7 - Broughton Recollections0

Duncan's Chocolates

Matt Rooney, New Cumnock, Ayrshire, Scotland, wrote:

"I worked as a lad with Duncans and progressed to being a Van Boy, working for Andrew who was the Foreman of the Vans as well as being a Driver. We spent a lot of time travelling together all over Scotland, delivering not only Duncan's Chocolate but also Cadbury's and other manufacturers' products.

We had to stay in Temperance Hotels. I had to learn to drive extremely quickly, or else we would not have delivered our van-load in the 4 days allotted to us.

When there was a Dog Meeting at Powderhall on a Wednesday afternoon, one of the lads from Duncans would be sent by the Gent who collected on behalf of a certain Bookie, to the wee pulley in the warehouse and would lower the bets to someone below.

I was one of the Lads that was sent, and of course after the Meeting the reverse happened and the winnings if there were any." The Management at Duncans turned a blind eye to this practice - "a contented workforce etc!" I think was the motto.

I first encountered The Paddle Steamer 'Waverley' when I worked at Duncans. Either Duncans or their Social Club had hired the 'Waverley' for their Annual Do. That's when I learned how to do the Hokey Kokey."

Beaverbank Motors

"I then moved to Beaverbank Place where I was an Apprentice with the Foden Agency, Beaverbank Motors. The boss there was an entrepreneur. He was always buying what we thought were very odd purchases.

Around 1948 he bought 5 Battery Carriers. They were similar to Bren Gun Carriers, and were used by the Tank Regiments to carry their spare batteries.

The mechanics and the two apprentices took out the engines, Ford V-8's, which were dismantled and worked on until they were ready to be sold. The boss then sold the remainder as scrap and made a profit on that."

Elizabeth Robertson, East Lothian, Scotland

Duncan's Chocolates

"I've just finished reading an article on Duncan's chocolate factory by Matt Rooney. I believe that the Andrew he refers to in his article may have been my grandfather Andrew Beveridge Douglas. Here is a photo of him."

Duncan's Chocolates - Albion Van and Andrew Beveridge Douglas

© Reproduced with acknowledgement to Elizabeth Robertson, East Lothian, Scotland

Danny Callaghan, Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland, wrote:

Duncan's Chocolates

"The No. 8 and No. 9 trams passing up Rodney Street from Granton, just before the change of shifts, would be jammed with Duncan's lassies in white overalls and turbans, getting off at the Rodney Street stop, to make their way along Broughton Road to the factory. The trams would be filled with the aroma of chocolate

We were encouraged, on a Wednesday afternoon, before playing soccer in Logie Green, to go in for a Paris Bun at the City Mission."

Alex Dow, Fife, Scotland wrote:

Duncan's Chocolates

"My aunt worked her way up the ranks, doing various tasks including stretching the toffee. She worked for a while on the Walnut Whip line and graduated to being allowed to put the walnut on the top, all done by hand."

Alex Dow, Fife, Scotland wrote:

Duncan's Chocolates

"Oh, how I wish my folks were alive to read your site! My mother, Rita Watt worked at Duncan's Chocolates in Edinburgh in the late-1960s and early-1970s.

In the early days they used to make Walnut Whips, and there used to be two walnuts in the chocolate, one inside at the bottom and one on top. Oh happy days !!"

Danny Callaghan, Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland, wrote again:

Duncan's Chocolates

"As kids, living in Broughton Road in the 1950s, we all knew when the Duncan's girls would be coming off shift as we would hear the factory horn sounding.

This was our signal to stand at the stair doors and see if we would be the lucky ones to be given some chocolate from the girls. Most usually had some in their white overall pockets. They used to come up Broughton Road in a wave and were generally laughing and joking."

Carole Mills (née Manson), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia wrote:

Duncan's Chocolates

"I worked at Duncan's Choc Factory, and used to make up samples for the Reps. I also showed visitors around the place. It was quite an experience, working there.

