Recollections

1.

George Smith

Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

George wrote:

Palladium Theatre

Stables

Sean Connery

George Smith, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

Recollections

2.

Jock Noble

Sean Connery

Stables

Asa Wass

'Rag & Bone Man'

Recollections

3.

Bryan Gourlay

Biggar, Lanarkshire, Scotland

Bryan wrote:

Palladium Theatre

Bryan Gourlay, Biggar, Lanarkshire, Scotland:  January 30, 2007

Recollections

4.

Tam Lennox

Tam wrote:

Asa Wass

"I lived at 161 Fountainbridge which was Asa Wass Pend.  Other lads of my age who lived there in the 1940s were Matty McIntosh, John Clark and Dominic Scot whose family owned the Chip Shop almost on the entrance to the pend.

Fountainbridge was a tough place to be brought up in and we also used to get in Asa Wass's Scrap Yard and sell him his own scrap back next day.

Asa Wass also owned the tenements in which we lived. Weekly rent ,six shillings.  Us kids lived by our wits but none of us were really bad as we were brought up under a strict moral code.

Sean Connery

We all knew the Connery brothers and I was friendly with Neil who was the younger of the two.  The elder was Big Tam changed his name to Sean at the start of his film career."

Tam Lennox:  February 16, 2007

NOTE:

Sean Connery was called 'Big Tam' because his full name was Thomas Sean Connery. 

Peter Stubbs:  February 16, 2007

Recollections

5.

John Clark

Canada

John Clark (- incidentally, not the same John Clark as is mentioned by Tam Lennox, above) sends me his recollections of Fountainbridge.

John writes:

Cinemas

"I stumbled upon your site while reminiscing with myself about how proud I always was that I knew the name of every picture house in Edinburgh.

I was from Dundee St. and my haunts were:

-   the 'Tiv' (New Tivoli )

-   the Haymarket (later changed to the Scotia )

-  the Regal (when it was a new release)

Our bunch of guys once went to the 'Blue Doos' ( Blue Halls ).  We were abut 16, and we all wore cardies and smoked pipes that night.  It was such a laugh, we all thought we were so cool.

I was always proud of the fact that I had been to every picture house in Edinburgh."

Asa Wass

"I always thought that the Edinburgh 'Rag & Bone man' and scrap metal dealer was called Azi Wozzi.   I don't know why.  It sounds like a Turkish tram driver."

Backgreen Singer

"Do you remember the backgreen singer we called Bing Crosby? He would sing and do a little dance in the backgreens, and our Mums would throw him a penny, sometimes a jam piece."

Three Smells

"You had to live in Fountainbridge / Dundee St. to handle the mixture of three strong smells intermingled:

-  McEwans Brewery

-  Mackays Toffee Works

-  The Rubber Mill.

We were so used to it that it never bothered us, but visitors were sometimes almost sick."

Canal

"The last thing my mother said to me every day I left the house was, "Don't go near that canal". So obviously the first place we headed for was the canal, often with the inevitable falling in."

'The Palais'

"What about the Palais? It was like a shrine, it was like Mecca, well actually it was Mecca, come to think of it.

My Mum wouldn't let me wear a drape suit, or pants that were too tight at the bottom, but I pushed the button as far as I could."

'Empire Theatre'

" My parents bought regular permanent booking at the Empire Theatre for quite a few years  - only the cheap seats in the Gods, but they were at the front.

I think I saw every star from Old Mother Riley to Frankie Laine and Johnny Ray.

Remember the guy who used to come around the queue at the back of the Empire and sing his own made up songs. He also sang at the Playhouse."

Gramophone and Mussels

"I remember the old lady who sat playing a gramophone machine. What about the mussel ladies from Newhaven?  They were great mussels."

Blue Sun

"Did you see the blue sun we had, some time around 1950."

Galloping Horse

"Did you see the horse that galloped down Yeaman Place, and right through the pailings into the area below, resting in Mr Aitkens' living room?"

Chimneys

"Do you remember the big chimney being demolished at the Subway?

What about chimney sweeps, with their call up the lum, AAAH-EEEEEEEEEEH.

Thank you for this opportunity anyway, to think back and smile, it's nice."

And more ...

"There are probably a thousand more things I could talk about, but I don't think you have the space.

Thank you for this opportunity anyway, to think back and smile, it's nice."

John Clark, formerly of Dundee Street, Fountainbridge, now living in Canada:  March 19+ 20, 2007

Recollections

6.

Rosemary O'day

now Rosemary McCann

Leith, Edinburgh

Thank you to Rosemary O'day (now Rosemary McCann) for sending me her recollections of Fountainbridge.

Rosemary wrote:

Move to Fountainbridge

"My grandad, Johnny O'day, and my grandmother, Catherine Gallagher Mcleod, stayed at 2 Prospect Terrace, Dumbiedykes.  I was brought up in Elder Street.

Until I was about 3yr old, we stayed above a pub. We then moved Fountainbridge Terrace.  You had to go to the bottom of the street and turn left.

It was a very frightening place to be at night as you had to walk a bit down a lane and there were stairs going up, past the big rubbish bins to the right where you could often see rats etc.

And walking along the terrace was just as bad as it ran alongside the canal. I stayed at the end stair top flat. My father, Peter O'day, worked in the rubber mill, then in Murches' Dairy.  My mothers name is Mary ( Mollie as everyone called her)."

Favourite Places

"I certainly remember Asa Wass (ha, ha), our favourite place.

I also remember big tam, Sean Connery.  I used to go to his mum's and run errands for a little sweetie money.

And the Palais -  yes the hot spot to be on a Saturday afternoon for the dancing and fun.

Canal Rescue

"My father saved the life of a boy, John Blyth.  He was drowning in the canal.  It was in the paper at the time.  My dad was a big man (cuddly) but managed to squeeze through a missing railing and jump in the canal to pull the boy out."

Overcrowding

"Things were tough back then, living in a 'single-end' as they called them.  You ate, slept, and lived in one room.

Then, I remember, my mum got the room through the wall from us as she was overcrowded.  So at night  us kids went over the landing to bed."

Rosemary McCann (née O'day):  Leith, Edinburgh:  August 26, 2007.

Recollections

7.

Charles Newton

Vietnam

Thank you to Charles Newton, Vietnam, for sending me his recollections of Fountainbridge.

Charles wrote:

Move to Fountainbridge

"I was born in 1946 in a prefab at Pennywell.  I was nine months old when we moved to a basement in Gardner's Crescent.  My mother Jeanne was seventeen and my father Joe eighteen.

My earliest memories (which are very clear) are of Freer Street Terrace where we lived from my being two till I was ten years old. There was a time when my brother Joe and I knew the area like our own back green."

Canal Rescue

"I well remember a boy falling in the canal because I was standing in the clay sink getting bathed by my mother (Jeanne) when it happened.

Mr Dixon from the flat above us jumped out of his window directly into the canal to save the lad."

De Marco's Ice Cream

"Tony De Marco's ice cream van used to park beside the canal, right outside the entry.  My dad (Joe or Sonny) used to drive it for him on occasions."

The Green Man

"Does anyone remember the Green Man who used to live under the path between the tenement and the canal? Man, were we scared to walk along there at night!"

