Edinburgh History - Old Town - Recollections

Recollections and Replies
1.	James A Rafferty Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland	- Bobby from the Washhouse - Grassmarket Mission - Lantern Show - High Street
2.	Eric Gold East London	- Bobby from the Washhouse - Simon Square Washhouse
3.	Donald Grant Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland	- The Howff - The Tryst
4.	Eleanor MacIntyre Portobello, Edinburgh	- Waskles
5.	Jean Robertson Wright	- Sweetie Shop
6.	Eric Gold East London	- John Knox House
7.	Linda Robertson Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England	- Great Aunt and Uncle - Royal Visit
8.	Jim Cairns Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland	- Edinburgh Characters
9.	Tommy Hawkes Canada	- Children's Shelter
10.	James A Rafferty Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland	- Children's Shelter
11.	Frank Ferri Newhaven, Edinburgh	- Children's Shelter
12.	Yvonne Gibb Naples, Florida, USA	- Children's Shelter - Matrons - Does Anybody Else Remember?
13.	Anna Burns (née Duffy) Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland	- Children's Shelter - The Wee Windaes - Emigration - Return Visits to Edinburgh
14.	Simon Clegg Australia	- New Year at The Tron, 1979

Recollections

James A Rafferty

Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland

Thank you to James A Rafferty for sending me his memories around the Old Town.

James wrote:

Bobby from the Wash House

"Catherine McKinsley asks if anybody remembers Bobby from the High Street wash House. See Dumbiedykes 25 ('At Play').

I remember him. We used to call him 'Wascal' because he had a speech impediment and couldn't pronounce his "r'"s. Any time we were making a nuisance of ourselves, he would shout: 'I'll get you wee wascals'."

Grassmarket Mission

"We went to the Grassmarket Mission and also to Carrubber's Close Band of Hope in the High Street.

They had good Christmas Parties

The Superintendant at that time was a Mr White who stayed near to Jeannie Deans pub at Saint Leonard's."

Lantern Show

"I remember, one night, going down to Tron Square and watching an open air lantern show. The subject was the demon drink as it usually was on a Tuesday night in the hall. The songs we used to sing were:

'Deep and Wide'

complete with hand gestures and that old favourite,

'My Cup's Full and Running Over'."

High Street

"I also grew up in the High Street at No 233, next to Sloans the furniture shop."

James A Rafferty, Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland : July 31, 2008

Recollections

Eric Gold

East London

Thank you to Eric Gold for following up James Rafferty's comments about Bobby from the Wash House.

Eric wrote:

Bobby from the High Street Wash House

"Everyone, including myself, knew Bobby from the Wash House. He would were a black overcoat and have a wee pram and would give my mum and other mums too, a lift home from the wash house back to their houses. The mums would treat Bobby with a couple of pennies as money was very tight in those days.

My Auntie Nancy who lived in the Waverley Buildings was the Queen Bee of the washhouse in the High Street were Bobby would be, and if anyone man or women took the Mickey out of Bobby she would give them a bit of her tongue and a right hander too (ha ha ha ha). She was tough, my auntie Nancy was. She was a character, and was no Miss Mouse either (ha ha ha ha ha).

I can still remember Bobby to this very day and you would always see him in the Cowgate near St Patricks Church if he didn't had a pram full of washing."

Simon Square Wash House

"In later years my mum and the other women from Arthur Street would use the wash house in Simon Square as it was nearer."

Eric Gold, East London: August 1, 2008

Recollections

Donald Grant

Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland

Thank you to Donald Grant who wrote:

The Tryst

"Another foray through your site brings back more memories and your readers can maybe fill a gap in mine.

As a boy in the 1960s I can remember going to premises in the High Street near the City Chambers. I can't remember if it was actually a club, or a Café with a space for performers but I think it was called The Tryst. It certainly can't have been licensed, otherwise I wouldn't have been allowed in.

The star attraction was a folk group known as 'The Corrie Folk Trio plus One', also known as 'The Corrie Folk Trio and Paddie Bell' (she was the plus one).

Paddie was always principally a solo performer though. Eventually, she pursued her own career and so it became simply The Corrie Folk Trio.

At that time, the Corries were still in full time employment. One of my elder sisters became quite friendly with them and used to baby sit for one of them at his flat (in Henderson Row if I recall correctly). He was a teacher.

Eventually of course, as everyone who remembers them from their early days knows, Bill Smith left the group leaving just Ronnie Browne and Roy Williamson who became The Corries and went on to considerable fame.

Can anyone remember seeing the group play in the High Street, and was it The Tryst? I do remember waiting in a long queue in the High Street to get in, so even then they had quite a following.

