Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me or lived in any of the places listed from 1967 to 1972. Would particularly appreciate any photos of old Leith with so much of it gone now. I still have many happy memories.
Derek Boggie
Originally from Pirniefield Bank. Born there in 1956 and left in 1972.
Now in Bedford after living in Milton Keynes for 21 years.
Comment: I attended Links School then onto Davd Kilpatricks. My dad came from Wilkie Place (Jimmy Boggie). Mum, Jane Arundel from the Shore.
George Greig
Born at 71 Bangor Road in 1936, moved to Lochend Avenue in 1945.
Went to Bonnington Road Primary 1941/48 then onto DK 1948/51. Lived in Windsor, Canada 1954/57 and returned to marry Cathie McKenzie in St Thomas`s Church, ill Lane in 1958.
Comment: We lived in Wilkie Place then Bowling Green St., and Granton.
After studying art in Aberdeen, 1970/76, I taught Art and Designe at Tynecastle School 1977/79, then Hazlehead Academy, Aberdeen 1979/92.
Now both retired, Cathie and I reside in Edinburgh but still near to Leith. I think your website is superb, and I hope to make some contributions in the future.
Hugh Stevenson McDiarmid
Originally from 32 Great Junction Street, 1932 to 1955.
I now stay at 19 Stewart Clark Avenue, South Queensferry.
I think your site is great. I was brought up in Great Junction Street, educated at Dr Bell`s and David Kilpatricks. Then spent a year at the W.M. Ramsay Technical College before serving my apprenticeship with King & Co, Leith Electric Works in Prince Regent Street. I then went to sea with Ben Line Steamers as an electrical engineer. I married Isabella Bell of Bowling Green Street. We lived in Ryehill Avenue before moving to South Africa in 1969, returning in 1974. I would love to hear from any of my old, old being the operative word, friends or anyone who remembers me. My grandparents lived in 76 Hawthornvale.
Pat Marshall (nee Paddy Laidlaw)
Old street was 195 Great Junction Street from 1943 - 1959.
Daughter of Peggy Laidlaw (Bain) and Jimmy Laidlaw and youngest sister of Rita, Alice, Jimmy, Betty, Eric and Stuart (Stucky). Does anyone remember the bonfires in Bangor Road and how we used to sing the old song, "We are the Bangor Road, we walk along Great Junction Street, knocking coppes of their feet, we are the Bangor Roads"?
See quite a few familiar names on this site and loving it. Hope everyone is well and happy. Looking forward to the Scottish rugby team arriving for the World Cup
Comment: A real Leith Keelie and proud of it! Attended Links Primary then Leith Academy (and best draw a veil over this time) Before going on to the Clothing Trade for 20 odd years (wasted) then into the Fine Wine Trade for the next 30 odd years to become President of the Scottish Institute of Wine and Spirit and honorary Lifetime Member,a Road Warrior and Sales Manager for two different companies
Magnus Ganson
Old street was Main Street, Newhaven from 1941/1952.
Comment: I attended Ainslie Park then promoted to Leithy. My sister went to DK.
Peter Sellar
Old Leith residencies Primrose Street (ootside lavvy), Easter Road (inside lavvy), Newhaven Road (ootside lavvy), Ferry Road Gardens (could really swing the cat there), Colinton Mains Terrace. Period of residence -33 years.
Comments: Born in Primrose St then Easter Road, and out to Newhaven with the bowtows. Moved out to Ferry Road Gardens In 1940 attended Lochend Road School, Newhaven Victoria, Flora Stevensons, and DK. Worked for Charlie Foreman`s at the old Edinburgh Dock, Todd`s Mill, Bruce Peebles. Joined the navy and met and married the light of my life, an Irish girl Sheila Mateer. Went back to sea with London Towage and Salvage then came ashore and worked for DM Cuthill in small bore central heating. Came to Canada in 1960 and lived in Nova Scotia for 10 years before returning to Ontario where we both retired and live in Mississauga. We both back our way round the golf course in the summer and travel down to Florida to back around the golf courses there. Travelled around the world a couple of times and met Leithers in every corner. We all know they are the cream of the crop. Love when the Hibees beat the Jambos. Now a Toronto Maple Leaf supporter, sadly like the Hibs they haven`t won the cup in years. But I`m a Beleiver!!!
