Holyrood Road

and

Holyrood Square

Recollections

1

Bob Henderson

Burdiehouse, Edinburgh

Thank you to Bob Henderson who wrote:

Holyrood Road

Cantering

"I was talking with an old friend today and he asked me if I remembered getting a canter up Holyrood Road.  I said, of course I did.

A 'canter' to us meant hanging on the back of a brewers, or in the case of Holyrood Road, a chemical works drey.  The drivers used to chase us, of course, but this just made it more exciting.

Some of the drivers, in the interests of safety, would stop and let us climb aboard if they were empty, then drop us off at the top of the road just before the Pleasance crossing where we would cross the road and wait for our next canter down the way.

Cantering was also done on tram cars, where we would jump on the step as the car was leaving the stop and jump off whilst it was still moving to escape the wrath of the conductress or conductor."

Bob Henderson:  January 20, 2010

Recollections

2

James Rafferty

Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland

Here is a message that James Rafferty posted in the EdinPhoto guestbook:

Holyrood Road

Rolling the Barrels

"Can anyone out there help me with a memory that I have from around the mid-1950s?

I'm convinced that I used to see men rolling barrels from one side of the road to the other.  This was at the top of Holyrood Road where Aitchisons brewery was, just down from what used to be Page's Pub.

Can anyone else remember this?"

James Rafferty, Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland: 
Message posted in EdinPhoto guestbook: March 29, 2013

Recollections

3

Margaret Williamson (née Hay)

Moline, Illinois, USA

Thank you to Margaret Williamson (née Hay), Moline, Illinois, USA for posting this message in the EdinPhoto web site.

Margaret wrote:

Holyrood Road

Rolling the Barrels

Leven Street and Holyrood

"Hi James:

I remember the men rolling barrels.  I lived above The Old Toll Bar in Leven Street.  The pub there had its beer delivery in  barrels, and would have to roll them through their pend.

They had a small building in the back, and would store the barrels there. I can almost still smell the beer, hops and yeast from that pub.

I also remember seeing barrels being rolled in Holyrood and other places.

Leaving Edinburgh

I was born in Edinburgh and came to US in 1960.  I've been back to Edinburgh a few times and am due another visit there.  My heart will always be there.

At least I had my younger years and 'teen years there, and have my memories.  Cheerio the noo!  I hope you get more replies"

Margaret Williamson (née Hay), Moline, Illinois, USA.  Reply posted in EdinPhoto guestbook  on March 29, 2013 in response to a message posted in the guestbook the same day by James Rafferty

Recollections

4.

James Hunter

Auckland, New Zealand

Thank you to Jim Hunter, Auckland, New Zealand, who wrote:

Holyrood Square

"I was born in Holyrood Square in 1938 and went to Milton House School.  My friends then were:

-  James

-  Pauline

-  Hunter Palmers

My Mum's friends then were Lizzie Christianson and  Annie Walker, who  both lived in the square and the Weddles who lived in the stair next to us.

Next door were the Clarks and in the next stair was old Mr Prior.  I think the shop outside the pend was Annie Lawson's.

I moved to Craigmillar around 1945-56

Memories

"I'd like to hear more about my birthplace and the people who lived in Holyrood Square, and to see more photos of the square

James Hunter, Auckland, New Zealand:  26 October 2015 (2 emails)

Reply to James

If you have any information about or photos of Holyrood Square and would like to contact James Hutton, please email me to let me know and I'll pass on James' email address to you.

Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh:  27 October, 2015

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