Dumbiedykes

and Edinburgh Southside

Searching for People

Questions

I've received several e-mails from people who have been searching for information about others who used to live in Dumbiedykes

I'm pleased to say several of these people have now been located and have again established contact with relations or former school friends.

Here are some recent requests.  If you'd like to contact the person who made the request, please e-mail me and I'll pass on your message to them.

 -  Peter Stubbs:  February 26, 2007

Message from ...

Looking for information about ...

1.

Eleanor McIntyre 
Portobello, Edinburgh

Macintyre, Raeburn, Cassidy, Rafferty

2.

Colin Mcintyre

Donald Macintyre (background)

3.

Joan Ballantyne
North of England

Rafferty, Ballentyne, Symbert

4.

George T Smith
British Columbia

Willie Russell,  Mary + Barbara Lawson

5.

Pamela Groves  Hampshire, England

Family of William Paxton

6.

John Clark 
Canada

Marie Di Mambro

7.

Maureen Simkanin (nee MacDonald)

Maureen MacDonald

8.

Anja Muller
New South Wales, Australia

with reply from

Jim Di Mambro

Family of Frances Findlay

9.

Catherine McKinsley (nee Calvey), Peterborough

Ada Brawley

10.

Tracie

Robert Smiggy Smith

11.

Kirsty Scott

Family of Alexander Swan

12.

 Kerry Alexander
Gracemount, Edinburgh

Families of Wm Dickson + Bobby Kernan

13.

Mel Crich

Inglis family

14.

Ian Martinussen Stewart
(Teeny)
Walthamstow, London

Who knew him as 'Teeny'?

Looking for Donald and Ian Craig

15.

Sonia Graham

with reply from

Kathleen Honan

William Clarke

16.

Derick (Dex) Hannant  Prospect Terrace

Kenny Clerk, Jim Di Mambro
Charlie (Sonny) Walker, Jimmy Buckham

17.

Kathleen Honan
Slateford, Edinburgh

Owen Carey

18.

Dorothy Booth
(now Dorothy Birnie)

with reply from

George T Smith
Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

people who knew her at Boroughmuir School.

19.

George Clements
Manchester, NW England

Clements family

20.

Brian Geoffrey Pirrie
Melbourne, Australia

Pirrie family

21.

Eleanor McIntyre 
Portobello, Edinburgh

Macintyre, Raeburn, Cassidy, Rafferty

22.

Russell Taylor 
Borders, Scotland

Gideon McAlpine and wife

23.

Elaine Marshall

Fotheringham family, Middle Arthur Place

24.

Kathleen Honan
Slateford, Edinburgh

Maureen Farrell

25.

Lorraine Drysdale
Canada

+ reply from

Bob Henderson
Burdiehouse, Edinburgh

Maureen McFarlane  Does anybody remember her?

26.

George Muir
Yarm

George Peace Muir + Armstrong family

Answers

Please email me if you can help to trace any of the people mentioned on this page, or if you would like to contact any of the people who have left messages on this page.

Thank you.    -  Peter Stubbs

1.

Message from

Eleanor McIntyre

Portobello, Edinburgh

Eleanor wrote:

"I am looking for anybody who knew any of the persons below:

Eleanor McIntyre, Portobello, Edinburgh:  February 25, 2007 + March 17, 2007

2.

Message from

Colin McIntyre

Questions

Colin Macintyre wrote:

"My Father, Donald Macintyre, gave his occupation as a General Dealer, the address he gave in 1957 was 5 Middle Arthur Place.

I was told by nuns that he was a hawker.  Was a General Dealer in these days a hawker?  What was a General dealer? 

Dose anyone know or remember this particular person? Could you describe your memories of this type of employment?

I'm very interested in knowing about this."

Colin Macintyre:  May 16, 2007

If you can help to answer Colin's questions above, please e-mail me and I will pass on your message to him.  Thank you. 

 -  Peter Stubbs:  May 17, 2007

Answers

Eric Gold, known to many as Eric McKenzie, replied:

"A hawker was a rag and a bone guy, like we used to have in the East End years ago, like 'Steptoe and Son."