Esther Fulton nee Monteith
Old Leith Streets - 53 Shore, c/o McEwan, 51 Commercial Street then Hamburgh Place. Period of residence 20 years.
Comments: Early childhood in Leith consisted of playing in Burgess Street and around Lamb`s House. I remember the Lothian family from Burgess Street and a Kathleen Miller who also lived in the street. I also delivered papers for D Campbell the newsagent in Sandport Street from 1955 to 1958. Attended St Mary`s school in Henderson Street then St Thomas of Acquins at Tollcross.
Comments: Lived with me gran for three years at 195 Great Junction Street - Peggy Laidlaw - best three years of me life - came in at anytime - hot meal ready. How did she do this? Went to Leithy primary then Broughton later. I moved south then blow me, my son moved north! Albion Road! Still, he`s near the holy ground! Whether it was the Hibs or a woman, I don`t know.
Comments: I went to Leith Academy Primary summer of `42 then the secondary `53. I went to work at Leith Provident cheque office in Bangor Road. After 18 months of that I went to work at Wm Thynes in Lochend Road. There I met my husband Malcolm. We married in `56 and have three children. Our theme song is "we`ve been everywhere", we have been here, there and everywhere. Firdst of all England, three places, back up over the border to East Kilbride, then South Africa twice - Florida (Transvaal), and in Fish Hoek. On to Canada, Mississaugaand now in Erin, Ont.
I have so many memories of my past in Leith. I remember them clearer than what I did last week. We were back there for a holiday just before Christmas and were depressed at what has been happening to our old Leith. It does not seem like HOME any more. Hope to hear from somebody so we can have a blast from the past..
Comments: Attended Bonnington Road school 1946-1951 then Bellevue 1951-1957. Apprentice at RL Rae 1955-1957. Played the bagpipes with the 10th Leith Boy Scouts and then the Leith Dockers pipe band. Emigrated to Montreal in 1957 to 1978 before moving to Toronto.Retired from Nortel/Bell Canada in 1993.
Jacqueline Power
Originally from 6 Noble Place, but now in Edinburgh.
E-mail: None supplied
Comments: Attended Leith Links primary school 1970s, and have the most wonderful memories of Christmas of playing in the snow on the sledge in the Links...great times!
Comments: Please...if you know the area...email me. I went to Trinity Academy Primary School and my grandfather lived in the wee house on the Acadeny grounds
Gladys Boyd/ Brown/ nee Henderson
Born at 44 Tolbooth Wynd in 1934. Lived there until 1936 and moved to Lorne Street where I lived until 1954 when I got married.
Moved to Blackpool in 1973 until 1991.
I now live in Perth, Western Australia, moving here in 1999 when I retired to be near my daughter Lynne and family. I have two grandsons.
Comments: Have great memories of Leith. I am a Leith Keelie and very proud of it. I have been back home twice since living in Australia, the last time being March, 2003. Hope to go home again in March 2005.
Leith will always be home to me wherever I am in the world. This site is fabby. Keep up the good work John, you are doing a marvellous job.
Patricia Mcquillan nee McCabe
Lived in 42 Giles Street, later Pirniefield Place from 1947 to 1963.
Comments: I was amazed at the things I found out about Leith, was really impressed. I would love to get in touch with anyone who remembers me from St Marys or St Anthonys.
Comments: We have spent hours going all over the information in oldleither and done nothing but reminisce on times gone by. Keep up the good work. I will try and find items of interest for the site. I attended Lochend primary school from 1935 to 142 then went to Boughton secondary school till 1946. I worked in Raimes Clark & Co Ltd for 45 years until I retired in 1990. Married a Leither, Annie (Nan) Cowan. (see her details)
Nan Cowan
Stayed in 7 Bowling Green Street for 5 years, then 13 Granton Medway from 1939 until 1954.
