A school class at James Cark School, St Leonards, around 1966

James Clark School Recollections
1.	Joan Martin (nee Hogg) Beckenham, Kent, England	- 1940s and 1950s
2.	Joan Martin (nee Hogg) Beckenham, Kent, England	- David Ramsay, Photographer
3.	Bryan Gourlay Biggar, Lanarkshire, Scotland	- 1952 Photo
4.	Doris Crook (nee McCraw) Edinburgh	- 1957 to 1960
5.	Lorraine Gulam Edinburgh	- 1972
6.	Catherine Taylor (nee Clark)	- Jimmy Clark, Newsagent
7.	Jimmy Davidson East Lothian, Scotland	- 1960-63 - Teachers - Music - Memories
8.	Lyndsay (formerly Linda) Montgomery East Lothian, Scotland	- School Friends
9.	Jan Frost (nee McConnell) Kinghorn, Fife, Scotland	- School Friends
10.	Bob Henderson Burdiehouse, Edinburgh	- James Clark School Exhibition - The Slidey Stane
11.	Peter George Quinn Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England	- Mary Robertson
12.	Charles Warner Canada	- Pupils 1960-63
13.	Jessie Newlands Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada	- 1935-39
14.	Jimmy Farrell Lancashire, England	- until 1957
15.	James McFarlane Norwich, Norfolk, England	- from 1956
16.	Rab McGrouther Munlochy, Black Isle, Ross & Cromarty, Scotland and several replies.	- School Mates - Grassmarket
17.	Kerry Laidlaw	- School Chums, 1960
18.	John Mills Southside, Edinburgh	- School Chums, 1956-59
19.	Billy Stewart Kingston, Ontario, Canada	- 1960-63
20.	Alex Rutherford Australia	- School and Work
21.	Annajane Wallace California, USA	- Then and Now
22.	Norma Hendrie (nee Hughes) West End, Edinburgh	- School - Sandra MacIntosh - Maggie Martin's Mission
23.	Lorraine Beach Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, England	- Walter Mcgrouther

Recollections

Joan Martin (nee Hogg)

Beckenham, Kent

Joan Martin (nee Hogg) writes:

1940s and 1950s

"I went to Preston Street School and on to James Clarks during the forties and fifties. Both my parents went to James Clarks, my mother becoming school secretary to Mr Scott.

It was very interesting to read about about David Ramsay, the photographer, and the letters written to him by Mr Scott. If they were type-written, perhaps my mum typed them!

Although my parents were mortified I didn't go to Boroughmuir like my brothers Ian and David, I received a very good education at James Clarks and I ended up with a very good job in St. Andrews House as a P.A. to Mr MacLehose, an Assistant Secretary, in the Department of Health.

I also read with great interest the recollections of Bryan Gourlay. I used to sit in front of him at primary school - he was always checking my answers over my shoulder! These were extremely happy days

Kent

"Unfortunately I have lost touch with my old school friends. The family lived in Montague Street - a far cry from where I live now in Beckenham, Kent.

I married Freddie Martin (George Heriots) - a dentist - and we have two sons and three grand-daughters. Growing up in Edinburgh when I did was indeed a delight and I look back on those days with great affection and especially when I think of all my old friends in Montague Street."

Joan Martin, nee Hogg ('Hoggy'), Beckenham, Kent: November 18, 2007

Recollections

Joan Martin (nee Hogg)

Beckenham, Kent

Thank you to Joan Martin for contacting me again to tell me more about the photographer, David Ramsay (1905-1998).

Joan also mentioned that a copy of a letter to David Ramsay ('Edinburgh' paragraph 2 above) and further information about the life and photography of David Ramsay can be found in the Edinburgh-Places web site.

Joan wrote:

David Ramsay, Photographer

"David Ramsay:

- was raised at Arthur Street, Dumbiedykes

- attended James Clark school.

- joined 'The Scotsman' as a photographer in his 20s.

- became responsible for pictures/features for 'The Evening Dispatch' and 'Weekly Scotsman'.

- served as a photographer in the front line in Burma in WW2.

- emigrated to Australia in 1947."

Joan Martin, nee Hogg ('Hoggy'), Beckenham, Kent: December 2, 2007.
Thank you to Joan for telling me about the Edinburgh-Places web site.

Recollections

Jimmy Davidson

East Lothian, Scotland

Jimmy Davidson wrote:

1960-63

"I wonder if any of the Southsiders who use this site remember me, Jimmy Davidson. I went to Jimmy's around 1960-63. Some classmates included:

- Cliff Davidson from Oxford Street, just off Lutton Place

- John Robertson, Canongate

- Alec Purves, Canongate

- Johnny Archibald, Prestonfield

- Alec Wood (Beanman below used to call him Splinter !)

- Alan Mitchell

- Ian Welsh, etc.

