Recollections Craigmillar and Niddrie
1940s - 1950s |
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1. |
Irene ATKINS |
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2. |
Cath TUFF |
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3. |
David THOMSON |
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4. |
Marion DEIGHAN |
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5. |
John CLARK |
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6. |
David BROWN |
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7. |
Rod FRASER |
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8. |
Ralph MALTMAN |
- Shopping - Friends |
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9. |
John CLARK |
- Family |
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10. |
Jim COWAN |
- Canada |
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10. Reply 1. |
George McROBBIE |
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10. Reply 2. |
Ragnar LOCHEN |
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11. |
Robert T
KERR |
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12. |
Jim CAMPBELL |
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13. |
Archie FERGUSON |
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14. |
David BAIN |
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15. |
Connie CAMPBELL |
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16. |
Julie SPEED |
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17. |
Davis STEWART |
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18. |
Bobby McEWAN |
- Wartime - Changes |
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19. |
Bobby McEWAN |
- Memories - Barber - Chip Van |
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20. |
Dave MURRAY |
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21. |
June ROBERTSON (née
WOOD) |
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22. |
Archie FERGUSON |
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23. |
Jim COWAN |
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24. |
Margaret CARNIE |
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25. |
Gus COUTTS |
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26. |
George DEVLIN |
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27. |
Oliver TAYLOR |
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28. |
Oliver TAYLOR |
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29. |
James HUNTER |
- Memories |
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30. |
Ian PENNYCOOK |
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31. |
Rose POWELL |
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32. |
Frank WILCHER |
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33. |
Frank WILCHER |
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34. |
Francis JABIONSKI |
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Recollections 1. Irene Atkins Ashford, Kent, England |
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Thank you to Bryan Gourlay, Biggar, Lanarkshire, Scotland, for sending me these memories of Craigmillar in the early 1940s, written by his aunt, Irene Atkins. Thank you also to Irene, who wrote: |
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"The Craigmillar I grew up in, in the early 1940s, is not the place it has become today. It was a world of women and old men, most of the young men having volunteered or been called up to fight for king and country. The young women went to work to help boost the pittance they received from whichever service their husbands fought with. The old women stayed at home to look after the children of their sons and daughters. The old men sat on the various benches around the area and regaled us children with tales of their daring do in ' the last one ' in such places as Paschendale, Cambrai and Vimy Ridge, whilst their wives used their meager sugar rations to provide us with such delights as toffee apples and barley twists." |
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"Craigmillar was as safe a place as any then. We children played anywhere and everywhere without a care. I do not ever recall a burglary, break-in, child abduction or murder in my day. The shops neither used shutters or grills when they closed after the day's business, and we only had one policeman called Bobby Munroe. |
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"However, exciting things did happen. Such as the German plane that crashed into the derelict grounds of Lady Wauchope's estate. The other children and I saw the remains of the plane being loaded on to two flat-bed lorries. The very young German airman, who was the only survivor of the crash, was dragged from his hiding place in the woods and frog marched, with hands tied behind his back, covered in dirt and blood, to the police box at the bottom of the road. I was unable to understand at that time why people jeered and spat on him. I must confess I felt sorry for the poor young man who must have been terrified out of his wits. I also remember being taken to the gates of Portobello cemetery (Milton Road) to see the corteges of his dead companions pass through, where they might still lie today." |
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"I remember hanging out of the window with my mother watching a dog-fight in the sky above, with the lights out of course. Also, being wrapped in a huge pink quilt and going to the air raid shelter when the siren sounded, coming back hours later to find the cat had eaten our supper of fish and chips (mother nearly killed it). I remember going with my mother to New Craighall to see the skeletal remains of the bombed-out houses where a German airman jettisoned his load over the village, having missed his target of Leith docks. |
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Irene Atkins, Ashford, Kent, England, formerly Wauchope, Craigmillar and Burdiehouse with acknowledgement to Brian Gourlay, Biggar, Lanarkshire, Scotland, April 9, 2006 |
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Recollections 2. Cath Tuff Warwickshire, England |
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Thank you to Cath Tuff, Warwickshire, England, who used to live at Craigmillar, for sending her memories. Cath wrote: |
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The White House "My husband lived in Craigmillar from 1937. He has great memories of the White Hoose as a boy. He watched the fights from the window in the Loan (Craigmillar Castel) and had his first pint of heavy there. We moved to Niddrie Mill and had a few good laughs and close shaves there. We now live in England and my husband can't get about, but we still talk about Craigmillar, and tell our grandsons about the White Hoose, and soon our great grandchildren will know all about it." Cath Tuff, Warwickshire, England: December 12, 2006 |
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Recollections 3. David Thomson Broughton, Edinburgh |
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Thank you to David Thomson for sending his memories of Craigmillar. David wrote: |