Comments: My granny stayed in 1 Burlington Street and I have known this area very well over all these years. After she died, my uncle Harry Urqhart stayed in the house and we stayed with him when we first married.
Our next door neighbour was Mrs Isa Wallace, the mother of one of your major contributors, Alex Wallace.
We attend a dancing class and we met up with a chap called David Hay who was brought up in No 12 Burlington Street and I am sure he will be well known to some of your contributors.
We have recently been discussing the shops that were once in Bonnington Road. It makes good reading. We will submit a copy of our recollections in due course.
David Laird
Originally from 4 and 9 Ferrier Street from 1939-1965
Now staying in Prince of Wales, New Brunswick, Canada.
Comments: Attended Lochend primary and Norton Park secondary. Immigrated to Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 1969. Moved to New Brunswick in 2000 where my wife, Ruby and I are now residing.
Comments: Attended Bonnington Road then leith Academy until 1943 when I joined HMS Brenda, later HMS Surprise then various merchant ships. Leith was always my home port. Moved to New Zealand in 1950 for 5 years. Came to Australia in 1958. Married in 1962 and have a son, two daugheters and seven grandchildren. Retired ex rigger now a gardener and homebrew bottler and unbottler. Site was passed onto me by a friend. Best thing he ever did as it sure has brought back many memories. Sometimes my nickname was Jimmy.
Comments: Went to Bonnington, D.K., Leith Academy, and Moray House. Remember Miss Sutherland and Susan Simpson who lived across the road from Bonnington Road. Was head prefect at D.K. before going onto Leith Academy - was there during the 400th anniversary. My dad, Bill Henderson was the engineer at Callendars Tannery in Newhaven Road. What was the baker in Tennant Street where you took your container and picked it up later with a steak pie in it? I retired early from being a special education teacher and am about to start a new career running a Band B. B. Would love to hear from anyone who knew me.
Comments: My brother who still lives in Leith e-mailed me this site. Icome home at least once a year and still feel at home in Leith even although Tolbooth Wynd and the Kirkgate are so changed and the school I went to no longer exists. (Holy Cross Academy). I walk along Great Junction Street and up Leith Walk with my sister-in-law or along the Links and the Shore. Lots of memories return. Will always have a soft spot for Leith.
Comments: Went to Leith Academy 1942-1952. My dad was the manager in Ferry Road garage for 55 years. He was from Burns Street and Primrose Street. Mother was from Lapicide. Have been home 17 times. Can`t stay away. Love the old Leith stories. Hope the other parts of Leith get the attention too so they can take away the new Kirkgate and put in some character. Loved the old one on Christmas Eve, buying fruit with my dad.
Comments: Went to St Mary`s and Holy Cross Academy. Played for Scottish schoolboys and Leith against Edinburgh at Easter Road. Great fun playing football in Hamilton Street. Apprenticeship in Gibson`s and RAF 1956 - 1958. Then SMT, Ferranti, and Nuclear Enterprises before leaving for USA. Brother John (Jackie) postman in Leith for 50 years.
Comments: Was born in Leith and still have family living there. I went to St Mary`s Primary School before moving to Clermiston and then to Ireland in 1988.
Comments: My grandparents (Walkers) lived in No 15 St Andrew Street. My father and mother were Alfie and Sophie Scott (nee Walker).
I attended Dr Bells from 1948 to 1955 then David Kilpatricks till 1958.
My parents had no cash but we were happy in lots of ways which families would find hard to understand.
I did numerous jobs in Leith after school but none to my liking. Then I found my goal in life in the medical field here in New Zealand doing paramedical studies in which I have been very successful.
Leith has lots of wonderful memories for me and will always be in my heart.