Donald Grant, Penicuik, Midlothian, Scotland: August 1, 2008

UPDATE

Thank you to Anne Wilson for replying to the final paragraph of Donald Grant's notes above.

Anne wrote

The Howff

"I think the place where the Corries played was probably called 'The Howff '. (I'm not sure of the spelling: it may have been 'The Houff'. Does that trigger any bells?

Anne Wilson, Edinburgh: October 5, 2009

UPDATE 2

Thank you to Jim Cairns who wrote:

The Tryst

"I was interested to read the comments above, about 'The Howff' in the High Street. But I think that the place where the Corries performed was called The Tryst.

I remember it well, especially The Corries and Paddie Bell. It cost two shillings (10p) for entry on the nights that they were performing, and that fee got you a bottle of Coke! Real value for money.

My wife and I were there the first night that Roy Williamson played his mandolin in public. The Corries were a real revelation, and Paddie Bell's pure, clear voice was a delight. It's sad that Roy and Paddy are no longer with us."

The Howff

"The Howff' was owned by a Mr Buchan, who had previously run the aptly-named 'Rest and be Thankful' Café at the top of Ramsay Lane."

Jim Cairns, Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland: October 7, 2009

Recollections

Eleanor MacIntyre

Portobello, Edinburgh

Eleanor MacIntyre asked this question, before reading the comments from James A Rafferty (1 above) and Eric Gold (2 above).

Perhaps somebody can provide more information.

Eleanor wrote:

Waskles

"Can anyone remember of a chap called Waskles?

This is a child’s memory that I am quoting. He believes that Waskles lived with a Mrs Macintyre at Arthur Street.

Can anyone tell me anything more about him?"

Eleanor McIntyre, Portobello, Edinburgh: August 11, 2008

Recollections

Jean Robertson Wright

Thank you to Jean Robertson Wright who wrote:

Sweetie Shop

"My Gt Granny, Jessie Dougal, is shown on 1901 Census living at No 19 Simon Square. She was listed as a 'Small Wares Shop Woman'.

She was widowed at 26 when her husband was drowned in the Eyemouth Disaster of October 1881, and she gave birth to my granny 3 weeks later

Following the birth of my granny, Jessie left Eyemouth and moved to Edinburgh where she became a live-in cook. My granny was brought up by Jessies mother.

I'm not sure when Jessie moved out of Simon Sq. but she ended up living in the High Street and had a sweetie shop which for famous for 'Granny Dougal's Toffee'."

Jean Robertson Wright: March 8, 2010

Recollections

Eric Gold

East London, England

Thank you to Eric Gold who wrote:

John Knox House

"This photo of John Knox’s House, taken in 1960, brought back memories to me as I saw a bus a single decker at the crossroads of Jeffery Street and St. Mary’s Street were one could hop off or jump on. It's a Number 1 which took me to Easter Road to go to St. Anthony’s School by Hibs football ground entrance in Hawkhill Avenue."

Eric Gold, East London, England: October 10, 2010

Recollections

Linda Robertson

Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England

Thank you to Linda Robertson who wrote:

Great Aunt and Uncle

"My great Aunt and Uncle, Katie and Jimmy Keppie lived with Brandy the dog in Paisley Close, just next to Carrubbers Close Mission and John Knox's house.

I remember going up to visit her as a child and being terrified of the dark passageways in the close.

My Great Auntie Katie was a well-known character on the high street. She lived to a rip old age and was famous for accosting workmen with her walking stick."

Royal Visit

"I vividly remember the visit of King Olaf from Norway to Edinburgh, and watching the carriage procession from their window. I also seem to recall that their daughter, my mum's cousin Margot, dropped the large Union Jack flag she was waving out the window, so apologies to anyone reading this who was standing below."

Linda Robertson, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England: July 12, 2011

Recollections

Jim Cairns

Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland

Thank you to Jim Cairns who wrote:

Edinburgh Characters

"The two recent contributions on Princes Street characters reminded me of a couple who were to be seen around the Royal Mile in the 1950s.

Royal Mile Character

"The first character was a woman. She was known to us kids as 'Jeannie with the Light Brown Hair', and was not that old. She constantly kept up a conversation with herself in quite a posh voice. She'd say things like 'Oh really, Sir Thomas, I can't possibly go to the ball with you.'

She struck a sad figure, and none of the children would ever make a fool of her."

Royal Mile Character

"The second character was a man. His favourite spot was at the corner of West Bow and Lawnmarket, where he spoke to himself or shouted at passers by. He used to shout:

'Off wi' his heid and off wi' his body, and doon tae Greyfriars Kirkyaird wi' him!'

Tourists and children gave him a wide berth. He was proposed as Rector of Edinburgh University one year by a bunch of mischievous students, but I don't think he won the election!"