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"I was born in the Craigmillar area and regretfully have seen the decline in the quality of life in the area. There used to be full employment with 7 Breweries, Coal Pits. Steele's Sanitaryware manufacturing, etc. The cows were brought down from the Castle Farm to be milked and folk won awards for Best Garden etc. I delivered milk and never had any milk stolen from my barrow! Folk left the money or token outside their door and it was never stolen. I have seen Greendykes being built, demolished, built again and now being demolished again, and I'm not even pensionable age! There's more decent folk in Craigmillar but its the age-old adage of the few bad apples ruin the box." |
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"I have a book on General Wauchope and used to play in the Wauchope estate - a wonderful place, The old cemetery is where General Wauchope brought a drummer or bugle boy who had been badly injured, back home from South Africa to have a decent place to die. When the lad died, he buried him in the family graveyard at Niddrie. Fascinating the history of a wee place in Edinburgh which has a vast wealth in history of industry and village life. General Wauchope has a statue which stands at the junction of Market Street/Mound." |
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David Thomson, Broughton, Edinburgh: February 15, 2007 |
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Recollections 4. Marion Deighan Edinburgh |
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Thank you to Mary Deighan who wrote: |
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My First TV "When I first got a TV in the late 1950s the screens were small and the gimmick was to buy an enlarger like a magnifying glass. A guy came to the door. He was well dressed and was not from the Edinburgh area. In my opinion he was a conman, as I can spot a conman miles away. He said: 'You can rent this magnifier for 2 shillings a week. I'll send one of my agents next week to pick up the payments. When he saw and heard my husband and found out who my sons were, he got a bit nervous and I never saw him or his so-called agent ever again. The glass screen was great as it magnified my wee TV to a 32 inch screen without being a blur. It was one of the best bargains I had in Craigmillar. I also used knitting needles to get a good picture until I got an aerial mounted on the roof." |
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Marion Deighan, Edinburgh: March 29, 2007 Marion is the aunt of Eric Gold who has sent many recollections to the EdinPhoto web site. Marion used to live in Arthur Street, Dumbiedykes then in Harewood Road, Craigmillar |
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Recollections 5. John Clark Canada |
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Thank you to John Clark who wrote: |
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Craigmillar Castle Gardens "My Auntie Lizzie lived in Craigmillar Castle Gardens. People reading this in Hollywood would probably think, 'Wow, I simply must buy a house there.' Sorry Maam, it wasn't that fancy, but it sure was a lot of fun. We would play football in the park next to the brewery, It's still there. We would go to free movies in the nissen huts from the war, and watch great movies for free. It was freezing cold, but who cared if you were watching a free movie." |
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John Clark, Canada: April 1, 2007 |
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Recollections 6. David Brown Craigmillar, Edinburgh |
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Thank you to David Brown who wrote: |
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Schools and Housing "I go back to Craigmillar 1938, when it was a great place to live. Peffermill School was being built. We had to go to Prestonfield and the tin school, until it was ready. People were poor but honest, with large families. All you hear now is 'deprived area'. I've lived in the area for fifty years, ,and own my own home. I'm very comfortably off because I worked for it." |
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David Brown, Craigmillar, Edinburgh: August 12, 2008 |
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Recollections 7. Rod Fraser Australia |
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Thank you to Rod Fraser who wrote: |
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Wauchope Estate "I used to live in Wauchope Terrace in Craigmillar, back in the 1950s. I used to play in the old Wauchope Estate grounds then and have many great memories of the time. I have a rough idea of where the paths went and what was there. I was wondering if you have any maps of the layout of the old estate before the housing development?" Rod Fraser, Australia: August 7, 2008 |
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Reply For old maps of the area, I recommend contacting the Map Library of the National Library of Scotland. Here is their email address. Peter Stubbs: August 7, 2008 |
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Recollections 8. Ralph Maltman Canada |
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Thank you to Ralph Maltman who wrote: |
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"I grew up in Craigmillar from around 1938 or '39, and finally left to go to Canada in 1957. We lived at 21 Craigmillar Castle Terrace. I attended Peffermill School, then moved on to Niddrie Marischal. Later, I worked in the pits at Loanhead." |
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"I recall many happy memories living in Craigmillar and I can't recall any bad times. Our parents used to go around the stair, either borrowing money for the gas meter or asking for a drop of milk or sugar." |
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"I remember having 'pieces' thrown out the window. They they were usually jam only, not butter and jam. We never got butter, that was usually only for our dad. But we thought nothing of that. That's just the way it was." |
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"We used to shop at the local shops for our messages. The famous one I recall was Mrs Flett's on the main road in Craigmillar. I think her name was Jean and her husband was Charlie." |
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"What great memories of those times, meeting all our friends on the corner of the Terrace and the Grove - the Andersons - the Wilsons - the Moyes - the Gunns - the Norrises. So many memories. There was nothing wrong with Craigmillar when we were growing up. What happened?" |
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Ralph Maltman, Canada: October 11, 2008 |
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Recollections 9. John Clark Canada |
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Thank you to John Clark who wrote: |
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"I lived in and visited Craigmillar for long periods of time in the late 1940s, to stay with my cousins. Craigmillar was a great place to grow up and to play as a kid. Oh yes, the young people were tough. They had to be. But they were honest and reliable in the majority." |