Eric Gold, East End, London:  May 19, 2007

Eric Gold added:

"Hawker was a nickname for a traveller or tinker.  Have a look at this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_Traveller

Hawkers either worked alone or as a family concern.  They were like Isa Wass, into scrap metal, also second hand stuff and even rag stores like Nathan's in the Cowgate many years ago."

Eric Gold, East End, London:  May 19, 2007

Jane Jones (nee Richardson) wrote:

"The question 'What was a General Dealer or Hawker?' covers quite a few occupations.

The main one that I know of is a general term for a gypsy.

My family (the Young side) where gypsies and on both the English and Scottish Census reports their occupations were given as Hawker, General Dealer, Tin Worker, Dealer in China & Glass, Dealer in Basket ware and Chimney Sweeps, to name but a few.

There was a large population of Gypsies in Edinburgh especially in the Leith area where most of my family finally settled."

Jane Jones (Nee Richardson), Cambridgeshire, England:  May 20, 2007

3.

Message from

Joan Ballantyne

North of England

Joan wrote:

" 1.  I am looking for any body who knew

-  my Mother's family Rafferty, Lower Viewcraig Row

-  my Dad's family, Ballantyne, Arthur Street / East Arthur Place"

" 2.  Does anyone remember the Smyberts who lived at 4 East Arthur Place, above Margaret Ballantyne?"

Joan Ballantyne, North of England:  February 26, 2007 + (Guest Book) August 29, 2007

Answer

Eric Gold, known to many as Eric McKenzie, replied:

"Yes I know the Ballantyne's and  also the Smyberts well, as we lived in 4 East Arthur Place too, next to Maggie Taylor then the notorious Mr. Rattery."

Eric Gold, East London:  September 2, 2007

4.

Message from

George T Smith

Nanaimo, Vancouver Island,
British Columbia, Canada

 George wrote:

"I am looking for anybody who knew Willie Russell,  Mary Lawson or Barbara Lawson who lived at  6 Beaumont Place.

That was the 'Penny Tenement' that fell down  in 1959."

George T Smith, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada: February 27, 2007

5.

Message from

Pamela Groves

Portsmouth, Hampshire, England

Pamela sent the message below.

"I am the daughter of William Paxton who I think might have been Born at Lower Viewcraig Row on February 28/29 1920.

William was the son of William Rodger Paxton (b. 1897, Fisherrow) and Jessie McGrouther (b. 1895, 15 Richmond Place, Edinburgh who married in 1918.

William and Jessie.

©

Jessie McGrouthers family were born in the area and my Grandfather William Rodger Paxton was born at 55, Market Street, Fisherrow, Musselburgh

My Grandmother Jessie McGrouther/McGregor born 31 December 1895 at 15, Richmond Place, Edinburgh was the daughter of John McGrouther also known as McGregor and Jessie Downie."

UPDATE

Here is another photo sent to me  by Pamela:

James Hendry
and Jessie

   ©

"I know my eldest sister Doris Ann Paxton was born at 24, Lower Viewcraig Row, Edinburgh 8, on 18 October 1940.

My mother was living with my Grandparents, William and Jessie Paxton at the time of my sister's birth.  My father William was in the Kings Own Scottish Borders Army from 1938 until 1947.

It would be lovely if anyone recognises any of these names."

"Jessie's brother Peter McGrouther/McGregor was born 23 June 1909 in Arthur Street.

Peter McGrouther married Margaret Blanche Thomson on 3 June 1932."

"These are their children's names and my fathers cousins.

-   William Dunn McGrouther, born July 1930

-   Peter, born March 1933

-   Devina, born January 1936

-   Eileen Mary Beatie, born November 1937

-   Daniel and David Knox McGrouther, twins born June 1939

-   Johan Elizabeth Nixon McGrouther, September 1943

-   Marjory Pearson McGrouther, June 1946

-   John McGrouther, born June 1948

It is regretful that my father William Paxton died in 1983 in Portsmouth, Hampshire, England. so did not know that I have been researching both his and his parents family history since 1997."

Pamela Groves, Portsmouth, Hampshire, England:  March 27, 2007

 If you'd like to contact Pamela, please e-mail me and I'll pass on her e-mail address to you.

Update

Thank you to Frank Ferri for telling me:

"There is a William (Willie Paxton) who is a member of Leith Dockers Club in his 60s I think."