Here is a photo of me taken at Duncans in 1953, when I was aged sixteen. I'm the girl in the middle in this photo."

Three of Duncan's Workers - 1953

© Reproduced with acknowledgement to Carole Manson, the girl on the leftin this photo

Phil Wilson, Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, wrote:

Duncan's Chocolates

"Here is a photo showing a some of my family, one wearing a 'cloche' hat, all sitting in front of J & M Duncan's Chocolate Factory around 1927. The factory is advertising its 'Bo Peep Chocolates'."

My Family - 1927

St Cuthbert's Co-op

Brian Gourlay, Biggar, Lanarkshire, Scotland, wrote:

Milk Horses

McDonald Road

"When I lived on the corner of McDonald Road and Bellevue Road, next to Broughton School, the St Cuthbert's milk horse got his food nose-bag right outside our door every morning

The horse would wander his way slowly along the length of McDonald Road from Leith Walk, keeping a close eye on the milkman as he went in and out of the tenements.

When the horse got to nose-bag territory, he froze on the spot, his hooves super-glued to the ground - totally immoveable, until the nose-bag was produced and its contents lovingly devoured. Then, and only then, could the horse be persuaded to resume the delivery round."

"Here are a couple of photos one of a dairy horse around 1900 and one of the St Cuthbert's farrier and Silver in 1985."

A St Cuthbert's Dairy Horse and Cart - c.1900

St Cuthbert's farrier, Jim Lee, and Silver with pupils at Tollcross School - March 1985

Jim Patience, Alberta, Canada, wrote:

Milk Horses

East Claremont Street

"I worked in St. Cuthbert's on East Claremont Street from 1952 until 1956 and used to get a ride home to Jamaica Street on the co-op milk cart.

Bert was the milkman's name."

Danny Callaghan, Biggar, Lanarkshire, Scotland, wrote:

St Cuthbert's Co-op

Broughton Point

"The store, at Broughton Point, has now become a fabric shop and restaurant. Previously, I believe it was a tool hire shop or similar.

On the right-hand edge of the photo. you can see the St Cuthbert's crest on the end of the building - 'Established 1859'."

John Tait, Craigmount, Edinburgh, wrote:

Milk Horses

East Claremont Street

"My first memory of the milk horses was when I moved to Claremont Court, Broughton when I was about 9 years old. That was when my love of horses began.

"We had a few different milkmen and horses until Ginger came along. He was brought over from Ireland like most of the milk horses and was only 4 years old.

The milkman then was Wally (Jimmy Hume). Here are a few photos of me with Ginger, Wally is also in the first photo."

Wally (Jimmy Hume) and John Tait with Ginger

John Tait beside Ginger

John Tait sitting on Ginger

John Tait and Kenny Stevenson with Ginger

St Mary's School

"I went to St Mary's York Lane school and would listen for Ginger coming along Albany Street on his way going back to the dairy.

I was often in trouble for skipping school to be with the horses in the stables and would go there after school until the stables closed at 7pm."

Working in the Stables

"I must have been about 16 when I started working full-time with the milk, and when I became 18 years old, I was offered a job working in the stables.

I would be picked up at my house at 3.30am and taken to the stables to start at 4 o' clock. I would feed, water and harness the horses ready for the milkmen who would come at around 6 o' clock.

Here are a few photos of Ginger outside the blacksmith shop at the stables."

Ginger and John Tait outside the blacksmith shop at the stables

Playing around Broughton

Stewart Dickson, Craiglockhart, Edinburgh, wrote:

Playing around Broughton

Place Names

"These are the names that I remember for some of the places that I used to know when I lived at Broughton:

Dizzy or Dissie

The area next to Broughton Road Bowling Green was called the Dizzy or Dissie.

Hundred Walls

The Gardens at the back of East Claremont Street backing on to Broughton Road were the Hundred Walls.

Sandy Hills

The now enclosed hill behind Broughton Road was the Sandy Hills.