Houses

"I learned to change my first gas mantle then and believe me I have never forgotten.  It was a scary place, both in the house (single end) and the building itself.

You had to do it or remain petrified of the dark for the rest of your life - especially when the Green Man was on walkabout.   :)

Aye, five in a bed and running freezing water, mice everywhere. Sharing the only toilet with four other families was fun too ....."

Scrap Yard

"Isa Wasa was doon the road from Murdochs the newsagent where we used to change the accumulators for the radio.

I'm guilty of the same crime as the other lads - nicking his scrap and reselling it to him the next day.  I'm totally convinced that he and his guys knew what was going on ...."

Good Luck!

Well gid luck tae all o' ye whairiver ye'z are.

Slanje

Charles Newton, Vietnam,  Message left in GuestBook, November 25+26, 2007.

Recollections requested

8.

Alan Forrester

Thank you to Alan Forrester who wrote:

Canal Walks

"I am currently planning a walking project which will begin in April.  It will consist of a series of canal-based walks in Edinburgh so I am keen to find any old photos, memories, etc of the canal – Tollcross to Wester Hailes. 

Can anybody help?  I would be most grateful."

Alan Forrester:  January 25, 2008

If you would like to contact Alan, please e-mail me then I'll pass your message on to him.

Thank you.  - Peter Stubbs

Recollections requested

9.

Ray Faccenda

Newcraighall, Edinburgh

Thank you to Ray Faccenda, now living in Newcraighall, Edinburgh, for the memories below.

Raymond wrote:

Ice Cream Shop

"I was part of the South Side community from 1972 until 1990 and have many fond memories of my childhood in Fountainbridge 

My father (aka Tom Boni) and my mother, Lena, owned the ice cream shop at 134 Fountainbridge, next to Mackay's sweety works, and across the road from Asa Wass's pends."

Bakery

"Also across the road was Aitken's home bakery.  They made awesome pies!"

Murdoch's Paper Shop

"A few doors up was Murdoch's paper shop where they did indeed recharge the accumulators for the wirelesses, as electricity had not yet reached many of the tenements in  this area.

Murdoch also sold the mantles for the gas lights in the houses."

Milk Horses

"There were stables down in Grove Street, along from the Clan House, and the milk horses stayed there overnight. Early In the mornings the float drivers, including one Tam Connery, would come to the stable to collect their horse and walk it up to the dairy at Gardner's Crescent, where the horse and cart were joined up, then away they went till the run had been done and the process was reversed.  Drop the float at Gardner's Crescent then walk the nag down to Grove Street."

©

In the photograph above, one of the horses is returning from Gardener's Crescent to Grove Street Stables, this time with its cart.  This photo was taken on January 26, 1985, the last day that St Cuthbert's used horse-drawn floats to deliver milk in Edinburgh, after 125 years of operation.  -  Peter Stubbs

"Tam Connery let me walk the horse a few times and I still remember having this huge smelly animal drooling over my hand and feeling its warm breath on my face. (I'm talking about the horse, not Tam Connery.)"

 Roy Rogers and Trigger

"Roy Rogers' horse Trigger was in fact stabled along with the milk horses in Grove Street when he appeared in Edinburgh about 1951.

Tam told me and took me down to meet this film star in the flesh (Trigger I mean), and I can truthfully say this  was the first Trigger I had ever pulled!"

Pride in Fountainbridge

"I have many more memories of Fountainbridge, good and bad, as it was not a land of milk and honey, but a hard working area where people did not have much more than their pride at the end of the week.  I am proud to have been there."

Ray Faccenda, Newcraighall, Edinburgh: 
Guest Book entry and e-mails, February 12, 2008

Sharing Memories

Raymond would like to share his memories with others.  If you'd like to contact Raymond, please e-mail me then I'll pass your message on to him.

Thank you.  - Peter Stubbs

Reply

10.

Phil Wilson

Thank you to Phil Wilson, Aberdeen, Scotland, who replied:

Boni's Ice Cream Van

"I see a message from Raymond Faccenda in the Guestbook on February 12, 2008.  He mentions that his mum and dad ran 'Boni's Ice Cream'.

 You might like to tell him that in among the set of photos by Charles Cushman taken in 1961 this photo with a 'Boni's' ice cream van in the Grassmarket.

Raymond might even be able to see enough to recognise the occupants."

Phil Wilson, Aberdeen, Scotland:  February 24, 2008.

I have passed on Phil's message, above, to Raymond Faccenda.

-  Peter Stubbs:  February 24, 2008

Recollections

11.

Ray Faccenda

Newcraighall, Edinburgh

Thank you to Ray Faccenda, who replied to Phil's message in 10. above:

Thanks for the Link

"I can't thank you enough for the link to the Boni's ice cream van photo (in 10. above).  Thanks to Phil Wilson of Aberdeen for pointing us to this little gem."

Boni's Ice Cream

"As it happens my dad, Tony or "Tom Boni" as he was known, owned the ice cream shop & Café at West Fountainbridge, adjacent to Mackay's sweetie works, while his brother Domenico, or Donald, had his shops in East Fountainbridge, a few yards away from its junction with Lothian Road."

Ice Cream Van

"The ice cream van shown in the photo originally belonged from new, to my Uncle Donald, and was driven both by him and his two sons Serafino (Fino) and Alfredo (Alfie)."

The Suburbs

"There were actually three vans, all identical to the one in the photo, and they sold their famous ice cream out in the leafy suburbs of Stenhouse, Sighthill, Saughton Mains and the Moat Drive/Chesser area.

During the 1950s many of the occupants of the slum houses in Fountainbridge were decanted to these lovely new housing areas, so they naturally patronised my Uncle's vans from which they could obtain the same ice cream they had been weaned on during their earlier Fountainbridge years.

Also, as it happens I still meet my cousin Alfie regularly and we chat & reminisce over a meal, Italian of course. He will be over the moon to see this previously unseen photo."

Ray Faccenda, Newcraighall, Edinburgh: 
Guest Book entry and e-mails, March 1, 2008

Recollections

12.

Caroline O'Neill Kelly Erickson

Caroline O'Neill Kelly Erickson wrote:

Campbell and Kelly Families

"My great grandmother, Mary (Neanie) Scott lived in Brandfield Street.  She had one child, my granny Catherine, who married my grandfather Robert Campbell.  They had seven children and finally moved out to Broomhouse.

My mum was born to Robert and Catherine.  Her name is Kathryn and she is now 56. She married my father Charles (Charlie) Kelly. I remember a lot of the old stories she told me and I was just wondering if anyone had info about my family

My grampa, Rab Campbell told me of how he used to deliver the milk with Sean Connery, and he told me of how he went to a reunion dinner that he arranged in much later years.

Caroline O'Neill Kelly Erickson, Glasgow, Scotland:  June 15, 2008

If you'd like to contact Caroline, please email me, then I'll pass your message on to her.

Thank you.  -  Peter Stubbs:  June 16, 2008

Recollections

13.

George Clydesdale

George Clydesdale, Edinburgh, wrote:

Sean Connery

"Others have mentioned Sean Connery.