Some of the guys a year or two ahead of our year included:

- Peter Foley ( a good football player/ goalkeeper?)

- Bobby Wright

- Derek Johnstone ?

Teachers

Teachers at that time included:

- Sandy Jack (Beanman). He taught English and was a great guy

- Mr Malcolm

- Mr. Young

- Sandy Chisholm who taught Maths

- Mr. Cossar a gym teacher

- Mr Brown an Art teacher who I think taught Kenny Skeel, who has sadly very recently passes away.

Music

"We used to live in Bristo Street above the Argyle Bar. Later , we moved to the Pleasance and Simon Square.

As a teenager, I used to go to 'The Place' in Victoria Street and 'Bungeys' in Fishmarket Close, off the Royal Mile, next to the old Police Station, often both on the same night.

I remember groups like 'The Embers' and 'The Boston Dexters'. Great live music !"

Memories

"If any of the above names ring a bell I'd be happy to hear from you."

Jimmy Davidson, East Lothian, Scotland: May 30, 2008

Recollections

Lyndsay (formerly Linda) Montgomery

Old Town, Edinburgh

Thank you to Lyndsay Montgomery who replied to Jimmy Davidson's notes above.

Lyndsay wrote:

School Friends

"I don't know if Jimmy Davidson has heard back about his chums from school yet.

- Bobby Wright used to live at his Auntie's house, just up the street from me at Niddrie Mill. He was also in my class at Niddrie Mill Primary School. I was in his 'gang' after school. He now lives in Craigmillar, and is or was a painter. Unhappily, his son was killed in the conflict in Afghanistan. He was awarded posthumously, a medal for bravery.

- Cliff Davidson used to go to the speedway, when it was at Meadowbank,

- I went to the speedway with a girl called Lorraine Raeburn who lived at Surgeon's Hall in the stair next to the La Scala. She knew David Cameron. from Niddrie Mill. Both of them went to " Jimmy Clark's School, so maybe Jimmy Davidson will know them as well"

Lyndsay Montgomery: July 23, 2008

Recollections

10.

Bob Henderson

Burdiehouse, Edinburgh

Thank you to Jan Frost who wrote:

James Clark School Exhibition

"I visited the Nelson Hall today to see the James Clark School exhibition. I enjoyed it very much. I spoke with an elderly lady there who showed me in one of the photos in the exhibition. It was of the house she grew up in.

The Slidey Stane

"The photo in question was of basalt forming part of the foundations of the school. She pointed to a small patch of this rock, I'd say about 18 inches square, and called it the Slidey Stane

She also confirmed that there was another Slidey Stane on St. Leonards Hill.

From our conversation, it emerged that I had the wrong idea of a slidey stane, thinking it would be big enough to slide on. The children of the time were only referring to the shiny slidey surface of these stones."

Bob Henderson, Edinburgh, August 8, 2008

Recollections

11.

Peter George Quinn

Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England

Thank you to Peter George Quinn who wrote:

Mary Robertson

"My mum was born in Edinburgh in 1932, in Peffermill Rd and went to school at Prestonfield Primary. Later, she went to James Clark's school.

Her name was Mary Robertson. She had brothers and sisters called Andrew, Edward, Margaret, Ronnie and Jean.

Can anybody remember her or her family.? They later moved to 25 Southouse Road.

Has anybody got her on any school photos or information? Has anybody got any information ? If so then I would love to hear from them as my mother sadly passed away last week, December 4, 2008."

Peter George Quinn, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England:
Message posted in EdinPhoto Guest Book: December 12, 2008

Recollections

13.

Jessie Newlands

Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada

Thank you to Jessie Newlands who was a pupil at James Clark school from 1935 to 1939, before going on to become one of the first policewomen in Edinburgh.

Jessie wrote:

Pupil 1935-39

"I was at James Clark school from 1935 to 1939. With war breaking out my parents felt it best that I go to school nearer home as I was supposed to go to Boroughmuir from Preston Street.

Mr Scott was Headmaster of Jimmy's then and Miss Campbell (who everyone was terrified of) taught us Geography and History (and I was one of her pets).

Mr. Bell taught us Maths. I forget the other teachers' names now.

Jessie Newlands, Revelstoke, British Columbia, Canada, January 15, 2009

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

Thank you. - Peter Stubbs: January 16, 2009

Recollections

14.

Jimmy Farrell

Lancashire, England

Jimmy Farrell left this message in the EdinPhoto guest book:

Pupil to 1957

"I was born in 1942 and lived on East Adam Street in Edinburgh up to the age of fifteen.

I was at Drummond street school then James Clark's school till 1957, when I left and joined the Navy. I had an elder brother called Bobby and a sister called Patsy.

I would be pleased to hear from anyone who may have known me. Here's hoping."

