Refuse Collection in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Refuse Collection

Thank you to Stephen McMahon who wrote:

Grandfather

"This photograph shows a group of men. Sitting on the ground in the centre front of the photograph is my grandfather, Richard McMahon.

When my father was born in 1912, he, his wife (Lavinia) and their elder son (Richard) lived in King's Stables Road. The tenement was still standing a couple of years ago.

Motorised Refuse Collection

My father told me that my grandfather was one of the first "motorised refuse collectors" in Edinburgh. I have no idea whether or not this is true, but I have no reason to doubt him.

The only identification for the truck is on the door. Sadly, the photographer failed to catch the full image, but it looks to me like some kind of crest or coat of arms (a castle of some description). The closest I can get to this is the coat of arms of Edinburgh but I have no idea whether the coat of arms in use today is identical to that used in the 20s."

Questions

Stephen added:

1. Can anyone shed some light on this photograph?

2. As far as the dates are concerned, I'm only guessing on the basis of fashion and other photographs in my possession. Does anyone know when Edinburgh started using motor vehicles for refuse collection?

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Stephen McMahon, Munich, Germany: September 6, 2007.