Frank Ferri, Newhaven, Edinburgh:  April 1, 2008

I've passed this message on to Pamela Groves.

6.

Message from

John Clark

Canada

John wrote:

"When I was a young man, I knew a girl named Marie Di Mambro who lived, I think in Dumbiedykes Road.  We were both Elvis fanatics.

It would be so nice to hear how her life turned out, and to tell her about my great life."

John Clark, Canada:  March 24, 2007

If you read this, Marie and would like to contact John, please e-mail me and I'll pass on his e-mail address to you.

If anybody else knows how to contact Marie Di Mambro, please e-mail me.

Thank you.    - Peter Stubbs:  March 29, 2007

REPLY - 1

Thank you to Vince Canale who replied:

"John Clerk in Canada, was asking about a girl, Marie Di Mambro, who lived in Dumbiedykes Road. 

I knew a family with the same name who lived in Dumbiedykes in the fifties. But to my knowledge there was no Marie.

The parents were Frank (who was a bookie) and Stella (nee Buckham). Their children's names were Jim, Frank and Anita. 

The surname  Di Mambro is unusual and the fact they lived in the Dumbiedykes is too strong not to have some connection for John Clerk."

Vince Canale:  May 23, 2007

REPLY - 2

Thank you to Ian Mycko, Gilmerton, Edinburgh who replied:

"I knew a family called di Mambro. It would have been in the late-1960s.  They stayed in St Mary's Street.

I didn't know Marie, but I knew Jan di Mambro (male)"

Ian Mycko:  May 24, 2007

7.

Message from

Maureen Simkanin (nee MacDonald)

Maureen wrote:

"I was raised in Richmond Place right near the Dispensary.  My maiden name was Maureen MacDonald and I went to Jimmie Clark School in the early 50's.

 I would give my right arm to be able to get in touch with any of my old school pals."

Maureen Simkanin:  April 2007

If you would like to contact Maureen, please e-mail me and I'll pass on her e-mail address to you.

8.

Message from

Anja Muller

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Anja wrote:

"I wonder if anyone remembers the Allan or Findlay families. or if I have any relatives still living in Edinburgh.

We grew up in Dumbiedykes Road near a pub.

-  My mum, Frances Findlay, was born 1946.  She grew up in Dumbiedykes.  She attended Milton House Primary and then James Clark. her wee brother, Peter.  Unfortunately she has passed away.

-  Her Granny was Teeny Allan from Prospect Terrace. y

-  My nana was Frances Findlay, nee Allan.

-  My grandad was Peter Findlay"

Anja, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia:  May 19, 2007

If anybody wishes to contact Anja's, here is the email address to write to.

-  Peter Stubbs:  May 19, 2007.

REPLY

Jim Di Mambro read Anja's comments above and replied:

"Peter Findley lived on the top floor at 82 Dumbiedykes Road.  I knew him well.  He was about the same age as my old man.  The pub at the bottom of the stair was The Bowlers' Rest."

Jim Di Mambro, South Africa:  May 29, 2008

9.

Message from

Catherine McKinsley (nee Calvey)

Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England

Catherine sent her recollections of living in Dumbiedykes Road from 1947 to 1955.

She added:

"Is anyone in touch with Ada Brawley?

I would love to hear from her again."

Catherine McKinsley (nee Calvey), Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, England, August 31, 2007.

If you would like to contact Anja, please e-mail me and I'll pass on her e-mail address to you.

Alternatively, Catherine says:

"If anyone out there is in touch with Ada Brawley, please ask her to contact Missy Blyth and Missy will get in touch with me."

Thank you.    -  Peter Stubbs:  May 19, 2007.

10.

Message from

Tracie

Tracie wrote:

Robert (Smiggy) Smith

"I'm trying to find out:

-  if Robert Smiggy Smith who played with WOTW and Blue ever played with the Embers or possibly with Hipple People.

The Embers

    ©

- if he was the same person as Smiggy Smith  in Rappahannock County.

Any info would be so gratefully received.  I know its a long time ago but I'm trying desperately to track him down."

Tracie, September 9, 2007.

If you would like to contact Tracie, please e-mail me and I'll pass on her
e-mail address to you.

Thank you.    -  Peter Stubbs:  September 14,  2007.