There was a plaque to him in Fountainbridge.  Itt was on the wall next to the small Hoover Repair shop, just along from top of Upper Grove, but it has now gone."

Trigger

"As Raymond Faccenda says, Trigger, the white horse of Roy Rodgers, was kept in the stables belonging to the store in Upper Grove Street.

I saw it there when they were in a show at The Empire Theater at Surgeons Hall."

George Clydesdale, Edinburgh:  Message posted in EdinPhoto guest book, August 18, 2008.

Recollections

14.

Bob Wyllie

Brussels, Belgium

Bob Wyllie tells me that he was was born in 1940 in Hazelbank Terrace,  Merchiston and lived there for the first 12 years of my life.  Here are his memories of the Asa Wass scrap yard at Fountainbridge.

Asa Wass

"His scrap yard was up a pend off the south side of Fountainbridge .  The name, 'Asa Wass', was painted on the pend lintel so that is indeed the spelling.

I used to walk there from 'The Terraces' in Merchiston with a sackful of jeely jars on my back to trade for wheels to make 'guiders'  -   pram wheels for the back, but complete ball-bearing races for the steered front wheels.  God knows where he recuperated the bearings from, but I suppose a' was grist to Asa Wass's mill.

My wife, who was brought up in West Newington Place, tells me that Asa Wass also had a yard in the St. Leonard's area which seems to be confirmed by others who have written to the EdinPhoto web site."

Fun-Fair

"I also recall that just about opposite to where the Palais de Dance used to be in Fountainbridge there was a small permanent or semi-permanent fun-fair - a couple of roundabouts, a helter-skelter, perhaps, not much.

A telephone exchange was later built on the site.  The pub next door, which was called something else previously, was renamed 'The Fair Exchange'

That would be about where the old meat market used to be, long before my time, but there were still one or two specialist shops there for butcher's cutlery, meat scales and the like."

Bob Wyllie, Brussels, Belgium:  August 21, 2008

Question

15.

Letter to

Edinburgh Evening News

A letter asking a question about Asa Wass was published in the Edinburgh Evening News on August 30, 2008.

Perhaps somebody will be able to answer the question.

Here is an extract from the letter.

Question

Where was Asa Wass' Yard at Fountainbridge?

"... small rag and bone merchant in Fountainbridge called Asa Wass whose premises were only a stone's throw away from the boyhood home of Sean Connery.

I have two friends who have been arguing for years about the yard.  (I think it was a small close with an arched front.)

One friend is sure it was on the south side of Fountainbridge to the left of the top of Grove Street.  The other friend says it was to the right at the top of Grove Street."

Answer

The answer can be found higher up on this page.   The first friend mentioned in the letter above appears to be correct. 

-  Tam Lennox (4 above) writes that he used to live at 161 Fountainbridge, 'above the Asa Wass Pend'.

-  Raymond Faccenda (9 above) writes that his parents owned the ice cream shop at 134 Fountainbridge, 'across the road from Asa Wass's pends'.

Checking the positions of the streets and house numbers in the Edinburgh & Leith Post Office Directory, it seems that the Asa Wass yard, at 161 Fountainbridge, would have been close to Freer Street on the south side of Fountainbridge, on the left as you came out of Grove street.

Peter Stubbs:  August 31, 2008

Recollections

16.

Terry Cox

Fairmilehead, Edinburgh

Thank you to Terry Cox for responding to my 'Answer' (15 above) and for providing further information.

Terry wrote:

Asa Wass

"I can confirm your location of Asa Wass' scrap yard as being near Freer Street.

Although the main entrance was on Fountainbridge, if you were taking in relatively small amounts of scrap, or more valuable scrap, like brass, or copper, you went in an entrance in Freer Street.

That was also where the office was that paid out the money after the scrap had been weighed.

I stayed at the foot of Lauriston Place, went to Tollcross School, and took scrap to Asa Wass yard whenever I could get it."

Terry Cox, Fairmilehead, Edinburgh:  September 1, 2008

Recollections

17.

Jim Ruxton

West End, Edinburgh

Thank you to Jim Ruxton who wrote:

St Cuthbert's Co-op

"In 1959 and having just left school I started work as the butcher boy in St. Cuthbert's shop which was below their Head Office at 92 Fountainbridge, right opposite the 'Palais'.

Bones for Asa Wass

"Twice a week, I would load up two sacks of beef, pork and lamb bones on to a barrow and trundle down to Asa Wass with them.

They were supposed to go back to the factory but the half-crown or whatever I got for them kept the 7 butchers that worked in the shop at that time in tea, milk and sugar.

Being right next to the head office I had to pick a time when there was no bosses about, to make the short journey there and back. I managed it and continued working with 'The Store' for over 25 years"

Jim Ruxton, West End, Edinburgh:  September 2, 2008

Recollections

18.

Malcolm Cant

Greenbank, Edinburgh

Thank you to Malcolm Cant who wrote:

School Meals

"I used to walk down from our home at Merchiston to the Asa Wass yard at Fountainbridge.  I crossed the canal then turned right along Fountainbridge past the old school, formerly Fountainbridge Public School, which had then become the Education Authority Cooking Centre, where they cooked school meals."

Asa Wass Yard

"I remember that  in the Asa Wass yard there were rags and metal, and a large area covered by a rudimentary roof, in which he hung rabbit skins.  I don't know why he had these, but they smelt terrible!

The Smells of Fountainbridge

"I remember the smells from:

-  the brewery.

-  the rubber works.

-  McKay's sweet works.

-  Asa Wass yard."

Malcolm Cant, Greenbank, Edinburgh:  September 15, 2008

Recollections

19.

Bob Henderson

Burdiehouse, Edinburgh

It took less than three hours to get an answer about the rabbit skins that Asa Wass had in his yard.!

Thank you to Bob Henderson who wrote:

Asa Wass

Rabbit Skins

"Malcolm Cant mentions rabbit skins hanging in Asa Wass's yard (in 18 above).

I used to be given the rabbit skins from the St. Cuthbert's butcher shop in Adam Street, and take them to Fountainbridge where I got 3d per skin.

I was told at the time, late 1940s, that they went to make gloves."

Bob Henderson, Burdiehouse, Edinburgh:  September 16, 2008

 Recollections

20.

Pauline Mackay

Thank you to Pauline Mackay who wrote:

Mackay's Sweet Factory

Question

"I've been reading the articles people have sent in about Fountainbridge. My Dad's uncle owned Mackay's Sweet Factory but we are struggling to find information about it and photos. Can you or anyone else help?"

Pauline Mackay:  October 29, 2008

 Recollections

21.

Archie Young

Moredun, Edinburgh

Thank you to Archie Young who wrote:

Mackay's Sweet Factory

"Pauline Mackay asked about MacKay's sweet factory at Fountainbridge..

I was an Engineer with a company called Ethicon Ltd. During my service, I worked at Ethicon's plant in Fountainbridge. 

Some of the older, longer serving workers told me how the workers at the sweet factory next door used to throw sweets at them during their break."

Alexander's Motor Company

"By the time I arrived at Fountainbridge the Sweet factory had gone, in its place was Alexander's Motor Company, they took over the Sweet factory site probably around the late 1960s or very early 1970s.