Comments: Moved from Glover Street to Granton Medway then West Granton Road. My fathers name was Rab Duncan who was brought up in the Corporation Buildings. Mothers name Jessie Henderson, Bonnington Road.
Comments: Sister to Scott Henderson and part of the Peggy Laidlaw clan from 195 Great Junction Street. My mum is Rita who is now in Gordon Street. My paternal grandmother was Jeanie Young who stayed in No 8 Union Street. Many happy memories from yon days. I still like tae come back.
John Helliwell
Used to live in 9 Bangor Road from 1942 - 1955.
Then 8 Parkgrove Crescent, Clermiston 1955 - 1959.
Comments: Lots of memories of about 30 years ago. Remember going with my dad to watch greyhound racing from the old wooden bridge in St Marks Park. The bridge is still there but alas Powderhall is unrecognisable. My dad was a great speedway fan and we used to go to Old Meadowbank on a Saturday. Rush to get a No 34 bus up to Redbraes to get rolls and then home to Bonnington Avenue to watch Perry Mason. Lots of other memories come to mind but not enough space.
Comments: Lived at teeny house at 198 Bonnington from birth in 1940 until mum and dad got new council house at top of Pilrig Street. Went to Bonnington Road Primary from 1945 to 1952 then Trinity from 1952 to 1955. Married, lived in Brunswick Street then RosslynCrescen (off Pilrig Street) then Bonnington Terrace. Past ten years at Ferryfield off Ferry Road opposite Stewarts/Melville playing fields. Now have two sons in their 30s playing the field - so no chance of being a granny yet!
Comments: I lived in the bottom row flat with no bathroom (tin bath filled with a bucket and emptied the same way. Bedroom was a boxroom with no window. No mod cons at all. Lived there until 1966 with my mum, Olive, dad (John Stewart, webmaster) and my younger sister Pamela. I attended Leith Academy Primary until I was 8 years old and we moved to Livingston in 1966.
After I married in 1977 to my husband Bruce, lived in Hillside Street off London Road before returning to Livingston for awhile. Now resident in East Calder with my husband and daughters, Aileen and Caroline.
Came to US but lived in different states (military), Germany for 4 years then came to Montana in 1973. My first job here was with an Indian Teacher Training Program. Loved it but all good things must come to an end.
I have been back to Scotland numerous times, for 9 weeks last August: can`t get enough of it. Leith has definitely changed. My dad wouldn`t believe how much. I noticed people from Ferrier Street. My grandfather Andrew Ross lived there. Can`t remember the number but it was on the top flat. My uncle was Tam Ross. Aunts Betty, Isa, Ina, and Agnes, Tam`s twin. Did anyone know them?
Love reading all the stories; great memories.
Edward Thomson
Originally 30 Fraser Avenue, Wardie, now in Glamis Castle, Angus.
Comments: Anyone who remembers Trinity Academy 1941-1945? We had a hell of an education during wartime. Do you remember the bombs falling on Junction Bridge and David Kilpatricks, Leith railway station or the AA battery at Crewe Toll? Remember the building of part of the Mulberry Harbour at Newhaven and throwing stones through Gisertiri`s windows when Italy entered the War?
We used to go down to Mason`s bakery for pies at lunchtime from Trinity if we were not in for a fight with Holy Cross pupils. I left school in April 1945 and went to work as an apprentice in Bonnington Castings.
Ellen Steed, Margaret Borthwick and Mary Eadie, are you still around? I left to join the army (R.E.M.E.)n 1948 and became a sergeant before joining BOAC and travelling the world for 30 years. Retired, I now live in Glamis, Angus.
Annette Wilson nee Moncur
Formerly 312 Leith Walk, 1939-1949, now in Innisfil, Ontario, Canada.
Comments: Wonderful site. Perhaps a bit long in the teeth (`ave still got maist o` ma ain) for all the electronic whiz kids, but pleased to readof the general interest.