Cat Weasel

The old water tank that sat next to Broughton Swing Park was the Cat Weasel (after the 70`s show).

The Ditch

The site of the Vogue Furniture car park was the Ditch.

The Shovel Works

Behind the now Tesco was The Shovel Works."

Donnie Graham, Zwickau, Germany, wrote:

Playing around Broughton

Shovel Works

"My adventures of growing up at Broughton included sneaking into the Spade and Shovel Works (now Tesco)."

The Tunnel

"Myself and others would go through the tunnel to Scotland Street coal yard. Half way through, someone would shout: 'There's a Train coming!' Then we'd run like Hell. I think, actually, it had been disused for years."

Broughton Swing Park

"In the Broughton swing park they use to have 'Old Parky', who sat in his small shed in the corner of the park. In winter he would never come out, preferring to huddle round his stove."

Gerrard Grannum, Liberton, Edinburgh, wrote:

Playing around Broughton

School

"As a youngster, life was one long adventure. I went to Broughton Road Primary School at the top of the hill (I now know it as Broughton Point ) and I learned to swim at the school as there was a small swimming Pool in the basement area."

'The Dizzie'

"Opposite the school there was a Gents' Public Toilet and to the right of it was the Public Bowling Greens (still there) but to the left of the toilet was our adventure area called 'The Dizzie'.

We played Japs and Commandos, and we stored all our old wood, chairs and any other rubbish there for the Bonfire which was burnt on the road at the junction Broughton Road and East Claremont Street."

Our Gang

"Our gang consisted of myself Gerry Grannum, Jimmy Henderson, Davie Alexander, Kenny Johnston, Jim Black and a couple of others whose names escape me.

We also kept feral pigeons there in cages we knocked up from old wood and chicken wire. The pigeons we collected from the old Chancelot Flour Mill which dominated the landscape with its large clock tower."

Water of Leith

"During the school summer holidays the Water of Leith from Puddiekie to the dam at Redbraes was our happy hunting ground. If we weren't fishing for minnows and sticklebacks there was always a wooden raft we would be playing on."

Apples

"Across the road from my stair entrance were the back gardens of East Claremont Crescent and most of them had apple trees in growing in them - too good a temptation for a youngster to resist.

Invariably I always got caught, or a nosey neighbour who lived on the first flat of my stair and faced the front would see me and tell my Mother and Here ends part one of my boyhood tale."

David Mitchell, Brunstane, Edinburgh, wrote

Playing around Broughton

St Mark's Park

"There was a cycle track in St Mark's Park in the early 1960s. There were no facilities, just a modest sized oval dust track, but it attracted a good number of cyclists and spectators.

Bakery

"No matter how tired or burdened we were, we never objected to the short detour to the Redbraes Bakery in the lane at the top of Broughton Street.

Here we descended into the warm, flour-dusted bakehouse where the baker would fill brown paper bags with hot rolls. The smell of the fresh bread powered our journey back up McDonald Road as we were anxious to have our supper while it was still warm."

John Fraser, Australia, wrote:

Playing around Broughton

Boys' Brigade

"I was a member of the 46th Boys’ Brigade, under the leadership of Tom Curr where I was Drum Major of the pipe and bugle band.

I have many happy memories of the yearly visits to Lilliesleaf, camping with the Boys' Brigade."

I believe that Tom Cur was also very involved with supporting the Girls' Brigade. He was a cartoonist and an artist. Here are two of his religious paintings:

'Follow Me'

© The Curr Family. This image is from a 1930s reproduction, exact date to be determined.

Reproduced with acknowledgement to Dr Sandy Brewer, Galloway, SW Scotland

'Jesus in Edinburgh'

Streets and Buildings

Allan Dodds, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England

Broughton Place Church

"Before the days of television, people used to make their own entertainment. At Broughton Place Church, one-act and three-act plays were often performed

My mother often produced these plays (frequently taking the lead part herself as she had a formidable memory for lines) and my father was responsible for the stage lighting.