Jimmy Farrell, Lancashire, England: Message posted in EdinPhoto guest book: March 16, 2009

Reply to Jimmy?

If you'd like to contact Jimmy, please email me, then I'll pass your message on to him (provided I can discover what his email address is).

Thank you. - Peter Stubbs: March 19, 2009

Message for Jimmy Farrell

Hi Jimmy. I hope you read this message. Can you please email me so that I will know your email address and will be able to pass it on to Harry Marshall who would like to contact you.

Thank you. - Peter Stubbs: March 19, 2009

Recollections

15.

James McFarlane

Norwich, Norfolk, England

James McFarlane wrote

Pupil from 1956

"I was born in Drummond street 1944 and attended Drummond Street school before moving to James Clark's in 1956.

I lost contact with my school friends when I joined the RAF in 1962. It brought back lots of memories see your web site and reading the letters of former pupils"

Return to Edinburgh

"I was in Edinburgh last new year with son and daughter- in- law and went to Queen's park with the grandchildren, via Adams Street and Arthur Street. It was great to show them the photos of the streets when I went to school, compared to how they are now."

School Friends

"The only two names I remember from that time are Sandra Hastings and Ann Grey.

If you read this, Sandra or Ann or anybody else who remembers me, me please drop me a e-mail. Here's hoping." **

James McFarlane, Norwich, Norfolk, England: February 19, 2010

** If you'd like to contact James, please email me, then I'll pass on your message to him.

Thank you. - Peter Stubbs: March 14, 2009

James Clark School Football Team

Thank you, James, for also sending me a photo of yourself and others in James Clark's football team. The photo was taken in 1958 or 1959 on the pitch at the bottom of Liberton Brae.

Unfortunately, the photo was not high enough resolution to be reproduced on the web site.

Recollections

16.

Rab McGrouther

Munlochy, Black Isle, Ross & Cromarty, Scotland

Rab McGrouther wrote

School Mates

"I attended Jimmy Clark's school from 1955 to 1958 approx. I would be happy to be in touch with any of my old classmates from the school." **

Grassmarket

"I think it may have been George Marshall who lived in the Grassmarket. I can recall going for walks arouned the Meadows when the winter snow was falling.

Hey ho! Happy days."

Rab McGrouther, Munlochy, Black Isle, Ross & Cromarty, Scotland: March 20, 2009

Reply to Rab

** If you'd like to contact Rab, please email me, then I'll pass on your message to him.

Thank you. - Peter Stubbs: March 21, 2009

Reply

Teeny

Thank you to Ian Stewart (Teeny) for writing to say that he believes he may have been in the same class as Rab at Jimmy's.

Ian used to live in Roxburgh Street. He has lived in London for the past 40 years, but still comes back to Edinburgh as often as he can.

I have passed on Ian's message to Rab.

Peter Stubbs: June 5, 2010

Reply

Stewart Farmer

Thank you to Stewart Farmer for writing to tell me that he was in Ian's class at James Clark School. Stewart last met Ian a few years ago at a reunion and would like to meet him again now.

I've now passed on Ian's contact details to Stewart.

Peter Stubbs: July 27, 2010

Reply

John Mills

Thank you to John Mills for replying. See 18 below.

I've now passed on Rab's contact details to John.

Peter Stubbs: September 6, 2010

Reply

George Marshall

Thank you to George Marshall for replying to Rab above. George went to work in London in 1960, then Aberdeen in 1963, then returned to Edinburgh in 1964.

I've now passed on Rab's contact details to John.

Peter Stubbs: September 14, 2010

Reply

High Smith

Thank you to Hugh Smith for sending the following reply:

"Hi there Rab:

Mr Winton

My name is Hugh Smith. We were both in Mr Winton's class from 1956 to 1959. By the way, he is still alive and kicking. I spoke to him last year in Carlops. I think he is about 80 or 81 and still very switched on.

Class Mates

I've bumped into Donnie Neal over the years. The last time, he was getting early retirement, due to ill health.

I met John Lothian in the Summer at a Masonic Meeting. He, like the rest of us, is an OAP.

I remember that you were famous for kipping school. I am sure, in hindsight, it was just a game you played, because each time that you came back to school you always had a grin on your face.

I remember Johnny Mills. He always had fags. I think he got them out of his old man's shop. He was the first bloke that I ever saw with skin-tight drainpipes.

I'd like to hear from you. It would be very interesting if we could email each other.

Rab Smith: November 30, 2010

I've now given Hugh and Rab each other's email address.

Peter Stubbs

Recollections

20.

Alex Rutherford

Australia

Alex Rutherford, was born in 1930 and grew up in Canongate, wrote:

School and Work

"After attending James Clark school, I went to New Street for one year prior to starting my apprenticeship as a cabinetmaker. I then:

- joined the RAF, served 6 years

- married

- worked in the coal mines for 10 years.