Special memories - Mason`s hot pies on a Saturday morning, rounded off with a vanilla cake, or midweek, a plate o` real tripe and onions, nane o yer blanched rubbish, with plenty of rodicon. Ye dinna ken the hauf o` it. Cheers.
Comments: Came acroos the web site by chance. Lovely to read all the comments and a few names were familiar. Love to hear from anyone who remembers me. I attended St Mary`s from 1944 and then Holy Cross. Interesting to see how many had gone abroad. We only go on holiday. We still love Edinburgh and Scotland. Leith has changed quite a bit was neglected so long but it is good now that new houses have been built as well as the Shopping Centre. Alas, I don`t think the new apartments will house many Leithers.
Margaret C Haggerty nee Ollay
4 Ballantyne Road then on to Great Junction Street.
Comments: I attended Bonnington Road Primary then went to Leith Academy. After a spell in Henry Robbs, I was an apprentice brass moulder in McMillans coppersmiths at Shrubhill. After National ServiceI joined the fire brigade. Now retired and playing bowls and golf.
Comments: I was born in a wee room and kitchen on Hope Terrace, now Hopefield Terace. I went to Fort Street Primary then on to David Kilpatrick Seondary School that I left at 15.
My first job was at Smith and Bowman the chemists at the foot o` the walk. I went to Nursing School at Eastern General Hospital when I turned 17. I spent two and a half years becoming a PRN.
In 1968 I met an American GI at age of 21. We married six months later at North Leith Church. We have been married 36 years and travelled throughout the world and settled in Baltimore.
We have returned home to Leith on several occasions to visit my now deceased parents, David and Mary Preston, aka, Davey and Mary P, and two brothers, Drew and David.
We have three wonderful children and six beautiful grandchildren who love hearing my stories of `Nessie` using my native brogue. My dream is to bring them all back to Scotland and walk the streets I walked upon as a child. Although every time I go back things have changed.
I read with fond memories your stories of my old home town.
Angie Shand nee McDonald
Old Leith Streets, Constitution Street and Portland Street. A period of 43 years.
Comments: Born in Bowling Green Street in 1951, and have a twin brother. Moved to the Inch then back to Leith in 1970. Mother and father still live in Henderson Street.
Served my time in Henry Robbs as a shipwright, 1967 - 1972. In Rosyth Dockyard for to years then back to Robbs.-, 1974-77. Moved to Wallsend with my wife and son who was born there.
Isabel Hendry
Formerly of Stories Alley but now stay in Edinburgh. 1947
Comments: I am estimating the year as it was my mother-in-law who lived there. Now demolished, I wonder if anyone remembered her or her brother Wullie who lived there. I don`t even know what Stories Alley looked like. I just find it interesting.
Please help. Connie.
Mark Cameron
My grandfather, James Cameron lived at 2 Parliament Street in the 1930s. He also lived at 24 Kirkgate before 1933. His wife, Alice Eccles lived in 54 Water Street with her parents Charles and Mary Ann Eccles.
Comments: Hello there! Certainly good reading on your site. I was wondering if anyone would have any info on Dorothy Thom, daughter of Willim Thom and May Aitchison. I have many happy memories of Leith and hope to be there this fall.
Comments: I am glad to see that so many old Leithers feel the same way as I do about Leith. I left to go to Australia in 1975 and stayed for 10 years but was glad to get back.
No matter how much Leith changes, the people never will and will get on anywhere.
I am desperate to find Cathie Wishart who lived in North Junction Street. Can anyone help?
I only found this site two days ago and think it is great as I have read about two of my cousins, Tom and Alex Wallace whom I have not met for years. I am going to try and get in touch.
I would like to know if Leith is having a pageant this year, if so, what dates?
Esther Monteith
Originally from 53 The Shore, 51 Commercial Street and Hamburgh Place.
Comments: Trying to tace anyone who knew my father, Hughie Greenhill Monteith, a sheet metal worker and played football for Leith Victoria FC up until 1947. In RAF during the War, dad was born in Tolbooth Wynd then moved back to Dock Street then Sandport Street. Died in 1947 playing football against Newtongrange (I think). Any information would be helpful.