Alexander's had a car showroom at the corner of Grove Street.  Next to that was their petrol station.  Behind that was a large area for their cars and behind that was their vehicle servicing area."

Ethicon

"The Ethicon factory produced catgut for sutures in operations.  At times, the smell travelled around the area.  It was so strong that the public used to complain about it quite frequently.  Putting that aside, it was a wonderful plant to work in and the employees were so nice to work with.

The area that Ethicon took up was not large, the front entrance was divided by an archway.  I believe that  the front, right was at one time an ice cream shop, and on the left of the arch was a sweet shop.  The sweet shop may have been owned by Mackay's, but this is just speculation on my behalf."

Aerial View

"This aerial view below shows the areas covered by Mackay's and Ethicon.

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of the site.  Sadly, the old buildings have all gone and modern flats now stand on the sites."

Archie Young, Moredun, Edinburgh:  November 15, 2008

Fountainbridge

    ©

The Google Earth image above is similar to the one that Archie Young sent to me.  Please click on this image to enlarge it.

Recollections

22.

Betty Fraser (née Simpson)

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Betty Fraser, who lived in Edinburgh in the 1930s,  wrote:

Old Rags

"I can recall being sent to "Assi Wassi's"  with old rags and old woollens - they were weighed and paid by the pound - more for woolens than other rags and the few bob was much needed at the time!"

Betty Fraser:  Sydney, New South Wales, Australia:  November 8, 2008

Recollections

23.

Lee (Scott) Opromolla

USA

Lee (Scott) Opromolla wrote:

161 Fountainbridge

"My family, like Tam Lennox, lived at 161 Fountainbridge.   Yes, right by Asa Wasa.  I had no idea that place would become so famous."

Fish & Chip Shop

"My parents owned Scott's fish and chip shop for years. We lived two floors above.  Tam mentioned my brother, Dom, who unfortunately passed away a few years ago.  There were 7 kids.  My sister who still lives in Edinburgh and I in the US are the only 2 left."

Mackay's Sweet Factory

"I remember Mackays' very well. We used to walk behind Boni's ice cream shop and the girls would throw us snowballs. All these years, and I've still not found anything that even comes close."

Boni's Ice Cream

"Talking about Boni's my mother used to lend me out to help them when they were busy.  Delicious ice cream.  Remember the 'black man'  -  an ice cream sandwich with a flaky chocolate in the middle? Yum yum."

Lee (Scott) Opromolla, USA  November 20, 2008

Recollections

24.

Doreen Powell

Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland

Doreen Powell, now living in Kirkcaldy, wrote:

Grove Street

No 48

"I well remember the sound of the [St Cuthbert's] Store horses clipping up and down Grove Street.  The stables were almost opposite my Gran's home at No 48, where I used to spend Saturday nights with sister after we had been to the Palais in Fountainbridge."

Shops at the Corner of Grove Street

"I saw this photo of No 90 Grove Street on the web site.

 ©

I must have walked past this hundreds of times, after visiting my Gran with my brothers and sister, never noticing the beauty of the building and in particular the carvings above the door of the shop.

This shop has been a number of things over the years, I believe at one time it was a post office, but I remember it being Rankins' fruit and veg shop.

Next door was a pawnbroker with its typical three golden balls. It always looked dark and dingy and it never seemed to be open when I went past  which is understandable because it would have been mainly on a Sunday.

Plaque to Sean Connery

"On the wall with the arches in the photo above, there is a plaque to Sean Connery placed by the Scottish Film Society.  The building where Sean's home used to be was demolished.  In the 1950s, I remember walking past his home which was a main door flat.

At the time I did not know the famous connection.  But I do remember seeing a brass name plate with the name 'Connery' on it.  My attention was always caught by the shiny brass.  It was kept in a truly pristine condition.

Sean and my uncle Bill my mothers brother were childhood friends.  My uncle, who sadly died in 2008, used to say he met up with Sean who used to come back to visit the area at a time when he was world-famous for his acting roles.  My uncle said he was a genuine guy, and I know he does a lot of work for local charities that are very close to his heart.

Sean was also a milkman way back before he became famous so would have been well familiar with the Store's Stables in Grove Street."

Theatre

"Another part of Grove Street history that connects to my family is a theatre that used to be there.  It was known under a few names including 'The Pavilion'.

My Gran's aunt used to keep theatrical lodgings.  A number of the acts appearing at the theatre lodged with her when they were performing.  I have an autograph book that my Gran kept with signatures of these performers."

Fish & Chip Shop

"My parents owned Scott's fish and chip shop for years. We lived two floors above.  Tam mentioned my brother, Dom, who unfortunately passed away a few years ago.  There were 7 kids.  My sister who still lives in Edinburgh and I in the US are the only 2 left."

Mackay's Sweet Factory

"I remember Mackays' very well. We used to walk behind Boni's ice cream shop and the girls would throw us snowballs. All these years, and I've still not found anything that even comes close."

Boni's Ice Cream

"Talking about Boni's my mother used to lend me out to help them when they were busy.  Delicious ice cream.  Remember the 'black man'  -  an ice cream sandwich with a flaky chocolate in the middle? Yum yum."

Doreen Powell, Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland:  February 24, 2009

Recollections

26.

Al Love

Leith, Edinburgh

Al Love wrote:

Asa Wass

"My Father worked in Asa Wass in 1959-60, and I had a ex-Army mate who lived above Asa Wass.  His name was Gordon Paul.

I bought a motor bike in Asa Wass in 1960 for the princely sum £5, thanks to the fact my Father worked there."

Work

"I worked in McEwen's brewery over the Christmas of 1959 and into 1960.  It was my first job after leaving the Army.  I was also a regular in the Grove Bar and in Foy's.

My second job in civvy street was, believe it or not, in Dreghorn Camp.  I had hours of fun there on the old Coventry Eagle hand-change Motor Cycle."

The Palais

"In my  pre-Army days, in 1956-57, I would go to the Palais,  especially on Thursday nights when there was a 'go-as-you-please' and Jeff Rowena was the popular quartet.  There was one guy in particular, who mimed to Johnny Ray's 'Such a Night'.  I'm sure anybody from that era would remember it fondly."

Al Love, Leith, Edinburgh:  June 28, 2009

Recollections

27.

John Taylor

Oliva, Valencia, Spain

John Taylor wrote:

Horse Collar Maker

"My father, William Taylor, was a horse collar maker for a shop in Johnstone Terrace called John Cattanach & Co.

He then moved to St. Cuthbert's dairy and stables in Morrison Street at the same time as big Tam Connery was a driver there.  At that time George Marshall was in charge of the stables.  They were built on two  stories.

At a later date I was a van boy there.    My dad was the last horse collar maker in Edinburgh"

John Taylor, Oliva, Valencia, Spain:  July 17, 2009

Recollections

28.

Yvonne Jaggard

Australia

Yvonne Jaggard wrote:

The Long Walk to Asa Wass

"I have many memories, back in the early 1950s, when my mum would go through all the cupboards looking for old clothes.  I would then walk all the way from William Street to Issa Wassi, as we use to call him, get the rags weighed and  then get a chit of paper with the amount to pass to the cashier, to get cash to take home to Mum as she must have been broke.