UPDATE 1

September 15, 2007

I've not found any evidence of Robert Smiggy Smith playing with The Embers, but he may well have known them.

The Rocking Scots web site gives the names of most of the members of Writing on the Wall (WOTW). 

These include Smiggy, and also Jimmy Hush (formerly  with The Embers) on drums

UPDATE 2

December 2007

Thank you to Charles Cook for sending me the details below about Smiggy.  I've now passed the details on to Elaine.

Peter Stubbs:  December 15, 2007

Charles wrote

"I have just read that Smiggy did indeed subsequently join the reformed 'The Writing on the Wall'. This was a shock, like hearing Clapton had join the Darkness or Hamilton was going to drive for Skoda."

Charles Cook:  December 15 2007

UPDATE 3

November 2008

Thank you to Bob Simpson who wrote:

"It's been a long time, but I worked with Bob (Smiggy) in both Canada and in the UK with a group called Choker just prior to Blue.

Several years back, he was living in San Francisco, and hanging in the studio with Jerry Garcia and company.

That was the last I heard of him.  He is a great guy and a very smart musician.

You may want to check with heavy metal bassist Jimmy Bain. They were old mates."

Bob Simpson:  November 14, 2008

UPDATE 4

January 2009

Debbie Spain, now living in Berwick on Tweed, Northumberland, England, emailed me today, telling me that she is also searching for Smiggy.  If you know where Smiggy might be now, please email me so that I can pass on your message to the people who would like to contact him.

Thank you.    -  Peter Stubbs:  January 22, 2009

11.

Message from

Kirsty Scott

Kirsty wrote:

Alexander Swan and Family

"My grandad was born at 14 or 15 East Arthur Place in April 1926.  I was wondering if anyone recalls him or his brothers or sisters.

His name was Alexander Swan.  His brothers were James, David and Thomas, his sisters were Margaret, Elizabeth, Mary and Ellen."

Kirsty Scott:  December 6, 2007.

12.

Message from

Kerry Alexander

Kerry wrote:

Arthur Street

"I would love to here from any one who can remember anyone in my family."

The Dickson Family

"My great gran was Bridget Dickson (McFarlane) and great grandad was William Dickson.  He died 1st Jan 1940, leaving Bridget with 10 kids to raise in Arthur Street."

The Kernan Family

Kerry Alexander, Gracemount, Edinburgh:  November 17, 2007

Update

Thank you to Kerry Alexander for sending me the photograph below.

  ©

Kerry wrote:

Grandad

"Here is a photograph of my grandad, Bobby Kernan and friends, taken at Los Angeles Portrait Studio, 75 Princes Street on 6 September 1936 (or perhaps 1938 or 1939).

I have no idea who anyone else is in the photo, but gran told me this was the day Bobby and his friends enlisted for World War 2.

My gran said the men all used to do this before they went of to war.  My grandad lived in Richmond Street.  I think he lived with his sister, Rosie Kernan."

Kerry Alexander, Gracemount, Edinburgh:  February 19, 2008.

If you remember any of these families and would like to contact Kerry, please e-mail me to let me know, then I'll pass on your message to Kerry.

Thank you.

- Peter Stubbs: December 7, 2007

13.

Message from

Mel Crich

The Inglis Family

Mel Crich, Canada, is trying to make contact with any members of the family who may still be living.

Mel writes

"My Grandparents were:   John Lambert Inglis and Helen Pittendrigh Inglis.  their children were John, Mary, Reina and Helen (my Mother)."

Growing up in Canada

"I was born September 1946 in Edinburgh.  I emigrated to Canada in 1946 with my Mother, who died the following February in Canada.  My Canadian Grandparents raised me.  They kept in contact with Scottish Grandparents and my Mother's sisters and brother once a year at xmas time."

Contact with Edinburgh Lost

"Around 1959-60 the xmas card returned to Canada, 'Not at this address'.  The address was 41 Carnegie Street, Edinburgh.  I have contacted the Royal Mail requesting a forwarding address from that address/era, but the freedom of info. act will not allow them to divulge that info.  I visited Edinburgh two years ago and found 41 Carnegie Street.  It's now Council Housing.

 Nobody there knew where people moved to from the old flats around 1959-60.  Went down town to Council Housing Dept and didn't have any luck there either.  They said they didn't think the old records had been kept."