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"My cousins were: - Jim Norris - George Norris - Billy Norris. Unfortunately Billy was killed in a terrible accident with a rocket flare gun that he and some friends had acquired and were fooling around with. George died a few years ago of heart troubles, but I like to believe that Jim is still around and with us." QUESTION "Do you know Jim? If so, please tell him I am asking for him. Anyway, long live Craigmillar, it gave me many, many happy years in my young days." |
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"My Auntie Lizzie had a huge family, from two different husbands. They were, starting at the eldest, and I hope I get this right: - Davey Bullock - Jessie Bullock - Nettie Bullock - Anna Bullock - Isabell Bullock - Stewart Norris - Billy Norris - Jim Norris - Mary Norris - George Norris - Marjorie Norris. She also had one child who died as a baby. I was in the age group between Billy and Jim. So you can imagine how entertaining life was at my Auntie Lizzie's place, and why I love Craigmillar so much. Oh, happy days." |
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John Clark, Canada: October 13+15, 2008 |
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Recollections 10. Jim Cowan New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada |
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Thank you to Jim Cowan who wrote: |
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"From 1938 until I joined the Air Force in 1959, I lived in what was then Station Road, but was later changed to Peffer Street, Craigmillar. We used to have quasi rivalry when at bonfire time lads from Niddrie would try to set our collections of old furnishings and paper prematurely alight" "I joined the Air Force in 1959, then five years later I ventured to the west coast of Canada, and here I still am, at New Westminster, near Vancouver. Noreen Campbell, wife of Jim Campbell who lived at the same address as I did, 13 Station Road and now live in Edmonton, Canada, sent me this site just a half-hour ago." "I always wonder what became of: - my good buddy Charlie Scott. - his brothers Ian and David. - Jackie Loch. - David Crow. - Jeanette Mcdonald. - Jill Murray. - Big Donald McPherson. - Helen Meek. - Sheila Anderson. - Irene Allard. - a whole lot of others. Jim Cowan, New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada: January 24, 2009 |
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Perhaps you recognise yourself or somebody else in Jim's list of names above. If so, and if you'd like to get in touch with Jim, please email me, then I'll pass your message on to him. Thank you. - Peter Stubbs: January 24, 2009 Thank you to George McRobbie for writing to say that in the 1940s, he also lived in Station Road Craigmillar. |
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Recollections 10. Reply 1. George McRobbie Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
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Thank you to George McRobbie who wrote: |
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"I also lived in Station Road, Craigmillar in the 1940s and haver been wondering where Jim Cowan ended up since his retirement. I would be happy to reconnect with him." George McRobbie, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: July 18, 2013 |
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I've now passed on to George the latest email address that I have for Jim Cowan. I hope they will be able to get in touch with each other. Peter Stubbs, Edinbegh: July 26, 2013 |
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Recollections 10. Reply 2. Ragnar Lochen Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
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Thank you to Ragnar Lochen who wrote: |
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15 Station Road My Great Grandparents & Family "Jim Cowan wrote (above) about Station Road Craigmillar. My family stayed in stair No.15, Station Road. In the early-1920s, my Great Granny & Grandad William and Catherine Runciman lived there with their family: - my Uncle Willie and my Uncle Jack - their sisters Ella, Joey, Rena (my Nana) and Edith." My Nana & Family "All the siblings fled the nest, apart from my Nana who managed to get a house across the landing in No.15, where: - my Dad, Raymond - my Uncles, Raynard and Derek all grew up." My Uncle Willie "My Uncle Willie moved around the corner and into Peffer Bank where he had the first of his 2 children: - Irene and Billy Runciman. View from No.15 towards Arthur's Seat "I have vivid memories of that stair at No.15 in the 1970s. I can’t remember when it was demolished but this photo shows the view outwards towards Arthur's Seat from No 15."
Ragnar Lochen, Edinburgh: April 11, 2014 (2 emails) |
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Recollections 11. Robert T Kerr Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
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Thank you to Jim Cowan who wrote: |
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"My grandad (Bert Kerr) and his family lived at Cairntows (opposite Luci's Ice cream). As kids ,we loved a '99 ice cream (with choc. flake) in front of the television. We loved visiting my Gran (Helen Wallace) Kerr, for the school holidays. I loved going to sleep at night, hearing the traffic outside (as we were based in the countryside at Loch Lomond) and waking to tea and digestives." |
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"I remember a beautiful gypsy woman who stayed in trailers (caravan) towards Portobello. I remember the smell of breweries around, and the bowling green over gran's garden wall. There was a light blue bubble car in the garage. I remember my dad, Robert (Robin) Dundas and: - his brothers, Dundas and Colin - his sisters, Heather (very dark hair), Hazel (vey blonde hair) - Colin's wife, Christine ,and their children, Raymond and Grant - young Dundas and Katriona." |
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"I remember Little France and the Castle Farm and bailing in the fall (autumn). I remember my grandad watching steeplechasing on the television. Those were the days!" |
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Robert T Kerr, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
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Recollections 12. Jim Campbell St Albert, Alberta, Canada |
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Thank you to Jim Campbell who sent me these three photos of his schools at Craigmillar: Jim wrote: |
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"Jim Cowan (10 above) now living in Vancouver and I both grew up in Craigmillar, at 13 Station Road. I left Edinburgh in 1956, living first in Toronto, and later in Edmonton, Alberta. Presently my wife and I live in St. Albert, a smaller city that is almost attached to Edmonton. My sister, Helen Fowler, who now lives in Peterborough, Ontario, also sent a message about Cairntows Craigmillar to the Edinphoto web site a while ago. |
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"I dug around and found these school pictures that you might like to add to the site.