As a young child I had to listen to my mother rehearse her lines so that by the time the play was performed I knew every part and line in it including the plot!

Here is a photo of my father dressed in theatrical costume and a photo of my mother dressed in a Welsh Outfit. I think my father looks quite dashing with his natural curls. He would have been fifteen or sixteen years of age when the picture was taken.

Allan Dodds' Father, dressed in theatrical costume

© Reproduced with acknowledgement to Allan Dodds, Nottingham, England

Allan Dodds' Mother, dressed in Welsh Outfit - c.1926

© Reproduced with acknowledgement to Allan Dodds, Nottingham, England

Alex Dow, Fife, Scotland, wrote:

Broughton Point

This sketch of the farm buildings at Broughton Point was drawn, about 1970 by my father, ALS Dow (1900-1977). It represents what he remembered from about the area around 1910.

Broughton Point - c.1910

Alex Dow, Fife, Scotland

East London Street to Macdonald Road

Gas Pipe

"Maybe others will remember the squad of German PoWs who laid a gas pipe along East London Street, across Annandale Street along Hope(toun) Crescent and into Macdonald Road."

Alastair Liddle, Bonchester Bridge, Borders, Scotland

Macdonald Road

Open Ground for Buses

"I lived in McDonald Road from 1956. One of my earliest memories from there is of vast amounts (to a small boy) of Edinburgh Corporation double deckers being brought round from Annandale Street garage every night after being cleaned and washed, to be parked on a piece of open ground on which now stands the McDonald Road Fire Station."

Danny Callaghan, Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland, wrote:

City Mission

Logie Green road

"We kids would go along to the City Mission in Logie Green Road sometimes. Your religion did not matter, it was something else to do.

I remember, probably in 1958, that some of the girls on our crowd went off on a summer camp with the mission to Abington; yes the one on the A74.

So some of us lads decided we would cycle there on visiting day. We were told it was just after Penicuik. We thought, OK, that is not too far. My bike was bust so I borrowed one and its gears were not working.

So there we set off with some sannies and bottle of juice. Yes we know now Abington is a lot further than Penicuik. In fact, it's about 42 miles from Edinburgh, and all seemed to be up hill going there.

We made it, and the journey back seemed much shorter. Admittedly, there was not the traffic of today, but could you imagine any parents today allowing there 12/13/14 year olds to head off on that journey. Then I suppose we did not quite tell them the whole story, but in all honesty we did not know ourselves."

Here is a recent photo of the City Mission.

The City Mission (now named 'Logie Green Mission') 62 Logie Green Road - 2009

Les Braby, Kent, England, wrote:

Blacksmith

"As a boy, I remember a blacksmith had a place opposite the Stags' Head, next to Heriothill House which is now the Navy Club; we used to watch him shoeing the horses.

He wasn’t there for long when I knew him, mind you - although he’d probably been there for years before that."

Odette Thomas (née Downes), San Jose, California, USA
AND
Danny Callaghan, Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland
AND
Roddy Waldhelm, Leith, Edinburgh

Barony Place Playgroup

Here are two photos from the Broughton History Society archive. I added them to the EdinPhoto web site in 2010 and received a few replies.

- The first photo is of Barony Place Playgroup, taken around 1959.

- The second photo was taken on the same site, fifty years later when it opened as Barony Community Garden.

Barony Place Playgroup - Around 1959

Barony Community Garden -2009

The photo shows Barony Place Playgroup, which had its own hut in 1959. John Dickie tells me that it was replaced by a Council Play Area some years ago. Then, as a result of much planning, lobbying and grant-seeking by a determined group of local residents, Barony Community Garden opened on the same site in 2009.

Odette Thomas (née Downes) wrote:

"This photo of the Barony Street Playgroup caught my eye! I'm in that photo from 1959. Friends who later attended London Street School are there also.

