Edinburgh History - Dr Bell's School

Recollections

Jim Stewart
West Lothian, Scotland

1940-47

John Stewart was born in Leith in 1934 and attended Dr Bell's school from 1939. Here are a couple of short extracts from John's memories of attending Dr Bell's school in Great Junction Street, Leith.

John wrote:

Setting Off to Dr Bell's School

Each morning I would encounter Bill Wright the postie, weighed down with his postbag coming down the street, and at other times `Condie` the plumber with his toolbag balanced on one shoulder without a steadying hand, and his grease laden cap lying flat on his head.

`Ding! Ding! Ding! The schoolbell pealed out from its niche high up on the side of the building as I was meandering down Brewery Lane. Off I set as fast as my little legs could carry me. Reaching the policeman on duty outside the school, no lollipop man then, he'd greet me with a "never early are you?".

John Stewart, Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland, February 7, 2006

Recollections

Jim Mowat

1940-47

Thank you to Jim Mowat, who attended Dr Bell's School from 1940 to 1947 for sending me these memories of the school.

Jim wrote:

Teachers

"I attended from 1940 to 1947 as I lived then in Kirk Street.

Three of my teachers were Miss McPherson, Mrs Mackie and Miss Duncan. The headmaster in those days was Mr Barrie.

I remember Miss Steele wearing her striped blazer and cycling to school from somewhere down Ferry Road. She was probably a nice old soul but she terrified most of us."

School Dinners

"I never had school dinners but if I remember correctly those who did had go to Bonnington primary for them"

Football

"I remember Mr Mckenzie who ran the football. Our star player was Jock Buchanan who played for Hibs, and was understudy to the great Laurie Riley, and then I think played for Raith Rovers.

Mr Mckenzie went on to be head of Newhaven Primary School."

Jim Mowat, Edinburgh: October 5, 2007

Recollections

Patricia Moore

1953-60

Thank you to Patricia Moore, Leith, for leaving a message in the EdinPhoto guest book

Patricia wrote:

"I have such wonderful memories of Leith - Dr Bells primary school from1953, then David Kilpatrick's from 1960 to 1963.

I'd love to contact anyone from Leith that may remember me:

- The Duthie family

- Maureen from No.16

- Helen Douglas

- Paddy Trainor

all wonderful street pals that will be in my warm memories from my childhood

Patricia Moore, Leith, Edinburgh: December 17, 2009

Reply to Patricia?

If you'd like to reply to Patricia, please add a reply to the message that she left in the EdinPhoto guest book on December 17, 2009

email me then I'll pass your message on to her (assuming that I have discovered her email address by then).

Thank you. - Peter Stubbs: December 19, 2009

Old Leither Web Site

To read more about John Stewart's life at Dr Bell's school (above), please see the Dr Bell's school page on John Stewart's 'Old Leither' web site.

The 'Old Leither' web site also includes:

- John's memories of growing up in Leith up to the mid-1950s.

- other people's memories of Leith

Dr Bell's School Photos

Hannah Spence-Thom, USA, writes

"I attended Dr Bells Primary School from 1947 until about 1954. I had school photos taken every year but it seems that no one saved them. I just wonder if there is anyone out there that has some.

I have lived here in the USA for almost 40 years, but have never forgotten my roots or my memories.

Hannah (Anna) Spence-Thom USA: September 14, 2007

If you have any of the old photos that Hannah is looking for and would like to contact her, please e-mail me and I will pass your message on to her.

Thank you. - Peter Stubbs, September 15, 2007.