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I have been back to Scotland quite a few times, the last visit in September last year. As always I had to make my way back to Craigmillar, and found the old place undergoing major renovations. I was able to walk through and picture it as it had been 52 years prior. What a pleasure to see it being restored, and made comfortable for new families." |
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"I notice that an Archie Ferguson replied to a message from Margaret Calder about Craigmillar Primary School. I wonder if he might be the same guy I ran into in Toronto about 1959. He had attended Niddrie Marischal at the same time I did. Also in Toronto, I once ran into Maureen Hill, who was at Craigmillar School with me. Thanks for the lovely memories your site evokes, and of the opportunities to share our past and present." |
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Jim Campbell, St Albert, Alberta, Canada: March 27, 2009 |
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Recollections 13. Archie Ferguson Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. |
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Thank you to Archie Ferguson who replied: |
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"I commend Jim Campbell (12 above) on his memory of our chance meeting in Toronto. I recall he was driving a small sports car and the year was 1959. The pictures of school he sent were priceless. I don't know if I was in his class. There are a couple of images that look like me, but I can't tell. I hope Jim reads this, It may warm him up on these cold prairie days. My wife was born in Edmonton, but I swept her away to Vancouver Island." Archie Ferguson, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada: June 19, 2009 |
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Recollections 14. David Bain Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England |
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Thank you to David Bain who wrote: |
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Craigmillar Primary School "I only went to Craigmillar Primary School while we lived with my grandparents in Harewood Drive for a short period in about 1956. I don't remember anything at all about the school, but I do still remember the toffee cups - toffee lollies in a paper cup - sold at the school gate. The man sold them from a big hand basket; the same kind of basket rolls were sold from, as I recall." "The mention of rag and bone men brought back memories of the rag man and his call of "toysforwoollenraaaaags!"- all one word, of course! Another memory is of the roll van of Dalziels of Airdrie - quite how they made a profit selling a vanload of rolls from Airdrie to Gilmerton remains a mystery. Their cry was "Deee-els Row-els!" David Bain, Craigmillar, Edinburgh: September 3, |
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Recollections 15. Connie Campbell Durham, England |
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Thank you to Connie Campbell who wrote: |
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Harewood Crescent "I was born in 1940 and lived at 13 Harewood Crescent, Niddrie Mains. Edinburgh. I had five sisters. The eldest passed away in March 2007. The others are: - Sylvia - June - Margaret - Moira. We all went to Craigmillar primary school then Niddrie Marischal secondary school. My dad was Harry Young, an active member of the community" Connie Campbell, Durham, England: December 3, 2009 |
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Recollections 16. Julie Speed Wolverhampton, West Midlands, England |
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Thank you to Julie Speed who wrote: |
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"My Scottish family were brought up in Craigmillar from around 1950 until No.9 Craigmillar Castle Gardens was demolished. They were a family of nine - George, Chris, Tom, Jimmy, Ann, Gloria, Margaret, Freddie and Frankie Armstrong. My mom is Margaret and she left when she joined the army in about 1963." |
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"My 3 sisters and I spent many happy summer holidays in Craigmillar: - buying ice cream from Rudi the ice cream van or from Luca’s little shop - climbing Arthur’s Seat and running amok in and out of the blocks of flats opposite the gardens while my parent had some peace down in England." |
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"My Mom went to school with Marion Cameron and my uncles often brought their friends to parties at my Nan’s house, Jimmy Munroe, Tam Ford, Ellen Hawkes to name a few!" |
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"I visit Craigmillar regularly as my Uncle George was moved to Castle Gait during the regeneration. Yes, its changed but the memories of the people and the fun we had make that unimportant. Does anyone know my Mom's family?" |
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Julie Speed, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, England: March 14, 2011 |
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Recollections 17. Davis Stewart Richmond, British Columbia, Canada |
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Thank you to Davis Stewart who wrote: |
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The Stewart Family "I am looking for descendants of my Great Uncle James Stewart and his wife Katie Jane Trench Thomson. They are likely to have lived at 15 Station Road, Craigmillar, from the early-1900's through the 1950s. His brother John and sister Lilias Tait Stewart are also likely to have lived in the area. Here is a picture of my grandfather and uncle from the 1940s." |
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"Here is a picture of my grandfather, William Stewart, and my uncle, Richard Stewart, taken in the 1940s." |
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Davis Stewart, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada: July 29 + August 14, 2012 |
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Recollections 18. Bobby McEwan Niddrie, Edinburgh |
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Thank you to Bobby McEwan for sending his memories of living in Niddrie for almost 75 years. Bobby wrote: |
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"I've lived in Niddrie all my life and I can remember the good and the hard days." "The good days were when Niddrie was first built. H.R.H. Princess Mary was the V.I.P. guest on 17 September 1930. I wasn’t born till 1939. I can remember back to 1944 and the War Years. Niddrie / Craigmillar was a safe and healthy place to bring up a family." "In those days, families went out and left the house doors open. There was no fear of the house being robbed as everyone knew each other. It was a close community, everyone helping each other with any problems they had. No matter what it was, help was always at hand. It was a safe place to live because most of the traffic was horse- drawn carts or wheel-barrows." Our entertainment was: - a visit from a one man band named Stevie Cardonie, - the Salvation Army, or - a visit to the Rio picture house to see Batman and Robin, Flash Gordon or Superman. I remember that the adults' entertainment was: - the pictures, - the White House, or - a dance at the local hall that stared the local Niddrie tenant’s band, Dickie Knox Trio." "When the war siren went we all went to the Anderson shelter. We were packed into the shelters like sardines in a tin, with very little food or clean clothing. It was Hell!