I do know the place smelled and I used to hate going there. Have been in Australia since 1963 I was 18 when I came over here with my parents.

I have fond memories of my childhood in Edinburgh."

Yvonne Jaggard, Australia:  September 4, 2009

Recollections

29.

Margaret Bond

Essex, England

Thank you to Margaret Bond (née Mason) for leaving a message in the EdinPhoto guest book.

Margaret wrote:

Freer Street

"I was born in 2 Freer Street.  My mum and dad were James and Janet Mason.   My auntie was Isa Crosbie.  She was married to Jimmy and they had a son called Thomas.  They lived in Fountainbridge."

Brewery

"My uncle, Tam Mason, lived with them and worked in the brewery in Fountainbridge for years. I fondly remember visiting them over the years during the 1960s and 1970s with my sister Irene.

We moved away in 1965, but my dad still talks about Fountainbridge as if it were yesterday.  He his fond memories of the nights out as a lad, and the wash house."

View from the Window

"I remember watching the dray horses pulling their loads down Fountainbridge from my Auntie Isa's window that looked onto Fountainbridge and had a view of Grove Street.

My uncle Jock would sit at that window all the time when he was not working.  He was my Auntie Isa's brother."

Did you know any of these People?

"I'd love to hear from anyone who knew any of these people, I would really like to here more about them.  I also know that my dad spent some time in a borstal in the 1950s and did not do National Service."

Margaret Bond (née Mason), Essex, England:
Message posted in EdinPhoto guest book, June 10, 2010

Reply to Margaret?

I don't have an email address for Margaret.   However, If you remember any of the people that she mentions and would like to let her know, you can leave a reply to the message that she posted in the guest book on June 10, 2010.

Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh:  June 12, 2010

Recollections

30.

Moira Clarke

Yorkshire

Thank you to Moira Clarke for posting a message and reply in the EdinPhoto guest book.

Moira wrote:

The Palladium

"I keep remembering snippets of Edinburgh life in the 1950s and 1960s!  We lived in Fountainbridge, almost next door to the Palladium, and straight across the road from St. Cuthbert's (the Store).

My Mum used to work at Mrs. Chalmers' sweetie shop which did a 'roaring trade' when there was a show at the Palladium.

The Garrick?

I wonder if anyone can help.  My Dad and my Grandad (who lived next door) used to go, most nights, for a pint at a pub which was situated at the junction of Bread Street and Spittal Street.

I'm sure that I remember it being called The Garrick, but when I asked last year in The Blue Blazer (which I think WAS the pub in question) they said they had no recollection of it ever being called such a name.

Can anyone help?  -  or am I simply going mad? !!!"

Moira Clarke, Yorkshire:  Message and reply posted in EdinPhoto guestbook:  July 23 2010.

Reply to Moira?

If you'd like to send a reply to Moira Clarke, please email me, than I'll pass your message on to her.    Thank you.

Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh:  July 29, 2010

Recollections

30.

Reply

1.

Neil Lawrence

Fountainbridge, Edinburgh

Thank you to Neil Lawrence who replied to Moira Clarke's question above.

Neil wrote:

The Garrick

"Moira was asking if 'The Blue Blazer' in Bread Street had ever been called 'The Garrick'.

No.  'The Blue Blazer' was called 'Clan Alpine Arms' at one time.

It's the pub over the road, now called 'The Footlights' that used to be called 'The Garrick'."

Neil Lawrence, Fountainbridge, Edinburgh:  July 30, 2010.

Recollections

31.

Colin Kay

Ashkirk, Selkirk, Scottish Borders, Scotland

Thank you to Colin Kay who wrote:

Aitkens Bakery

"Raymond Faccenda mentions Aitkens Bakery and the pies in his recollections (9 above).  My father whose name is John Kay owned the bakery from 1958 until it closed in 1966.

Although he was called John Kay, the shop kept the name of Aitkens due to some kind of agreement between him and the former owner.

Asa Wass

The bakery was a very busy shop but was served a demolition notice in 1966  as were the tenements above,  The shop was right on the corner of Asa Wass' pend.  As you looked at it , front-on, the bakers was to the left-hand side of the pend.

Shops

A lady called Daisy McKenzie ,who stayed just off Grove Street, worked in the front shop for him.  To the left of the bakers was a ladies' outfitters. Its owner was Jewish and he drove a pink Vauxhall car.

Further down the road was Smith the Butchers, where my father got his pie meat to make those 'awesome' pies.  It would be interesting to hear if anyone has any further memories of the bakers or the shops round about.

My father clearly remembers Sean Connery's mother being a regular in his shop.  I bet Sean was brought up on his pies and rolls."

Colin Kay, Ashkirk, Selkirk, Scottish Borders, Scotland:  October 14, 2010

Recollections

32.

David Taylor

Polwarth, Edinburgh

Thank you to David Taylor who wrote:

Old Mattress

"I, too, knew about Asa Wass.  Everyone did who lived in the area.  I once got ten shillings for an old horse hair mattress! - a real treasure for me."

David Taylor, Polwarth, Edinburgh:  November 1, 2010

Recollections

33.

Donna Ewen (née Corrigan)

Longstone, Edinburgh

Thank you to Donna Ewan, who wrote:

Sean Connery

"I was born in Tollcross.  My Dad, Patrick '(Paccy') Corrigan, was raised in the same stair as Sean Connery. ('Him and half of Edinburgh', I hear you cry!)

Unfortunately, Dad died in 2001 and I never had the opportunity to show him your website, which he would have loved!"

Donna Ewen (née, Corrigan), Longstone, Edinbrugh:  January 3. 2011

Recollections

34.

Dave Stewart

Thank you to David Stewart, who wrote:

Barber's Shop

"My Great Uncle Andrew Deans who lives in Southend has asked me to try and find out about his uncle's hairdressers salon at Fountainbridge.

The salon was run by Walter Deans and his brother. Archie Deans, in the 1940s and 1950s.

Can anyone tell me anything about this shop?"

David Stewart: Inverkeithing, Fife, Scotland: November 9, 2010 + January 22+25, 2011

David Stewart  wrote again

Update

"I've now managed to find out that the hairdresser's shop was called:  'Walter Yuill Deans, Ladies & Gents Hairdresser'.

It was at 28 Morrison Street.  It is now part of Macdonald's Cycle Shop."

David Stewart: Inverkeithing, Fife, Scotland: March 4, 2011

Reply to Dave?

If you remember anything about the shop, please email me, then I'll pass on your message to Dave.    Thank you.

Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh:  January 22, 2011

Recollections

35.

Betty Hepburn (née Boland)

Waikanae, Kapiti Coast, New Zealand

Thank you to Betty Hepburn for posing a message in the EdinPhoto guestbook.

Betty wrote:

Dundee Place

"I lived in Dundee Place, off-Dundee Street, from 1942 to 1960, then moved to Drumbrae, Clermiston.

I have great memories from Dundee Place.  My best friend, growing up, was Ruby Grandison (deceased).

My mother lived in the house that I was brought up in before she wed.  We had a room, kitchen and shared toilet - so to move house was like going to a mansion.

Pals

Street folk that I grew up with were:

-  the Grandisons

-  the Aitchisons

-  the Newtons

-  the Mitchells

-  the Mcinallys

-  the Barnes.