Gregor Maclean
Old Leith Street - Admiralty Street from 1990 to present.
Comments: I see my sister and cousin have beaten me to it and scratched their names on the Wa` already. I was born and brought up in Montgomery Street before joining the Merchant Navy. My mother came from Leith originally, Tolbooth Wynd, I came to live in Admiralty Street (Citadel Court) in 1990 and consider myself a naturalised Leither.
Comments: I attended Fort Primary, DK Secondary then Stevenson College. I left Leith several times over th years then always came home. I can`t seem to be partred from the Hibs for some reason or another. Quite sad really.
Its great to see so many ex-pat Leithers living in exotic places -America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, England and Fife.
Graeme KerrSpain
Old adresses: First 18 Henderson Street (top flair 1962 - 1966, then 173 Leith Walk across from Fyffes bananas then 34 Kirk Street.
Working in Nigeria although residence in Canary Islands.
Comments: Attended Leith Academy primary and secondary 1962 1972. Delivered milk for Leith Walk store (I still dinna ken how I pushed the barry). Remember Maggie Slimons in Tennent Street for the toffee cups. Still remember when the Shows came to Fyffes yard.
Joined the army in 1972 and got oot after 6 years and went into the oil industry. Worked all over the world but still love to come back to Leith and hae a pint in the Central. Characters I remember are Ally Kerr, Garry Innes, Davy Innes, Malcolm Scott, Coco Drummond, Joe Harper, Joe 90, Alfie Goodfellow, Lizzie Ross, Ginty Miller,m Collete Cumming. If anyone remebers me then I would be glad to hear from them. Up the Jambos!
Comments: My brother Paul told me about this site. I so enjoy recognising names and hearing peoples stories of our childhood in Leith. I`d forgotten about climbing the scaffolding in the Bombies and playing on the rope swing, going to Keddie Park, swimming at Granton, gathering buckies and using pins to get them out of the shells, dreeping the Terrace and being part of the"we are the Hopie gang" and raiding other street gangs stock of firewood for the bonfires.
Jumble sales in the Corner Rooms, and many a trip to the police box near the Docks to get help from Wally. Anyone else remember Big Wally?
Douglas Black
Old address was Admiralty Street.
Now in Baillieston, Glasgow.
Davie Dodds (June 27 2004)
Born in Simpsons in 1951 and lived in 7 Cadiz Street until around 1955.
Comments: Splebdid site. Both my parents originated from Leith and although they spent many years living in other parts of Scotland, they always considered Leith their true home.
As children, we grew up to the names such as Bertrams in Leith Walk, Crawfords biscuit factory. We always remember being dragged into Clinkscales, Oswald for the back to school refit.
Jim White (June 27 2004)
Born at 75 Bangor Road and lived there from 1952 to 1965.
Lived in Coatfield Lane from 1965 to 1970.
Married Catherine Deegan in 1970 and lived in Dalry and Bothwell Street. Emigrated to Canada in 1975 to Surrey, British Columbia..
Comments: Went ot Bonnington Road the DK. Apprentice electrician with William Allen Smith. Still have a family in Leith. Still remember fitba in the school, mending the ba with a red hot poker. Redbraes and the big rope swing over the Water of Leith at the avvie.
First milk boy at the new banana flats.
Love to hear from anyone from our past. Cheers for now.
John and Moira Cowan (nee Williamson) (June 27 2004)
Originally from Dalmeny Street then Annfield, Newhaven. 1977 - 1984.
Comments: Great site! Brings back a lot of old memories of growing up in Leith. Went back for a visit last year....so many changes. Keep up the good work.