Most of the
food was in powder form, such as eggs, milk
and soup, and most of the food,
sweets and clothing was rationed. - The food was bought at St Cuthbert’s Store in Craigmillar - Most of the clothing was bought at Mr Gordon's shop in Wauchope Crescent, or Peggy Duncan’s In Craigmillar, or Parker's store in Bristo street." "The area has changed over the years. I remember that in Niddrie Mains Terrace, there was: - the Salvation Army Hall and in Hay Drive there were: - the Scouts' Hut that was in Niddrie Mains Terrace - St Aiden's Church - the Dumfriesshire Dairy - the St Cuthbert's store. These have all become history, as have some of the other other old places that were in our area: - schools - mines - breweries - farms - pig farms - etc." "Other important parts of our history were: - The Duddingston 'Prisoner of War Camp' - General Andrew Gilbert's Wauchope family estate, I believe the family ownership can go as far back as the 16th century." "Housing at Niddrie Marischal and Niddrie House was built on the Wauchope land, but I still remember the historical family mansion. It was a very special attraction for local people and tourists. The house was surrounded with flower beds and fruit trees and was a haven for wild life. Unfortunately the mansion and land was bought by the council in 1970. All that remains to remind us of the General’s family and the General's bravery are the tomb, the graveyard, and a memorial cross in the garden of the local Niddrie Mill School . The General was killed on 11 December 1899 as he led his men Into battle at Magersfontein, during the Boer War. There is much more I could add. I'm in the process of writing a book. If anyone wants to know anything else about Niddrie, I would be happy to help bring back the memories of those times that have long gone but will never be forgotten. Shop Can anybody remember the first shop in Niddrie Mains Terrace? It was placed at the side of the Bingham tunnel and was a caravan on wheels. *** I believe the owner was a Mr Walker. That was before Mrs Flockhart, Mrs Lettie or Mrs Gribbens. *** Please see Recollections 26 below for a reply to this question Bobby McEwan, Niddrie, Edinburgh: February 8, 2013 |
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Recollections 19. Bobby McEwan Niddrie, Edinburgh |
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Thank you to Bobby McEwan for sending more of his memories of growing up in Niddrie. Bobby wrote: |
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"I've been reading all the stories about Craigmillar and Niddrie on this page. It's great to hear al the things that the people remember. It brings back lots of memories to everyone who lived in the area, past and present. I've lived in Niddrie Mains since 1939 and still live there. I remember all the things that have been mentioned by many of the people above." "My 'sixpenny barber' was a man called Tony Rizzie from Hay Road." "We had two chip vans in our area: - Willie Mackey, from Danderhall, and - Joe the Pole, as he was called." "My Grandfather was the first rag and bone man in Edinburgh. He was known as 'Balloon Bobby'. Does anybody have a photograph of him?" Bobby McEwan, Niddrie, Edinburgh: February 8, 2013 |
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Reply to Bobby McEwan? If you know of any photos of Bobby's grandfather, please email me to let me know, then I'll pass on your message to Bobby. Thank you. Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: February 8, 2013 |
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Recollections 20. Dave Murray Penticton, British Columbia, Canada |
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Thank you to Dave Murray, now living in British Columbia, for posting a message in the EdinPhoto Guestbook. Dave wrote: |
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Harewood Crescent Home, School and Friends "I was born at 2 Harewood Crescent in 1938. I went to school with Jim Cowan who lived on Station Road. I was in the Boys' Brigade with him. My best friend was Jim Robertson. He now lives in Portobello." Our Street "I remember the fish man with his pony and trap delivering down Harewood Crescent, and the boxing club at the foot of the street."