Jim Cairns, Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland: August 14, 2012

Recollections

10.

James A Rafferty

Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland

Thank you to James A Rafferty for replying to Tommy Hawkes' question above.

James wrote

Reply

Children's Shelter

New Assembly Close

"The Children's Shelter in the High Street that Tommy Hawkes asks about was one of our play areas when we were young.

When when you went through the close, there was a wooden structure to the right which was handy when it rained. We would have played there in the late-1940s and early-1950s, although i can never recall seeing any children there.

The close is New Assembly Close, although we called it The Shelter Close for obvious reasons, or Wee Windaes Close because of the pub that was there at the time.

The building is now used by the court services as meeting rooms."

James A Rafferty, Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland: October 10, 2012

Reply

11.

Frank Ferri

Newhaven, Edinburgh

Thank you to Frank Ferri who wrote:

Children's Shelter

New Assembly Close

142 High Street

"There is a large house at end of New Assembly Close 142 High Street. I think that house is now occupied by the law Society.

It was once the Children's Shelter as the bronze plaque at the entrance states. It was used for short-term stay for children from troubled families.

I had to stay there for a short spell in the mid 1940s due to family health problems. I attended St Ann's School further down the High Street."

Does Anybody Else Remember the Children's Shelter?

"My only recall of the place was sleeping in a dormitory, playing in a large communal room and not being allowed outdoors at all, other than to go to school. Can anyone else recall this place?"

Frank Ferri, Newhaven, Edinburgh: November 14, 2012

Reply

12.

Yvonne Gibb

Naples, Florida, USA

Yvonne Gibb also wrote about the Children's Shelter in Edinburgh. I don't know whether or not that is the same shelter as others have spoken about on this page.

Yvonne wrote

Children's Shelter

"I somehow stumbled upon this website, and can add a little to the comments about the Children's Shelter, although I had not known the address until now.

My two brothers and I were there. We don't know the exact years, but it was somewhere between 1943 and 1945.

Matrons

"I have very little memory of the shelter, but I do remember that the women matrons were extremely cruel, and it has taken me years to get over them.

I recently spoke with my older brother who was there. He indicated that the matrons tied him down and beat him with wet towels. It took the rest of his life to get over that place. He now lives in Australia and I live in Naples, Florida, USA.

The reason I was sent home was because I had not eaten and was apparently dying. Their words were 'Failure to thrive'."

Does Anybody Else Remember?

"I have 8 brothers and sisters. We lived on Montague Street, and to this day I miss Edinburgh.

If anyone else has had an experience at the Children's Shelter, I'd love to read it."

Yvonne Gibb, Naples, Florida, USA: August 16. 2013

Yvonne Gibb

I've not yet received any more memories of the Children's Shelter, but I have received a message from someone who remembers Yvonne from their schooldays. They last saw her about 57 years ago!

I've now passed on Yvonne's email address to them, so I hope she'll get a message from them soon.

Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: August 19, 2013

Recollections

13.

Anna Burns (née Duffy)

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Thank you to Anna Burns who wrote:

Children's Shelter

"I used to live in Fleshmarket Close. On the opposite side of the street, there was the Children's Shelter which has been featured in the EdinPhoto web site.

I can remember the children who lived there and always thought they looked very sad. They were not allowed to play with us and used to look out of their windows and watch us on the swings."

The Wee Windaes

"I also remember the Wee Windaes as I had my wedding reception there after being married in St. Giles. I am so proud that I was married there. I always visit the church when I go home."

Emigration

"Why is it that after all these years away from Edinburgh, it still seems to pull me back. I emigrated to Australia in 1966 with the idea that it would be a 'two year holiday in the sun'. That was almost 50 years ago. I've never been so wrong about anything since! "

Return Visits to Edinburgh

"I still have family in Edinburgh and when I do go home, its like i have never been away."

Anna Burns (née Duffy), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia: May 18, 2014

Recollections

15.

Norrie Sneddon

Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland

Thank you to Norrie Sneddon who wrote:

Four Brothers

"Here is a photo of four brothers, all dressed in Scots Guards' uniforms. The brothers are from the Sneddon family, all from the High Street, Edinburgh. They are:

- Robbie.

- Jimmy.

- Tom.

- Bill, my Dad

The photo was taken in August 1939 at Jerome's studio, 79 Leith Street."

The High Buskers

"The Sneddon family helped run Stewart's Bar in Drummond Street, for a while. Auntie Bella (Hope) (a sister) was a popular barmaid in the Wee Windaes.

We know little of their time in the High Street, except they busked a bit, they all had braw voices and put on little shows in and around the High Street, for donations of course.

Norrie Sneddon, Haddington, East Lothian, Scotland: October 21+23, 2014