I could go on for ever.

Hubby

"I met Peter Hepburn (me-hubby) when i was 16 and wed at 21.  We're still together.

Pete was born in Brandfield Street, Fountainbridge.  We went on to  Broomhouse, had 3 kids (all wed) and now have 6 grand-children (all Kiwis)."

Betty Hepburn (née Boland), Waikanae, Kapiti Coast, New Zealand:
Message posted in EdinPhoto guestbook  June 7, 2011

Recollections

36

Dave McKinlay

Carterton, New Zealand

Thank you to Dave McKinlay for posing a message in the EdinPhoto guestbook in response to Betty Hepburn's comments above.

Dave wrote:

Dundee Place

"Betty:

I know the area well.  I worked in Binns Workshops in Caledonian Crescent at the bottom of the Telford Subway.  I'd like a penny for every time I walked up Dundee Street and your street.

Did you know the Fowlers that lived in your street.  They would be a wee bit older than you guys, maybe 10+ years."

Dave McKinlay, Carterton, New Zealand; Message posted in EdinPhoto guestbook  June 8, 2011
in response to a message posted in the guestbook by Betty Hepburn, June 7, 2011

Recollections

37.

Betty Hepburn (née Boland)

Waikanae, Kapiti Coast, New Zealand

Thank you to Betty Hepburn for posing a message in the EdinPhoto guestbook in response to Dave McKinlay's comments above..

Betty wrote:

Dundee Place

"Dave:

I walked the subway often to Dalry Baths.  My uncle had the wee cobbler's shop in Caledonian Crescent.  His customers paid in broken biscuits, etc.  After being at the baths, we'd pay him a visit.  We were always given a bag biscuits to take home - well eaten, they were.

The wee street you came up from the subway was, I think,  West Fountain Place.  Dundee Place was the next street along, opposite Viewforth.

My husband, Pete Hepburn was a joiner by trade, who served his time with Hepburn Bros (no relation), Westfield .  He was a true Fountainbridge man'.  Pete and I bought our first house in Gibson Terrace."

Betty Hepburn (née Boland), Waikanae, Kapiti Coast, New Zealand:
Extract from a reply posted in EdinPhoto guestbook  June 8, 2011
in response to a message also posted in the guestbook by Betty Hepburn, June 7, 2011

Recollections

38.

Peter Clarke

Mountcastle, Edinburgh

Thank you to Peter Clarke who wrote:

Family Homes

"My mother (Frances Allison) was born at 199 Fountainbridge in 1912.  She and her family moved a short time later to 5 Upper Grove Place.

When she married my dad, they lived in Wardlaw Place then moved to a flat at 32 Grove Street in the mid 1950s."

Grove Street Shops

"I can remember some of the Grove Street shopkeepers from those days including:

-  Tom Gow, who ran the licensed grocers at the corner of Upper Grove Place.

-  Reg (I don’t know surname) who had a cobbler’s shop.

-  Cranston’s the butcher.

-  Mary (I can’t remember surname) who, with her husband, had a chip shop.

-  Mrs Hunter, who had a general grocer shop.

-  Louie (again, I don’t know surname) who owned a sweet shop.

-  This was further along, towards Brandfield Street.""

Fountainbridge Corner of Grove Street

Shops

"I was interested in the contribution from Doreen Powell regarding the shop at the Fountainbridge corner of Grove Street.  This is a fine looking building designed by Fred T Pilkington who also designed the Barclay Church.

I can remember this building housed a fruit and veg shop called Mac’s.  There was a post office a few doors along which at one time was run by the former H**rts (excuse asterisks – I’m a Hibee!) player, Freddie Glidden.  I remember reading about an attempted theft in there years ago which resulted in the culprit dashing out with Freddie in hot pursuit – he was a big guy!"

Pub

"I’m wondering if anyone can remember what the pub on Fountainbridge, facing down Grove Street, was called before it became the Grove Bar - I seem to recall it being Noble’s."

Peter Clarke, Mountcastle, Edinburgh:  August 17, 2011

Recollections

39.

Stuart Lyon

Blackford, Edinburgh

Stuart Lyon wrote:

Reo Stakis Steakhouse

"In recollections 3 above, Brian Gourlay wrote:

Questions

I wonder if anybody can recall the name of this steakhouse.
I  think it was something like 'The Olde Worlde'.

A friend recalls a restaurant called 'The Athenian' in that location, but I have no recollection of that.  Perhaps one of your visitors might know."

Stuart Lyon, Blackford, Edinburgh:  August 19, 2011

Recollections

39.

Reply 1

Ian Ross

Craigentinny, Edinburgh

After reading the question in Recollections 39 above, Ian Ross wrote:

Restaurant Name

Csarda

"I came across the discussion about the Palladium Theatre and the Reo Stakis restaurant in Recollections 39 above.  No-one seemed to know what the restaurant was called.

My wife lived in Murdoch Terrace for a while as a child.  When she and I were engaged in May 1968, we treated our Mums, Dads and siblings to a meal at the restaurant, then went next door to the Theatre to see Cilla Black in concert.

I'm fairly sure that the restaurant was known as The Csarda, which I think is Hungarian for 'tavern'.  I don't know if this will ring a bell with anyone.  I think that there was also a function suite upstairs.

 Perhaps the restaurant was not known by this name for very long, but I do recall that it was a very enjoyable evening!"

Ian Ross, Craigentinny, Edinburgh:  May 1, 2012

Recollections

39.

Reply 2

Stuart Lyon

Blackford, Edinburgh

Stuart Lyon has done a little more research, and has now written again about the Csadra Restaurant.

Stuart wrote:

Restaurant Name

Csarda

"Here are links to two  Scotsman photos of a 'Csarda', but there is no confirmation that it is in Edinburgh:

-  1958 photo.

-  1961 photo.

A Google search produced a reference to a company trading as Csarda Restaurants in relation to the Edinburgh Gazette of 23/7/1971, but I can find no entry in the Gazette of that date.

That's taken us a wee bit further."

Stuart Lyon, Blackford, Edinburgh:  June 7, 2012

Recollections

39.

Reply 3

Frank Mitchell

Edinburgh

Thank you to Frank Mitchell for also sending memories of the Csarda Restaurant at Fountainbridge.

Frank wrote:

Csarda

Inside the Restaurant

"Inside there was an open kitchen on the east side.  The west wall, next to the theatre, had semi-circular alcoves which were always filled up first!

The chef was a woman who was there for several years and the food was very wholesome. It was typical 1950s fare.

I remember the restaurant being very busy.  There could have been somewhere else upstairs, but I was never there!."

Frank Mitchell, Edinburgh,  August 4, 2012

Recollections

39.

Reply 4

Frank Mitchell

Edinburgh

Thank you to Frank Mitchell for also sending memories of the Csarda Restaurant at Fountainbridge.

Frank wrote:

Csarda

"I have just remembered (it's funny how you just remember things at random) that the Csarda always had Pyrex cups and saucers which I thought was quite stylish at the time.

I don’t know whether the restaurant was actually owned by the theatre or not.   The Palladium closed in 1968."