I am standing in front with short hair."

Danny Callaghan who attended the school from August 1950 till June 1957 wrote:

School Rivalry

"Barony Place and London Street School were just down from my old school, St Mary's (York Lane).

As Odette will probably recall, there was always a rivalry between the two schools. I'm sure that Odette will be dismayed to learn that in the end St Mary's were the winners and that they have now taken over her old school building."

Roddy Waldhelm wrote

Playmates

"Odette who was my playmate at the nursery and school friend at London Street Primary.

I am the wee chap showing a complete lack of interest in the photographer, second from left behind the bench. My friend George Williamson is sitting in the toy car.

Happy days!"

Odette replied to Roddy:

Reply

"Roddy:

Omg! I remember you well, and I remember George! Standing next to you in this photo is Ethel Wood. I kept in touch with Ethel and Caroline James until half way through High School.

I remember attending Christmas and Birthday parties with you. Our mums were friends.

I remember the lady in charge at the nursery. She gave us cod liver oil on colored spoons! It tasted awful."

Ron Goldie, Peine, Germany
AND
Danny Callaghan, Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland
AND
Win Johnston, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

St Mary's School

York Lane

Several people have sent me memories of St Mary's School, York Lane.

Ron Goldie who attended the school around 1951-56 wrote:

Football

"The picture shows our football team at St Mary's, taken by my father. I remember the names of some of my playing colleagues in the picture. Maybe they'll recognise themselves."

The Football Team - mid-1950s

© Reproduced with acknowledgement to Ron Goldie, Peine, Germany whose father took this photo

"I was the goalkeeper, until we were beaten 21-0 one day. You know puberty, more interested in girls than football, etc.

I'm the original 'hide under the bed goalkeeper', whose mother tried to entice me out with a chocky bicky and saying:

'Never mind son, most goalkeepers get beat 21-0 at some time in their career.'

Needless to say, I didn't follow a career in football."

Danny Callaghan who attended the school from August 1950 till June 1957 wrote:

Fires

"When I was at St Mary's, York Lane, the school was still heated by coal fires in the classrooms. I used to be one of the coal monitors, taking coal to our class as well as to the younger pupils' classes.

My Class

"Here is a photo of my class, I am at the rear-left in this photo."

Around 1953

© Reproduced with acknowledgement to Danny Callaghan, Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland Photographer not known

My Father's Class

"My Father, also Daniel Callaghan, attended the school, That was from about 1914 till 1922. At that time you did not leave to go to a secondary school.

Here is a photo of his class at St Mary's School. My father is the tall boy, 3rd from the left on the back row."

Around 1920

© Reproduced with acknowledgement to Danny Callaghan, Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland Photographer not known

Win Johnston wrote:

Concert

"This photo is of a re-enactment of a scene from a school concert. The photo was taken on the roof garden at St. Mary’s York Lane – probably 1952 or 1953."

I’m the short one in costume. The taller girl is Anne Gibbons. Others in the group were the singers for the performance. The names that I remember are:

- Kathleen Henderson

- Tommy Thomas

- Peter Edgar

- Joseph Radin

- Maureen McCann

- Ronnie Turnbull

- Moira Campbell

- Ian McDonald

- Stuart Fraser. "

Around 1952-53

Win tells me that the photo above would have been taken by one of the teachers, possibly Miss White.

James Munro, Le Tonkin, SW France
AND
Doreen Leslie (née Spence), Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
AND
Gordon Davie, Abbeyhill. Edinburgh

Broughton School

Several people have sent me memories of Broughton School

James Munro wrote:

Pipe Band

"Here is a photo of Broughton School Pipe Band, circa 1950.

- Pipe Major Bill Blair (extreme right).

- The lady, French Teacher, Bessie Somerville (front row).
She organized the band.

- Drum Major William Mein (on the left)

- Jardine Denholm (2nd from right)

- Instructors, Mr Gates, pipes (left) and Mr Toner, drums (right).