Dave Murray, Penticton, British
Columbia, Canada: |
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I was pleased to see that today Jim Cowan (who Dave Murray mentions in the first paragraph above) has now posted a reply to the message that Dave Murray added to the EdinPhoto guestbook on June 16. |
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Recollections 21. June Robertson (née Wood) Arroyo Grande, California, USA |
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Thank you to June Robertson for posting a reply in the EdinPhoto guestbook, in response to a message posted in the guestbook by Norma Ford on June 30, 2013. June wrote: |
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Blues Family "Does anybody remember a family in Craigmillar by the name of Blues. This was a long, long time ago. The mother was Chrissie Blues. She had lots of kids. Some of them are still around. They sold fruit and veggies from a barrow on Chambers Street, right by the Bridges. It's a long shot, but you never know!" June Robertson (née Wood), Arroyo Grande, California, USA, posted this reply in the EdinPhoto guestbook on 29 July 2013, in response to a message posted in the guestbook by Norma Ford on 30 June, 2013. |
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Recollections 22. Archie Ferguson |
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Thank you to Archie Ferguson who replied to Dave Murray's message in Recollections 20 above. Archie wrote |
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Archie Ferguson "Hi Davie. I'm glad to hear you're still above ground. I've tried many times to find you in and around Vancouver, to no avail." Archie Ferguson: Message posted in EdinPhoto guestbook: June 24, 2013 |
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I've passed on Dave's email address to Archie, so I hope that they have made contact with each other by now. Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: August 4, 2013 |
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Recollections 23. Jim Cowan Westminster, British Columbia, Canada |
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Jim Cowan also replied to Dave Murray's message in Recollections 20 above. Jim wrote |
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Station Road "This is braw! The Jim Cowan you refer to is well and living in New Westminster BC Canada. Through this site I just made contact with George McRobbie who, a long time ago, lived as I did on Station Road in Craigmillar"
Jim Cowan, Westminster, British
Columbia, Canada: |
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Recollections 24. Margaret Carnie (née Cunningham) Tasmania, Australia |
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Margaret Carnie tells me that she has just learnt about the EdinPhoto site from her brother, Frank Cunningham who lived in Craigmillar from 1938 until 1963. Margaret wrote: |
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Familiar Names "I've been reading some of the memories from 'Craigmillarites'. So many of the names are so familiar, I can almost see them: - Ralph Maltman (from the same stair as Jacky Murray) - The Fultons, who lived in Castle Grove. All were friends of my brother, Alec, sadly no longer with us. I could go on for hours, remembering Craigmillar and all the good times and good people that lived there."
Margaret Carnie (née Cunningham), Tasmania,
Australia: January 7, 2024 |
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Recollections 25. Gus Coutts Duddingston, Edinburgh |
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Margaret Carnie tells me that she has just learnt about the EdinPhoto site from her brother, Frank Cunningham who lived in Craigmillar from 1938 until 1963. Margaret wrote: |
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Niddrie Burn Walk 1940s "As a youngster in the 1940s, I can remember my mother taking me for walks along the Niddrie Burn from Duddingston Park South, just before The Jewel Cottages, going East." A Pleasant Country Walk "This was before they built: - any of the Magdalene houses on the left - the development which includes Hosie Rigg - The Milton Link, Asda and what became Big W It was, in effect, a pleasant country walk." Looking East "Looking to the east, one was faced by a high railway embankment which carried the Lothian Line. Beyond that, at ground level were more railway lines: - the 'South Sub'' - the Waverley Line and - the lines to Niddrie The Niddrie Burn ran under the embankment and inder the other lines in a tunnel." Path from the Jewel Cottage "The path from The Jewel Cottages ran along the right-hand bank of the burn, but just before the embankment there was a bridge across the burn and a path running diagonally, about half way up the side of the embankment in the direction of Milton Road. At the top of the path was a pedestrian tunnel through the embankment which led directly on to a footbridge over the Waverley etc. line and down to ground level and Brunstane Road South. As I remember, there was open countryside to the right." Any Photos? "I've never seen any photos of this area, and wonder if anybody has any. I hope somebody will be able to turn some up. What I'm particularly keen to see are any photos taken: - near the end of the walk, around where 'The Big W' car park is nowadays." - in the area near the embankment, particular looking east towards the embankment and tunnels." Gus Coutts, Duddingston, Edinburgh: January 10, 2014 |
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Reply to Gus If you know of any photos that might be of interest to Gus, please email me, then I'll give you his email address and you will be able to send a message direct to him. Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: January 10, 2014 |