Frank Mitchell, Edinburgh,  August 13, 2012

Recollections

39.

Reply 5

Archie Foley

Joppa, Edinburgh

Thank you to Archie Foley for finding a picture of the Csarda Restaurant, and for telling me a little about the restaurant.

Archie wrote:

The Csarda Restaurant

"I don't have a photograph of the Csarda Restaurant, but this is how it looked on the front of a 1964 programmes for the Palladium Theatre.

    ©

The restaurant was built and owned by the company that owned the theatre and was a sensible piece of diversification in a period when popular theatre was in decline.

As Frank Mitchell says the Palladium closed in 1968, but the restaurant was bought by a group of Edinburgh businessmen.

Archie Foley, Joppa, Edinburgh:  August 15, 2012

Recollections

39.

Reply 6

David Bain

Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England

Thank you to David Bain who wrote:

The Palladium and The Csarda

"The Palladium - or Pallydoodlum as he called it - was a great favourite of my grandfather.  Isn't the Csarda what became yet another fashion statement - the Reo Stakis Steakhouse?

David Bain, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, England, 2012

Hi David,  Yes.  The Csarda became Rio Stakis Steakhouse.  That takes us 'full circle' to the comment that Stuart Lyon quoted in Recollections 39, a year ago today!

Reo Stakis Steakhouse

"In recollections 3 above, Brian Gourlay wrote:

Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh:  August 19, 2012

Recollections

40.

Bryan Gourlay

Biggar, Lanarkshire, Scotland

Bryan Gourlay replied:

Reo Stakis Steakhouse

"While I can’t remember the name of the Reo Stakis restaurant on the Palladium site, I remember what the standard fare was for many there, thirty years ago.  It was:

-  Prawn Cocktail THEN

-  Steak of some sorts THEN

-  Black Forrest Gateau.

That's  much the same as Berni Inns in England."

Bryan Gourlay, Biggar, Lanarkshire:  August 19, 2011

Recollections

41.

Tom Lennox

North Yorkshire, England

Thank you to Tom  Lennox for replying to 'Recollections 33' above.

Tom wrote:

Paccy Corrigan

"I Knew Paccy Corrigan very well as we grew up just about 50 yards apart.  We used to run together when we were kids.

He was a really nice guy and I am sorry to hear about his death.  He did indeed live in the same stair as Big Tam Connery."

Tom Lennox, North Yorkshire, England:  September 8, 2011

Recollections

42.

David Jackson Taylor

Suffolk, England

Thank you to D Taylor who wrote:

Dr Labinjoh

"Do any of your readers remember  Dr Labinjoh?   I believe his surgery was in Gardiner's Crescent at Fountainbridge, in a basement flat.

I contracted pneumonia in the early-1950s and was given M&B tablets.  We lived in Freer Street, but I was sent to my grandparents' house at Ferry Road Grove to recover.  He visited me there.  He was of Sudanese/Nigerian  origins and was a super doctor.

Part of my recovery was blowing up balloons covered in talcum powder which my mum would get from the shop in Freer St.   Was it  Mr Robertsons?"

David Jackson Taylor, Suffolk, England:  October 24, 2011

Recollections

43.

Lilian Young

Hamilton Square, New Jersey, USA

Just a couple of hours after I added the question above to the EdinPhoto web site, I received this reply from Lilian Young.

Lilian wrote:

Dr Labinjoh

"Dr. Labinjoh's surgery was located at Gardiners Crescent in Edinburgh.  I recall that he lived in the house upstairs and had his surgery in the basement. 

He was an extremely tall man and had a wonderful singing voice.  He was our 'family doctor'.  I recall having to wait for hours in his waiting room to see him.   There was no rhyme or reason in the waiting room and lots of 'jumping the queue' which made the wait even longer. 

At one time, in his waiting room, he had a large grey parrot which frequently picked the lock and got out and terrified the patients.

When he paid a house call to my grandmother, he would arrive in a huge convertible vehicle and we would all stand and examine this with complete awe.  Now, this was during the war so few vehicles were on the road.

When we left Edinburgh, he indicated to our family that he wanted to retire and return to Africa."

Lilian Young, Hamilton Square, New Jersey, USA:  October 31, 2011

Recollections

44.

Avril Finlayson Smith

Strathdale, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia

Thank you to Avril for posting a reply in the EdinPhoto guest book to the question asked by D Taylor

Lilian wrote:

Dr Labinjoh

"Dr. Labinjoe. He was my family doctor while I was growing up when we lived at Crewe Place

Yes, his practice was in Gardiners Crescent and in the basement for a very long time, then eventually in the floor above which was such a contrast from the very dark and dingy basement which back then was lit by gas lamps.

He was from Abyssinia;  that was what it was called then. He was a terrific doctor, made me think a bit of the actor back then, Paul Robeson.  He was a big chap with a fantastic deep laugh, a big gentle giant in my eyes as a child, always taken by his smile.

He was so black, but had this big pink mouth and pink palms which as a child really fascinated me, he was the only black person I knew but never had any fears of him.  He was a great miss when he retired."

Avril Finlayson Smith, Strathdale, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia:
Message + email address posted in EdinPhoto guestbook, November 2, 2011

Recollections

44.

Reply

1.

Alex Dow

Fife, Scotland

Thank you to Alex Dow who wrote:

Dr Labinjoh

"I have found out a little more about the O R Labinjoh.

He and several other 'African Chiefs' had come to Britain, for meetings etc about the Unification of Northern Nigeria with Southern Nigeria, in 1914."

Alex Dow, Fife, Scotland:  22 February 2015

Recollections

45.

Robet Laird

Longstone, Edinburgh

Robert Laird wrote:

Building School

"I was wondering if any of those contributing information on Fountainbridge remember the Building School there. It was opposite the top of Grove Street and was closed in the mid sixties.

'Pre-Apprentices' in the construction industry went there for a year before they went on to Napier Tech., as it was back then."

Robert Laird, Longstone, Edinburgh:  November 4, 2011

Recollections

46.

Jim Wilson

Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland

Thank you to Jim Wilson who wrote:

St Cuthbert's Co-op Workshops

"In 1949, I was serving my time as an apprentice electrician with St Cuthbert's Co-op Works Department at the bottom of  Upper Grove Place.

North British Rubber Works

"I remember the rubber factory at Fountainbridge where they made  tyres, large hoses, furniture, shoes, golf balls, to mention a few.

There were so many people employed there they had to alternate their finishing times through the day, so that they would not block the streets from the factory.

Most of the workers had faces covered in carbon black because they had been working in the tyre division.  It was very difficult to wash off ."

Jim Wilson, Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland:  November 2, 2011

Recollections

47.

Eddie Dick

Thank you to Eddie Dick who wrote:

Dundee Street

"I lived in a single-end at 40 Dundee Street from 1949 (when I was born) until 1957 (when we moved to Clermiston).

We lived on the top floor, next door to the Brown family.   Mr Brown was the barber whose shop was at the foot of the stair"

Grove Street Stables

"My father, Ted Dick, was friendly with a man who worked at the Grove Street stables, and I was lucky enough to be allowed to sit on Trigger when he came to Edinburgh.

