Tram comments - Edinburgh

Our friends at the "Copymate" print shop over the road have produced their latest tram poster - enough said !!!

A day out by train .

Had a first today, by taking the train from Edinburgh to Aberdeen instead of driving as usual.

Unfortunately I only had my small camera, but next time I will be better prepared - in any case I took the attached pictures from the Forth Rail Bridge of North Queesferry and the old gun emplacements at Inchkeith Island in the middle of the River Forth under the bridge.

Hot on the trail once again.

Busy couple of days to keep me out of mischief - down at The Dolphin Inn, then home and back out again.


Last night I headed for the town to go to an IPA meeting, but stopped off at the main library in George IV Bridge to do a bit of research!!!








On my way there I had stopped off at Parliament Square and spotted the date blocks on the ground which indicate the various periods of Edinburgh's history.


The statue of the Duke of Buccleuch, is adjacent, however as it pretty ornate and well worth a good look I am going back to have another look and find out a bit more about it and its many panels.

My research in the library was in connection with the paving stone engraved withe the name BLAIKIE at 38 Queen Street outside Duncanson's shop. I found out that there was an antique dealer and furniture shop there in 1895 owned by a J B Blaikie, who even lived above the shop but that was shown as being entered by 65 Frederick Street. So far I do not think that this is any connection with me - however I did find records relating to my Grandfather at 2 Perth Street, and his sister who owned a tobacconist shop in 25 Rose Street ( which is now part of Milne's Bar). This lady later moved to 6 Queen Street (in 1916) which was new information to me, so work to be done. I also founds records relating to other relatives dating from 1919 so I need to do more research and cross referencing soon.

Bit of a rush heading for the Police Club at York Place but I detoured via No 6 Queen Street, and took the attached photo for my history book.

Next stop was the Police Club in York Place where we had our monthly meeting of the Edinburgh Branch of the International Police Association, more news of visits to the City by members from overseas - next groups are Danish, with one staying for a wee "doo" we are having on 16th inst.

Happy Birthday William

Must start by wishing William of Eagham a happy 21st again birthday , cheers - his biggest problem was that it was raining and he could not cut his grass, however - it was a "Lovely" day here today, sunshine (I think) and very pleasant out.

We headed off this morning early making for Barrhead, by Glasgow to attend a christening, but stopped off at East Kilbride for breakfast at a Frankie and Bennie's restaurant. We then stopped and took a look at the sailing and activities centre off Stewartfield Road, which was quite busy with groups sailing and canoeing - what great resource for the community

A cabbage is a cabbage is a dashed big thingy

Totally impressed today when one of our clients came in with an enormous cabbage, which i though was a consolation prize for the Scottish Team following their unfortunate draw this afternoon !!! The game was well over before I eventually realised it had ended up in a draw.

The cabbage here would make loads of coleslaw !! and he also has massive leeks, and other vegetables which he takes to the local horticultural shows.

A nostalgic visit to Carberry Towers

For me it has been a busy time at the Dolphin Inn during the past few days, each day brings in a few more new or returning customers, which is a good positive sign.

We have had a number of diners recently who have been staying at the nearby Carberry Towers, a former stately home which dates back to the 11th Century -then later Mary Queen of Scots was arrested nearby in the grounds and held there before been taken to Leven Castle.

The house later became the home of the Elphinstone family , whose crest is displayed on the outer wall, along with different emblems on the ceilings and in the backs of the fireplaces. The house was also used / owned by the Church of Scotland, and for many years my father was a regular visitor there, and I also worked there as a tutor on community education courses.

BUT - times are a changing and the premises is now one of the iconic properties, listed and advertised by "AmazingRetreats.Com", who have transformed the building already. Their other sites around the country look marvellous and certainly worth a visit to their web site.

Secret sculptures and the less secret allowances to Immigrants

During the past few weeks there have been a number of little paper sculptures left in various locations all around the City, this one was left in the National Library, George IV bridge, a few weeks ago - to date no one has any idea who is responsible.

Back to the tram fiasco, final debates are supposed to be taking place as to whether they will run to St Andrew's Square or not - watch this space.

I did comment about the thefts of lead and metal recently, but I see that the problem is reaching endemic proportions with any type of metal item being fair game for the thieves. There is a case today where a children's play park was stripped bare; on the radio a story of a complete foot bridge being stolen; manhole covers, drains, etc. - I would suggest that the scrap metal dealers must be suspicious, so are therefore just as liable and should be dealt with accordingly.

Spotted another e mail circulating which is generating a great deal of concern (if true) - relating to the various pensions and benefits being dolled out UK pensioners and compared with the benefits being handed out to illegal immigrants/ asylum seekers i.e.

O A P pension £106 p.w. - Immigrant gets £250 p.w.

Spouse allowance £25 - Immigrant spouse £250:

Hardship for pensioner £00000000000. - Illegal £100; overall

Annual benefits for UK OAP - £6000 - Immigrant can get £29,000 - no idea if this is true, but if it is, stikes me as being a bit unfair to say the least.

Anyway, tomorrow is another day, having a day off in Edinburgh and if home in time will go to the Installation at Newbatlle of Gorebridge Dundas RA.

Saturday back at the Dolphin and might well see the Scotland game - Sunday off to a christening at Barrhead in sunny weegie land.

Meantime, being a very sad individual I have actually been watching Celebrity Big Brother and helping boost the viewing figures, rather than going to sleep - the deadly duo, Jedward are certainly proving to be a hit with their inane, childlike behaviour ( but they are all getting well paid for making an exhibition of themselves).