Then I migrated to Australia in 1964 and still live here. I'd love to hear from anyone who knew me.

Alex Rutherford, Australia: December 23, 2011

Reply to Alex?

If you'd like to send a message to Alex, please email me to let me know, then I'll pass on his contact details to you.

Thank you.

Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: December 29, 2011

Recollections

21.

Annajane Wallace

formerly Anna Wallace

California, USA

Thank you to Annajane Wallace who wrote:

My Homes

"First, I lived on Holyrood Road, in a tenement building with my mum, just the two of us. We were poor by today's standards.

THEN we moved to the Dumbiedykes, another tenement area. I had my own bedroom there.

THEN we moved to Miller Place, Morningside Edinburgh. It was a really nice place.

James Clark School

"I attended James Clark school, up on the hill at St Leonard's area from 1954 until 1956 or '57. A group of us would walk this everyday and climb the stairs to the school. Arthur's Seat and Holyrood Palace were close by.

The Headmaster was Mr. Drummond. We called him Bulldog Drummond because of his stature and bald head. He was strict, but a good person. I wish I could remember the other teachers' names.

I returned to Edinburgh two years ago for a funeral and discovered the school is no more. There are flats there now.

School Friends

"My childhood sweetheart, who also attended James Clark School was Alan Cook. I think he is an electrical engineer now. I also remember John Hanlon, but I don't know where he is now.

Sports at School

"Sheila Barnes and I played field hockey for the James Clark. We made the Inter-scholastics between Scotland and England. We were good!

At the age of 15, I was in a cycling club with:

- a really nice girl named Rae (I have forgotten her last name, but I wish I could contact her now.) and

- George Buchanan (He was not a pupil at James Clark. school.)

Every day except Saturday and Sunday, I went swimming with Sylvia Brown who also attended James Clark, and I did a lot of swimming for the school - and won!

In fact, I received a scholarship to attend St. Andrews in Aberdeen for 5 years, to become a P.E. teacher but my Mum said 'No'.' This was a turning point in my life. I looked for a way to leave Scotland and moved to the USA at the age of 20.

I yearn for Scotland in my heart but the weather!!!! It is so beautiful here in California especially the west coast."

Torphichen Street Commercial Institute

"After leaving James Clark school, Francis Sneddon and I attended Torphichen Street Commercial Institute at the West End of Princess Street. We were kinda friends in an academic way. She was not into sports like me.

I believe that Jacqueline Gilchrist from James Clark also attended Torphichen.

The Commercial Institute is now some kind of Technical Institute for Languages now, I think."

Re-unions

"I would like to hear from anyone who remembers me. Do you know if either James Clark school or Torphichen Street Commercial Institute has class re-unions?"

Annajane Wallace (formerly Anna Wallace), California, USA: January 10, 2012

Reply to Annajane?

Do you remember Annajane?

If you'd like to send any other message to her, please email me, then I'll pass on his contact details to you.

Thank you.

Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: January 10, 2012

Recollections

22.

Norma Hendrie (nee Hughes)

West End, Edinburgh

Thank you to Norma Hendrie, who lived at 29 St Leonard's Hill from 1951 to 1970 for sending this message.

Norma wrote:

Schools

"I went to Sciennes School, then James Clark's, and finally Darroch Secondary. My family then moved to Holyrood Road."

Sandra MacIntosh

Where is she?

"My friend Sandra MacIntosh was in my class at Sciennes and James Clark's. We lost touch but I would love to get in contact with her again. She lived in Crichton Street. Im not sure how she spelt her name though - with or without the 'a'."

Maggie Martin's Mission

"I've been looking on the EdinPhoto web site at the St Leonard's photos. I see that there has been no mention Maggie Martin's Mission in St Leonards Hill. It was knocked down to make the annex for James Clarks.

We used to go to Sunday School there and Mr Skedd, and Mr Ritchie had a Wednesday club. It was great fun."

Norma Hendrie (nee Hughes), West End, Edinburgh: April 20, 2012

Recollections

23.

Lorraine Beach

Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, England

Lorraine Beach wrote:

My Dad

Walter McGrouther

"I'm trying to find a photo of my Dad, Walter McGrouther, as a child. He was born in 1931 and went to Castle Hill Primary School then to James Clarks Secondary School, both in Edinburgh.

I've seen class photos from both schools that include my Dad's brothers, Ronnie and Rab McGrouther, but I've not yet found any photos of my Dad's class. Do you know where I might be able to find one?"

Lorraine Beach, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, England: April 25 + May 16, 2012

Reply to Lorraine Beach?

If you remember Walter McGrouther, or know of any photos of him as a child, and would like to contact Lorraine, please email me, then I'll pass on your message to her.

Thank you.

Peter Stubbs, Edinburgh: May 16, 2012