I also sat on the Queen's Drum horse when it performed at the Tattoo.   My memory is that I was on one the last people to do so since it died in a train accident when it was being transported South."

Asa Wass

"I, too, remember Asa Wass's place and the Sweet Factory. 

Question

Stuffed Crocodile

"Does anyone remember the stuffed crocodile which lay on the north bank of the Union Canal just where it goes under Viewforth?   If so, can anyone explain how it got there?"

Eddie Dick  December 3, 2011

  Recollections

48.

Graeme Charles Munro

Adelaide, South Australia

Graeme Charles Munro wrote:

Sean Connery

"I worked in 'The Cycle Shop' in the 1950s, right over from the picture house at Fountainbridge.  Here are a couple of memories of Sean Connery when he lived there.

1)  My sister Phyllis, now deceased, had a blind date with Sean at the Palais dance hall.

2) My brother and I were walking along Davidson's Mains Road in the late-1940s.  We saw a dray in front of us and decided to get 'a canter'.  The tall handsome young man at the front, stopped the horses,  and yelled:  "Git af the dray"

Our introduction to Sean

Graeme Charles Munro, Adelaide, South Australia.  4 September 2005.

  Recollections

49.

Caroline Harper

Thank you to Caroline Harper for writing about some of the shops close to her home in Fountainbridge where she lived from 1962 to 1988.

Caroline wrote:

Dundee Street

"I grew up most of my life in Fountainbridge with my parents.

I remember all the shops that were there, and the old houses that were on the opposite side of Dundee Street. There was:

-  a barber called International.

-  a butcher called Williamson

-  a wine shop called Campbell Hope and King.

-  a newsagent.

-  a Johnny's Prize Bingo at top of the subway which my mum used to frequent a lot.

On the other side of Dundee Street, where I lived, I have fond memories of:

-  a grocers on corner of Gibson Terrace which is now a piece of land.

I also remember

-  a TSB Bank and 

-  my favourite shop, Harry's Ice Cream shop.  I loved the place and he was such a lovely man.

 Next door was:

-  my favourite shop, Harry's Ice Cream shop.  I loved the place and he was such a lovely man, then

-  Martins the bakers on corner of Yeaman Place.  We got lots of yummy dinners from there.

At the bottom of our stair was

-  a fruit and veg shop that became the Housing Association.

-  a fishmongers, next to stair.

-  The Orchard where I had my first job at 16.  I loved working there, and have a lot of happy memories.  My boss, Drew, was great to work with and know.

We used to go to Merchiston Boys Club where they held discos for all teenagers every week.  It was fantastic as it was the only place we could go at the weekend."

Murdoch Terrace

"Half way up Murdoch Terrace, there was a grocers on right-hand side of street, and of course the washhouse where my mum took me to do her washing - or more like, for a chat with all her friends."

Yeaman Place

"In Yeaman Place there was:

-  a very old grocers on the left-hand side of the street, where I used to buy my 1d sweeties   Then it became Lawrence the Bakers, which was there for a lot of years.

-  a fishmongers on the right hand-side, at the bottom of the street

-  my mum's hairdressers, Muriel's, at the top of the street.  She was such a lovely lady."

Fowler Terrace

"There was a drysalters on Fowler Terrace which was there for years and always smelt of paraffin but sold everything you could want."

1962 to 1988

"I lived in Fountainbridge from 1962 to 1988. They were the best times of my life.  It was a fantastic place to be brought up.

Everyone knew everyone, and they were all friendly.  I always felt safe growing up there.  I wonder if anyone else remembers a lot of these shops and places that I went to.

I can't ever forget Clancy's Bar where Victor Paris is now.  It was one of my favourite places at the weekend when I got older."

Caroline Harper:  February 17, 2012

  Recollections

50.

John Brady

Krugersdorp, South Africa

Thank you to John Brady for posting a message in the EdinPhoto guestbook.

John wrote:

Home

"Our family lived in 145 Fountainbridge until 1954 as did my paternal Granny Turner. (Grandad Brady died in WW1.)  My maternal Grandparents (MacNab) lived in 135 Fountainbridge.

Like many, we moved away, in our case to Pennywell.

I went to Tollcross Primary School and worked at the Palais for sweetie money.

I can't say I missed Fountainbridge as the tenements were crowded and damp but the 'pride and poverty' gave me a work ethic that never left me."

Freer Street Gang

"We were part of the Freer Street Gang.  Can anyone remember bonfire time when we used to raid each other's stash of wood that we stored beneath Freer Street Terrace?"

Work

"I served my time as a plumber in the shipyards in Leith with no regrets as it gave me a great career, finally.

I remember Tom Boni and his son Raymond very well."

John Brady, Krugersdorp, South Africa,  Message posted in EdinPhoto guestbook 26 February, 2012

Update

1.

Message for John Brady

Hi John:

I received an email today from Ray Faccenda who would like to contact you.

He wrote Recollections 60 below.   So, if you read this can you please email me, then I'll know your email address and will be able to pass it on to Ray.

 Thank you..

Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh, 24 August 2013

Update

2.

Message for John Brady

Hi John:

I received an email today from Tracey Higgins who lived in Fountainbridge 1940-64 and now lives in Glasgow.  She tells me that her mother would like to get in touch with you.

 Thank you..

Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh, 18 January 2014

  Recollections

51.

David Jackson Taylor

Suffolk, England

Thank you to David Jackson Taylor, who wrote:

Freer Street

"My grandmother's family, Mcdonalds, lived at No.10 Freer Street prior to the late-1920s after marrying my grandad Taylor (who lived at 149 Fountainbridge) in 1917.

They moved into No.10 shortly after returning from India with the KOSB and demob.

My mother, Rose Jackson, was born at No.3 Freer Street.  When she married my father, she was living at No.90 Grove Street.

It has never failed to surprise how close a large number of your readers intermingled not knowing how widespread their lives would become."

David Jackson Taylor, Suffolk, England:  March 10, 2012

Recollections

52.

Stuart Lyon

Blackford, Edinburgh

Stuart Lyon asked:

Question

Henry's Cellar Bar

"Does anybody know what Henry's Cellar Bar at 8-16 Morrison Street was used for in the past, before becoming licensed premises?"

Stuart Lyon, Blackford, Edinburgh:  March 11, 2012

 Recollections

53.

Brian Alexander

Prestonfield, Edinburgh

Thank you to Brian Alexander who read the comments about Brian Alexander driving a mobile shop for Martin the Baker around the streets at Colinton,  and added:

Martin the Baker

"Alistair may have met or known my Grandmother, Agnes Alexander.  She worked in Martin's as a seamstress, repairing and altering the bakers' overalls and the van men's 'dust coats'.  I think the were brown in colour.

My grandparents lived at No. 2 Upper Grove Place, on the corner of Grove Street. The front windows looked out over Martin's and I clearly remember the vans coming and going during my visits there in the school holidays.

The flat was on the fourth floor and the unforgettable smell of fresh bread from the bakery was so much part of a vist to Grannie's."

St Cuthbert's Stables

"Another unforgettable smell came from what the 'Store' horses left on the road when returning to the St. Cuthbert's stables in Grove Street after their milk runs!"

Brian Alexander, Prestonfield, Edinburgh:  July 17, 2012

Recollections