Question 13

Mel asks

Where now?

"Possibly some of your  'old town'  contributors, might be able to help me find out where people from the Carnegie Street area moved to when it was torn down.  I am trying to trace my Mother's family and find out if any are still alive.  One of my Mother's sisters had 2 children who will be around the same age as me and hopefully alive."

What Schools?

"Also, what school in the vicinity of 41 Carnegie Street might  my 1st cousins have attended."

What Protestant Church?

"What protestant church would likely be the one residents from this address would attend?"

Mel Crich:  November 19, 2007.

Question 13

Answer 1

Where now?

I believe that:

- some residents from the area moved to Craigmillar. (The Craigmillar houses were recently demolished.)

- other residents moved to the Inch.  (The Inch houses are still occupied.)

-  Peter Stubbs:  December 7, 2007

Question 13

Answer 2

Drummond School

The Primary School in the vicinity of 41 Carnegie Street was Drummond Street.

Bob Henderson:  January 2, 2008

Question 13

Answer 3

Jimmy Clark's School

Jimmy Clark's Secondary School (now converted to housing) was close to the area.

Peter Stubbs:  December 7, 2007

Question 13

Answer 4

Andy Duff, who used to live in St Leonard's Hill, wrote:

Preston Street School

"Yes, if you lived on the right hand side, going up the hill, it would be Drummond Street school or Jimmy Clark's.

However, this was the boundary, so some of the children went to Preston Street school.  It  depended on parents' choice.

Also, some families were moved to the Clermiston Housing Scheme in the west of Edinburgh so their children  would presumably have gone to school in that part of town."

Andy Duff, Maryborough, Queensland, Australia:  April 20 + 23, 2008

Question 13

Answer 5

Jim Robertson writes:

"The occupants of Carnegie street could have moved to a number of places around Edinburgh like, Stenhouse, West Pilton, Burdiehouse, Craigmillar and Clermiston.

I lived on Dumbiedykes Road, which is next to Carnegie Street.  My family moved to West Pilton, like so many others from the Dumbiedykes area.

Mel could check through the Edinburgh telephone directory for some of  the neighbours who lived in Carnegie street.  I've found a few of my old neighbours that way.  It's worth a try, you never know.

The other alternative is to try Register House, deaths and marriages.  Sometimes an address pops up there.  Anyway good luck, Mel.  hope you find someone who can help. 

Jim Robertson, Berlin, Germany:  April 25, 2008

If you can give any further advice to Mel  please e-mail me and I'll pass on the details to him.

Thank you.  - Peter Stubbs

14.

Message from

Ian Martinussen Stewart

(aka. 'Teeny')

Ian  wrote:

Southside

"When I see the photos on this site, they fill me with nostalgia of the Southside.  I'm looking forward to more great photos.

I was brought up in West Nicolson Street (1947-53) then at 6a Roxburgh Street (1953-66)

I've lived in Walthamstow, London for the past 38 years, but my heart is still in Auld Reekie.  I come back as often as I can.  My greatest wish is to retire in Edinburgh, so please keep my dream alive with this web site!"

Ian Martinussen Stewart, Walthamstow, London:  December 30, 2007

If you'd like to contact Ian ('Teeny'), please e-mail me and I'll pass your message on to him.

Thank you.

- Peter Stubbs: January 1, 2008.

Reply

Thank you to Kathleen Honan, who used to live at top flat, 52 Lower Viewcraig Row, for replying.

Kathleen wrote:

"I can remember Ian  from when he lived in Roxburgh Street.  We had the ladies hair dressers in North Richmond Street.  He was a small guy with dark hair, I think.  I used to talk to him  sometimes at the baths.   

I still live in Edinburgh.  I'm  glad to know that Ian still comes back, but the Southside is not the same any more.

Regards to Ian anyway"

Kathleen Honan, Slateford, Edinburgh:  January 2, 2008

 Thanks Kathleen:  I've passed on your reply to Ian 

-  Peter Stubbs:  January 2, 2008

UPDATE

April 2008

Four months after sending his first message, above, Ian (Teeny) wrote:

Old Pals

"Through the EdinPhoto web site, I have been reunited with a couple of old pals from the Southside.  I had lost touch with them for over forty years.