As I remember, our favourite was 'Barren Rocks of Aden'."

Around 1950

Doreen Leslie (née Spence) who attended Broughton School from 1950 to 1954 wrote:

Sports

"I played hockey while at school, and also for the Former Pupils before I left for Canada.

I ran hurdles and track, and still have my Picardy House pin."

Teachers

"I remember:

- Dr. Black, the headmaster, with his heavy footsteps, striding the halls.

- Mr. Campbell the geography teacher with the Walrus moustache who had a wry sense of humour.

- Miss Jaffrey, the art teacher whose favourite colour had to be Magenta. She'd look at your picture and tell you that it needed a little something and always said 'Try magenta there.'

- Miss Stewart , a sweet older lady who taught French.

- Mr Cochrane, a young music teacher. (That reminds me of being in the Usher Hall, doing Handel's Messiah.)

- Mr Wallace, our Home Room teacher who taught Maths. Poor man. He fell over my book satchel as I had thrown it on a half-way staircase landing, as I was rushing out one lunchtime.

Gordon Davie replied to a former pupil who was trying to remember the words of the Broughton School Song. Gordon wrote:

School Song

"I attended Broughton School from 1969 to 1975, the first three years I was at the McDonald Road building, then after that I was out at Carrington Road opposite Fettes College.

I can only remember part of the school song, as follows. Some of the words were extended over more syllables than they actually had, to fit the rhythm, and I've tried to indicate that!

Mother of ours benign

We that are call-ed thine

Lovingly na-ame thee

Whether afar or near

Ever we hold thee dear

Lovingly name thee

Proudly acclaim thee

Broughton for e-e-ver!

Gowns and Mortar Boards

"We would sing the song on Founders' Day, at a service in the church up the road. That was the only time that all of the teachers wore their academic gowns and mortar boards!

Some of them wore their gowns on a daily basis, though most of the younger ones didn't bother.

I think the only other time I've seen teachers wearing mortar boards has been in films, so most of the pupils found it quite amusing."

Questions

Question 1

Reply from Allan Dodds, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England

I was sent this photo from somebody asking if I could tell them anything about it.

Which Group was this? - and when?

Broughton Place Church

I added it to the EdinPhoto web site and received several helpful answers from Allan Dodds who told me that the photo was taken just outside Broughton Place Church and that he recognised several people in the photo.

Alan wrote:

"I believe that the photo would have been taken around the late-1950s. The photo includes:

- Rev. Dr George S Gunn.
I think he is the one kneeling on his coat in the front row.

- Assistant Minister, either a Canadian or American
I think he is the one on the extreme left of this picture.

- Bill Aitken, the Scout Leader
I think he is the one kneeling on the front row 2nd from left.

- The Cub Leader

- Sunday School Teachers

- My Uncle Assistant Church Organist
He is immediately to the right of Rev Gunn.

- My Aunt, Secretary of the Women's Temperance Association

- a member of Broughton Place Scout Troop.
I was also a member before joining Heriots' Scout Troop.

- Dorothy Wallace, a missionary who would often return to the Church to tell us of all the good work that she was doing in India.
I'm pretty sure that she is the woman in the checked jacket, third from the left at the back.

So, all of the people in the photo must have been on a junket to thank them for their services to the Church as they are all Church Officers of one sort or the other."

I wouldn't be surprised if Dr Gunn hadn't paid for the outing, together with its photographic record, out of his own pocket as he was a bachelor and had a living out of his Manse in Inverleith Row."

Thank you to Allan Dodds for also sending me this photo of the Broughton Place Church Scout Troop, including the same Scout Leader as above, Bill Aitken:

Around 1961

Question 2

Reply from Sarah Gordon

I was sent this photo from somebody asking if I could tell them anything about it.

Where was this shop?

Cullen & Co - around 1920s

John Smith, Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland, wrote

"Where was this shop. It was No.20, but in which street? My great grandfather also had a shop (T Cullen) at 37 Arthur Street in the 1920s.