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Recollections 26. George Devlin Poole, Dorset England |
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Thank you to George Devlin for replying to the question about the shop at Niddrie / Craigmillar that Bobby McEwan asked at the end of his Recollections 18 above. George wrote: |
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Reply Bobby McEwan 'The Caravan' "I know Bobby and his family They lived in the same street as me - Niddrie Mains Terrace. Bobby was in the same class as me at school. Bobby asked about the first shop at Niddrie / Craigmillar. In fact it was a caravan owned by an ex-Policeman called Fraser who lived opposite me at 44 Niddrie Mains Terrace, the same stair as the O'Briens. Then, Mrs Lockhart built a tin shop, but the name stuck and the locals always referred to it as 'The Caravan'." George Devlin, Poole, Dorset, England: May 21, 2014 |
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Recollections 27. Oliver Taylor Burlington, Ontario, Canada |
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Thank you to Oliver Taylor who wrote: |
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The Fireworks Factory "I was born in 1938 in Craigmillar and lived at 19 Craigmillar Castle Road with my brothers (David and George) and sisters (Janette and Anne). I went to Peffermill School until I was 11, then to Boroughmuir School. After school, and during the summer holidays, we would hang around at the top of the Castle Road in the late afternoons waiting for the women workers to pass,going home from the fireworks factory. Often, they would give us a few of the unlabelled 'squibs' (bangers). I can't remember the exact year of the explosionat the fireworks factory, but I believe it was before I went to Boroughmuir School, so it would have been around 1949-50ish. The story is that at least one worker was killed in the explosion, but I'm not absolutely sure. Again, my understanding is that the factory then closed permanently." "Craigmillar was a lot of fun, with lots to do, and good people - until things changed. Do any readers remember the times we had up at the quarry? I worked as a "skittle boy" at the White Hoose. Looking back, I should have been paid danger money, but the scotch pies were a great compensation." Oliver Taylor, Burlington, Ontario, Canada: April 22, 2015 |
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Recollections 28. Oliver Taylor Burlington, Ontario, Canada |
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Thank you to Oliver Taylor for writing again, replying to June Robertson's question about the Blues family, that she asked in her Recollections 21 above. Oliver wrote: |
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The Blues family Craigmillar Castle Road "Here's one small bit of information. One of the Blues family daughters was in my class at Peffermill school, around 1948/49. The Blues family lived on Craigmillar Castle Road, a few 'stairs' to the south of us. They lived on the west side of the road, and their house backed onto the Peffermill school playground. We lived at No.19 Craigmillar Castle Road, at the junction of the Terrace and Castle Road. Our L-shaped corner was a 2-storey block. It consisted of 2 'stairs' (Nos.19 and 21) with windows to the 'backgreen'. Our neighbours included: - Young - Jackson - McPartland - Wilson - Scott - Waddell - Duffy - Thomson Oliver Taylor, Burlington, Ontario, Canada: April 22, 2015 |
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Recollections 29. James Hunter Auckland, New Zealand |
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Thank you to Jim Hunter, Auckland, New Zealand, who who read Jim Cowan's Recollections 10 above and wrote: |
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"After being born in Holyrood Square and living there until around 1945, I moved with my family to Craigmillar where I lived at 22 Harewood Drive. I went to Milton House Schoolschool with: - David Crow and - Jill Murray. I also had friends from our street: - Danny Gillespie - Billy Caroll - Tommy Murray Others from our school that I remember are - Catherine Slight - Alex Goodhall - James Rutherford - David Lowe I moved with my family to new Zealand in about 1952 and I am still here in Auckland." "Does anyone have any school photos of the 1945 to 1952 era?" James Hunter, Auckland, New Zealand: 26 October 2015 (2 emails) |
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Reply to James If you have of the school photos that James Hutton has asked about school photos and would like to contact him, please email me to let me know and I'll pass on James' email address to you. If you would like me to add any of your old school photos to the EdinPhoto web site, please let me know and I'll see what I can do Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: 27 October, 2015 |
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Recollections 30. Ian Pennycook Sydney, New South Wales |
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Thank you to Ian Pennycook who wrote: |
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"I lived in Craigmillar until the age of 26. I used to live at 13 Craigmillar Castle Road. My father was known as 'The Birdman'. I remember that around 1950, there was an explosion on a Sunday morning at the Hammond fireworks factory. Three of my mates were killed and one was badly injured . Those killed, from memory, were: - Billy Norris - Donald Mcleod - Jimmy Hourly. The one who was injured was: - Mickey Collins.