Looking for Donald and Ian Craig

I am still trying to find two more old pals, Donald Craig and his brother Ian Craig who lived at 7 West Nicolson Street in the 1950s, then moved to 7 Hope Park Terrace.  They were both in the Merchant Navy.

Jimmy Clark's School

My name is Ian Martinussen Stewart, aka "Teeny".  I was brought up in 97a Nicolson street and then 6a  Roxburgh Street, and went to Jimmy Clark's School.

I'd love to get in touch with Donald and Ian or anyone who knew them.

Ian Martinussen Stewart, Walthamstow, London:  April 21, 2008

15.

Message from

Sonia Graham

Sonia  writes:

William Clarke

"I am searching for a Mr William Clarke who was living at 19 Roxburgh Street, Edinburgh in the 1950's.  I understand that his parents ran a pub or guest house in the same area or road although attempts to confirm this are proving difficult.

I am aware that he was in the Army and was posted to Aldershot, Hampshire for a short duration in 1953/54 but know that he returned to Roxburgh Street in 1955.

After this I know nothing and this is where I would be extremely grateful for any information that will help me to trace Williams whereabouts.

 if you have any information, no matter how small, please e-mail Peter Stubbs who will contact me."

Thank you.

Sonia Graham: January 6, 2008

REPLY

Hi Sonia:

Unfortunately,  I've just received an email from Kathleen Honan, Edinburgh, telling me:

 "William (Billy) Clark died years ago".

16.

Message from

Derick (Dex) Hannant

Derick wrote:

"I'm looking for any information on:

-  Kenny Clerk from Drummond Street, 1963.

-  Jim Di Mambro.

-  Charlie (Sonny) Walker .

- Jimmy Bucham."

Derick (Dex) Hannant:  Message in Guest Book, March 3, 2008.

If you email me with any information for Derick, I'll pass on your message to him.

Thank you.  - Peter Stubbs:  March 6, 2008

17.

Message from

Kathleen Honan

Kathleen wrote:

"Does anyone ever ask about  Owen Carey who lived in Prospect Street.  It would be nice to know what happened to him."

Kathleen Honan, Slateford, Edinburgh

18.

Message from

Jan Birnie

Jan Birnie wrote

Boroughmuir School

"My mother, Dorothy Booth (now Dorothy Birnie), went to Boroughmuir School from 1938 until 1942 and is hoping to say a hello to her old school mates.

Mum grew up at 20 Upper Viewcraig Row in Edinburgh and also attended Milton House School.  Her father was Albert E. Booth, mother was Barbara Cunningham Booth, brothers John and Albert and sister Barbara - and of course, Nip the dog. 

Sadly Upper Viewcraig Row has been torn down.  I have heard so much of the goings on in this tenement building I would love to see a picture of it hopefully with some of the occupants! 

In the early 1930's someone came to take a picture of all the children in the 'low road'.  If anyone has a copy of this picture, we would love to see it!"

Jan Birnie, Muskoka, Gravenhurst, Ontario, Canada:  March 8, 2008

1930s Photograph

If you know of where a copy of the photo that Jan mentions can be found, please email me, then I'll pass on the news to Jan.

Here is a photo of the tenements at Upper Viewcraig Row, but unfortunately, without the residents:

©

- Peter Stubbs:  March 14, 2008

Reply

Thank you to George T Smith, British Columbia, Canada, who wrote:

"I have met up with my contemporaries at Boroughmuir through the Boroughmuir High School web site.

Your correspondent might find this link useful."

George T Smith, Nanaimo, Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada

 Thanks George.  I've passed on your reply to Jan 

-  Peter Stubbs:  April 26, 2008

19.

Message from

George Clements

Manchester, NW England

George Clements wrote:

Clements Family

"My great grandfather George Joseph Clements lived in Prospect Terrace until about 1896.  He was a gas works stoker.  He died about 1910, aged 42.

 His wife, Mary Clements, lived in 9 Prospect Street until 1910

Does anyone know of this family. They had two daughters and five sons."

George Clements, Manchester, NW England:  October 15, 2008

20.

Message from

Brian Geoffrey Pirrie

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Brian Geoffrey Pirrie wrote:

Pirrie Family

"I' like to know if any one has any information on George Pirrie who lived in east Arthur place and Jean Sillers who lived in pleasance and  who where married in 1830"

Brian Geoffrey Pirrie, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia:  February 3 + 4, 2009

21.