Christine Muir nee Tulloch (June 28 2004)
Originally from James Place now Links Gardens. Period 1939 - 1961
Comments: This is a great site. Only when I am in Leith breathing in Links air, am I truly at home. Once a Leither, always a Leither. My grandfather, Wm G Young was the saddler in Constitution St. Does anyone remember Spence and Spence, the hardware shop? Mary Crolla`s ice cream, or Bella Snodgrass the newsagent on the corner of Elbe Street.
I went to Brownies at St Johns East, and belonged to St James Episcopal church but often went to St Marys Star of the Sea with my friends. We used to play in the Links and roll our Easter eggs down the Giants Brae or Lady Fyfe`s brae.
Comments: Was over the moon when I found this website. It was brother Edward who actually got your e-mail address. You will probably know my older brother Peter. I was born on 16 July 1937.
Thank you for giving us such wonderful memories
Glen Gillies (June 28 2004)
Born at 7 Bridge Street in 1939 then moved in 1956 to a new Corporation hoose at Magadalen, Porty.
Came to Canada in 1970 and live in Brampton, Ontario.
Born Bridge Street 1939 before moving to Kilmore, Argyll till 1948. Went to Couper Street school then DK. Served my time as a spark in Robbs 1955-1960 and knew many of the people mentioned in John Stewart`s story.
Joined the Port o` Leith motor boat club in 1960, ex secretary, commodore and became an honorary life member .
I now reside in Stromness, Orkney but return to Leith two or three times a year. They say that what is going on there is progress, but it would bring a tear to a gless eye for the price of a flat in an old bond ye could have bought half of Leith 40 years ago.
I have just become aware of this site recently through my daughter and I hope to drop in to take part in renewing old memories. Anyone who remembers me is free to mail me unless I owe them money.
Comments: Love this site. Brought back so many memories. I was at Bonnington Road School from 1941 to 1948 and the teacher I most remember was Miss Anderson then Mr Crawford. Went to DK from 1948 to 1951 and the teachers I most remember were Effie Johnston, Mr Naismith, Mr Wishart, Mrs Greigand I think a mr Walker.
My first job was in the office of Eric Manzi, an electrical contractor in Easter Road. I remember Percy the policeman. He could certainly make the lads move when they had a `school ` at the bottom of Bangor Lane.
I remember queuing at the Store in Bangor Road during the War for a banana. Then theres Owns the fish and chip shop where they did the best `suppers.`
This is bringing back so many memories I could go on and on and on.
Please contact me if I have triggered anything for you. Regards from Oz.
Alexander Gunn
My old street was 30 Hawthornvale from 1945 to 1961.
Comments: Was born in Leith in 1936 and lived with my aunty during the war as both my mother and father worked in Henry Robbs. Went to Newhaven school then Leith Academy. Was a member of the 2nd Leith BB. Moved to Australia in 1961 after 2 years in the RAF in Kenya. Alex
Comments: My grandparents lived at 4 Admiralty Street for many, many years. Then my parents took over the flat until we all came out to Canada in 1969.
My grandparents were the "Fasciones" who owned the fish and chip shop at the top of Bangor Road for many, many years and also cafes and the chip shop at the top of Bonnington Road
Brian Lockwood
Lived over the border in Rossie Place but all my mates came from Leith. I was a Carlton boy. Remenber them? The Tiptons, Ian Raynor, Tam Robertson, Dumbo Craig, Billy Rae, Ronnie Cameron, Tam Ballantyne, Jackie (Teasy) Bailey, Ally Duncan.
Comments: Went to Broughton High School. Big brother was Mick Lockwood who went to Norton Park. Spent two years in Malaya, 1955-57. National Service with the Royal Scots Fusiliers.
Married an Aussie. Daughter in Australian army (15 years), son in London (10 years). Came to Australia in 1960. Retired at 57 in 1993. Come home quite often, in fact will be there in Jan. 2005. Give me a call if you remember me. All my crowd went to Canada.
John Scappaticci
Old Leith streets - Henderson Gardens, (Tolbooth Wynd, granny), Charlotte Street. 1935.1940.