"In the 1960s or 1970s, in Burwood, Sydney, I bumped into Alex Cunningham. In Sydney I keep contact with Eddie Howden from the avenue. I also keep regular contact with Tam Ginnelly from the road and with Jim Tiffany and Eddie Terrier from the avenue Ian Pennycook, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia: 27 May 2016 |
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Recollections 31. Rose Powell Hereford, Herefordshire, England |
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Thank you to Rose Powell who wrote: |
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15 Craigmillar Castle Avenue "I was brought up with my family in Craigmillar until 1962. - Our name was Cosgrove. - We lived at 15 Craigmillar Castle Avenue. - We lived next door to the McCartney family . - The Coyle family lived above us. It was a tough time all round but we had great times playing in Craigmillar Castle and on Arthur's Seat. My best pal was Ann Craig. I wonder where she is now. We live in Hereford England but go back to Edinburgh once a year. I wonder if anyone remembers us." Rose Powell, Hereford, Herefordshire, England: 13 January 2017 |
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Reply to Rose? If you remember Rose or her family and would like to contact her, please email me to let me know, then I'll pass on her email address to you. Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: 27 October, 2015 |
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Recollections 32. Frank Wilcher Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, Scotland |
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Frank Wilcher wrote: |
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Jim Cowan "I was a very good friend of Jim Cowan in the 1950s. I stayed in 5 Mitchell street, now called Peffer Place, I remember, very well, the Niddrie boys trying to light our bonfires and all the other friends that Jim mentioned in his Recollections 10 (above). When Jim worked in the Zoology Dept at the King's Buildings, sometimes he used to take me into his work to help him and it was then that I got interested in collecting moths and butterflies. I also remember, we used to go to Murrayfield to see Scotland playing rugby. We used to play rugby, cricket and football in Craigmillar Park - but I was a football player and he never managed to convert me to playing rugby or cricket. Finally I remember taking his sister, Ann, to the Craigmillar School Leaving Dance. I hope I'll be able to get ion touch again with Jim." Frank Wilcher, Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, Scotland: 9+11 April 2017 |
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I've passed on the latest email address that I had for Jim Cowan to Frank Wilcher. I hope that Jim is still using the same email address now and that Frank will be able to get in touch with him. Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: 16 April 2017 UPDATE Unfortunately, Jim Cowan appears to have changed his email address, so if you read this Jim (or if anybody else who knows Jim's current email address) please email me to let me know it. Thank you. Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: 17 April 2017 |
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Recollections 33. Frank Wilcher Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, Scotland |
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Thank you to Frank Wilcher for writing again, with more memories of living at Craigmillar. Frank wrote: |
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"I went to Craigmillar Primary School from 1947 till 1954. I played for the school football team. Ten of us came from the same class! These were all in the team: - Alex Hardie - David and John Beattie - Ally and Gus Hewitt - Norrie Macfarlane - Tom McClean - Tom Moss - Joe McCleod - myself. I can't remember the eleventh player. Archie Grandison was our teacher. He was the Headmaster and he looked after the football team." "I have three school photographs. They were taken in 1949, 1950 and 1952. Sometimes, when we finished school at 3.00pm, we would go to The County (The Gaff) Picture House until it finished at 5.00 pm, then we'd head home. There was also pictures every Thursday night in the Gym Hall at Saint Francis School. We called them the 'Catholic Pictures' and they were always well attended." "I left Craigmillar School in 1954 and went to Niddrie Marischal School until 1957. I played football for the Niddrie Marischal team and was in the Athletics team as well. I remember playing football against John Greig (Rangers and Scotland) when he was playing for the Jimmy Clarks school team. I have a school photograph taken at Niddrie Marischal in 1956. Some of my classmates at Niddrie Marischal were: - Ronald Cuthbert - Davy Blair - Jim Watt - Buff Robertson - Joe McCleod - Tom McClean - Jimmy Flockart." "I also played for Sandy's Boys Club and we had a very good team. Here are some names of the members of that club: - Peter Preston - Archie Mcintosh - Ronnie Wilson (He signed for Huddersfield Town) - Alex Sharp - Norrie McFarlane (He signed for Hibs) - Jimmy Flockart
- Jimmy McKay (He
emigrated to Australia and - Billy Boyce (He signed for Berwick Rangers)." "I've often wondered what happened to all my school classmates and football teammates where they ended up and how they got on in life. I then left school in 1957 and started work in Drybrough's Brewery, opposite Mitchell Street. I worked for 3 years in the Bottling Hall then for 7 years in the Tun Room and finally for 31 years in Technical Services. The list of workmates is to mention here and I know that many of them are no longer with us. I know that the largest number of them came from Craigmillar and Niddrie. I was married in 1965 and left Craigmillar, then in 1967 I returned to a brewery house in Peffer Bank until 1970 when my family and I moved to Bonnyrigg. After 41 years service I took early retirement." "I've often wondered what happened to all my school classmates and football teammates where they ended up and how they got on in life." Frank Wilcher, Bonnyrigg, Midlothian, Scotland: 13 April 2017 |
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Send a Message to Frank? If you remember Frank and would like to send a message to him, please email me to let me know, then I'll pass on his email address to you. Thank you. Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: 15 April 2017 |
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Recollections 34. Francis Jabionski |
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After reading the recollections from Frank Wilcher and others above, Francis Jabionski wrote: |
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Frank Wilcher "I also worked in Dryburgh's Brewery but a little later than Frank. I remember him well though. I, also, was employed in the Bottling Hall and then went on to work in the Tun Room and the Continuous Fermentation Room or the CF as it was known. I had aspirations to get myself into the same dept as Frank, but they gave the job to a guy called Mikey Mcgee. He was also in the Tun Room before being promoted. Memories!" Francis Jabionski: 8 May 2018 |
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Recollections Craigmillar 1940s + 1950s Craigmillar 1960s + 1970s Craigmillar 1970s + 1980s Craigmillar Castle Craigmillar Castle Estate Niddrie Edinburgh |
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Photos |