Message from

Eleanor McIntyre

Portobello, Edinburgh

Eleanor who left message 1 above has also posted this message in the EdinPhoto guest book.

Eleanor wrote:

"I'm wondering if any of the following names are familiar to anyone from around the Dumbiedykes and High Street areas:

-  Lily Low, from Dunbar Close.

-  Theresa Cassidy

-  Duncan Raeburn

-  Donald Macintyre

-  Myles Rafferty

-  Theresa Callaghan/Raeburn."

Eleanor has asked people to contact her if they recognise any of the names above.  She has included her email contact address in the message that she left in the EdinPhoto guest book on February 13, 2009.

Eleanor McIntyre, Portobello, Edinburgh:  February 13, 2009

22.

Message from

Russell Taylor

Borders, Scotland

Russell Taylor wrote:

"I'm trying to trace the history of my father's maternal family who lived in 4 Middle Arthur Place until the demolition of the Dumbiedykes.

They were Gideon McAlpine and his wife.  Her name is not known.  They lived at this address for over 30 years until ithe building was demolished."

Russell Taylor, Borders, Scotland:  April 13, 2009

23.

Message from

Elaine Marshall

Elaine Marshall wrote:

Middle Arthur Place

"I'm just starting to research my mother's family.  They were Robert  and Flora Fotheringham. They were not born in Edinburgh but their  first child, a boy named Robert, died at 24 Middle Arthur Place, aged  only 10 months, on May 2nd 1928.

Is there any chance that anyone out there may know any of their  history?  My mother is the youngest and by the time she was born thefamily was living in Montrose."

Elaine Marshall:  June 2, 2009

24.

Message from

Kathleen Honan

Kathleen Honan wrote:

Maureen Farrell

"I'm looking for a long-lost cousin who left Edinburgh many years ago, and moved to Somerset.

Her name was Maureen Farrell.  I don't know her married name.  Her father was Peter Farrell.  Our gran lived in Lower Viewcraig Row.

It would be great to get an email from her."

Elaine Marshall:  June 2, 2009

25.

Message from

Lorraine Drysdale

Canada

Lorraine Drysdale wrote:

Maureen McFarlane

"I'd like to know if anyone remembers Maureen McFarlane.  She lived in Arthur Street around 1930-38.

Her father and mother were James McFarlane and Mary McFarlane, nee McEwen.  Her brothers and sisters were Tommy, Jimmy, John, Patricia and Margaret.

Maureen was on my mum's bike going down Arthur Street but the bike would not stop.  She died at the bottom of Arthur Street.  She was about  13 yr old.  She would have been my Aunt.

Thanks if any one remembers this.

Lorraine Drysdale, Canada:  September 4, 2009

Please see 'Reply' below

Reply

to

25.

Bob Henderson

Burdiehouse, Edinburgh

Bob Henderson wrote:

Maureen McFarlane  -  Cycle Accident

"Maureen McFarlane must have died in this cycling accident some time in the early- to mid-1940s.

I remember the story well, and I think at first hand.  It was told that the bicycle was her brother's and that when she tried to brake to turn into Middle Arthur Place the brakes failed and she could not make the turn.

It was also said that someone threw themself in front of her in an attempt to stop her, but failed to do so, and that she continued to the bottom of the brae where she ran into the park wall.

Maureen and Brothers

"I also remember playing with her brothers so they must have been about the same age as me.  Maureen was, I think, older than me.  I have a vague memory of a girl with longish wavy golden hair."

Bob Henderson, Burdiehouse, Edinburgh:  September 5, 2009

26.

Message from

George Muir

Yarm

George Muir wrote

George Peace Muir
and
Armstrong Family

"Does anyone have any information about

-   George Peace Muir and his wife Mary Armstrong?
They married in 1916 and lived at 41 Lower Viewcraig Row

-  any other members of the Armstrong family?

George Muir, Yarm: Message posted in EdinPhoto guest book:  September 25, 2009

Answers

Please email me if you can help to trace any of the people mentioned on this page, or if you would like to contact any of the people who have left messages on this page.

Thank you.    -  Peter Stubbs

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