Comments: My mother`s family were true Leither, Glancys and Gardiners. My dad`s sides were newcomers who came from Italy in 1891 and stayed the rest of their days there.
We moved to Montgomery Street in 1941. I grew up there and went to Holy Cross. Served my time in Robbs, so forever leith will be part of my life.
David Valentine
Originally from Morton Street and Gladstone Place.
Comments: Have lived in Leith for 73 years. Brought up in Morton Street, four years in Kenya after marrying in St James`s . Involved in Leith affairs for many years. Now writing a book on Leith that should be out in seven or eight weeks. Leith Academy primary in 1936 then Royal High School. Cricket for Leith Franklin.
Comments: During the period I lived in leith I attended Lochend Road school then Hermitage Park.
During the time in Primrose Street we lived up the Brae. My mother`s maiden name was Annie Henderson, a well known family from the Brae. My sister Jessie and her husband Rab ran a pub in Leith next to St Mary`s school. The family then moved to Granton Crescent where some of the family are today. Thanks for a wonderful site.
John Dodds
Old streets, 29 Duke Street and 333 Easter Road from 1961-1967 then 1968-1978. Now in Gifford, East Lothian.
Comments: Great website which brought back many memories. I`ve got mixed feelings about the `new` Leith. The old place did need a bit of regeneration but it does not seem to be for Leithers anymore or maybe when I turned 50 my crabbit gland kicked in.
Reg Ollay
Old Leith Streets - 9 Bangor Road, 15 Granton Terrace, 10 Bowling Green Street, and 13 Cadiz Street.
Period of residence 1946-1964. Now in Auckland, New Zealand.
Comments: Like many other Leithers and ex-pats, there is always someone else that knows ex Leithers. I was told abot your web site from a cousin in Canada, and after browsing today I see another cousin of mine, Maureen Preston whom I have not seen since the early sixties. Now that I have finally put my name on the `wall of fame`, I would love to put a few memories of mine on your website and catch up with a few old friends.
I attended Granton, Dr Bells, Lorne Street and Bellvue schools before I was asked leave and not come back. Left for Australia in 1964 and have been in God`s own country of New Zealand for the past 35 years.
If any old Leithers remember my father George Ollay, he is still alive and kicking. He would love to hear from anyone who remembers him.
Comment Born in Leith in 1925. Not moved too far. Love this site . Brings back so many wonderful memories of family and friends, most of whom have now sadly
departed. But I am sure there are also lots more out there thriving, like me.
Still in touch with another Auld Leither, Alex Mulvaney who now resides in Melbourne Australia and I intend telling him of this site when he visits next month. Anyone know me please get in touch.
Keep up the good work
Ella
Jake ????
Present Location...Toronto Canada.
Leith Location......Primrose Street Granton Medway
Comment What a great time I`ve had, reading all your memories, just to hear some of those street names conjures up all kinds of pictures in my mind, Was home in Aug05 with the family, 24 off us, kids grand kids, and greatgrandkids, we all had a ball even took in the Walk for Wallace In London, pity there was not more
Scotsmen willing to show a wee bit more patriatism, and remember our great heritage!! Anyhoo, great site keep it up! Jake.
Comment Born Leith 1944, Attended Lochend primary and then DK. Moved to Corstorphine in 1955 but still went to DK until end of education.Now retired to a
small village just outside Edinburgh after working in Insurance and running a small Hotel for many years. Marrried now for over 40 years. Enjoying our kids
and grand kids and of course the obligatory holidays to the canaries.
No email at the moment but when I do I will be sure to add.
Comment. From the Laidlaw clan. Born 1954. Lived at 195 Gt Junction St.
(1955-1961) attended Bonnington Rd School. Then Duke St (1961-66)went to Hermitage Park School. Moved to Uphall Stn (Broxburn Academy from about 66-69). Emigrated 1988, but have returned for visits, still have mums older sisters Alice and Rita living in Leith. If you remember me, drop me a line. The old place has changed but the memories are alive and well..