The two ladies in the photo above are the same two as are in the Arthur Street photo in this photo of his Arthur Street shop - my Grandmother and my Great Grandmother."

Arthur Street Shop (early-1920s)

20 Broughton Street

John Smith who sent me the top photo above thought that the shop was in Victoria Street. However a little research showed it to be 20 Broughton Street.

Thank you to Sarah Gordon for providing the answer. Here is the photo again, followed by a recent photo (first in sepia to match the original then in colour).

20 Broughton Street

around 1920s

20 Broughton Street

2009 (converted to sepia)

20 Broughton Street

2009 (colour)

Question 3

Replies from Ben, Edinburgh
AND
from Dr Graham Hogg, National Library of Scotland, Edinburgh

This was the earliest photo in Broughton History Society's exhibition: 'Broughton's Story', held at Broughton St Mary's Church in 2006.

Gayfield Square School for Girls

© Reproduced with acknowledgement to Trustees of National Museum of Scotland (Photo is from their Scottish Life Archive.)
Please click here to read restrictions applying to the use of this photo.

The Society hoped to discover more about the photo, so I added it to the EdinPhoto web site and received a few replies.

Ben, Edinburgh wrote:

"The old school photo was taken in Hillside Crescent. The building in the background in the old photo is no longer present, but the surrounding buildings are still standing.

The pillars windows and doors in the old photo match those in the buildings slightly farther north.

Some of the original Playfair-designed park railings from 1822 have survived the war. They are at the North and South ends of the gardens."

Ben then visited Hillside Gardens with his camera, and took the photo below.

Bill wrote:

I believe that this picture was taken from the same spot as the 1865 photo above. Sadly, the railings have been removed and the old building has been replaced, but the tree looks right, albeit about 150 years older now.

Hillside Crescent Gardens, and the junction of Hillside Crescent and the east side of Brunswick Street, 2010

The trees were planted about 1840 as part of the garden improvements.

Hillside Crescent and West side of Brunswick Street

"The house below, with its distinctive double Doric columns between windows and doors, and the first floor grid railings, is on the corner of Hillside Crescent and West side of Brunswick Street.

It seems to be a good match for the one that would have stood opposite on the east side of Brunswick Street, that can be seen in the background of the 1865 photo."

The junction of Hillside Crescent and the east side of Brunswick Street, 2010

The Railings

"Just to finish it off, at the start of the crescent, is a small patch of very distinctive William Playfair railings that escaped wartime scrappage. They have octagonal (not round as everywhere else) decorative tops that match the old picture.

The house in the background (No 4) has the 12-panel lower and 15- panel first floor windows from almost two hundred years ago."

Dr Graham Hogg, National Library of Scotland, wrote:

Book Plate

"I have just received a donation of a book with this bookplate of the library of Gayfield Square Ladies’ School."

"The donor’s late husband was related to people who ran the school.

The donor gave me the following information:
(I've not verified it.)"

Gayfield Square Ladies' College

- The Anderson family moved to 7 Gayfield Square and opened the school in 1834.

- Euphemia [Anderson] ran the school with the help of her brother Robert, who also gave classes in other places in Edinburgh.

- Anne Urquhart, from Perth, also helped in the school at different times.

- Amongst the scholars were Lady Rollo's daughter, a neighbour, and William, son of Dr Alexander Duff who became a missionary in India.

- The school lasted about 25 years.

- The Andersons and the Urquharts had been close friends for many years, partly through business connections.

- Anne Urquhart married Euphemia's brother, Charles. They were the great grandparents of the donor's husband.

Dr Graham Hogg added

"I'm assuming that in 1838 Gayfield Square Ladies School
was renamed the Gayfield Square Ladies' Institution,
before becoming the Gayfield Square Academy in the 1850s."

Answer: Hillside Crescent Gardens. See Reply 3