Hi Fellow Leithers,
Comments on the Site
It is now coming up for eight years since Oldleither was launched. As we would say, a lot of water has flown under the bridge since then.
Review
213 people have scratched their names on the Wall in that time.
The guestbook will only save 1000 entries and that meant I have had to delete hundreds if not thousands to keep it open for business.
The site has been visited 114,000,128 times as I write this.
What does it all tell me? Well, it is obviously an attraction to many.
My one concern is that of all who have visited, the great majority stay silent.
I love doing what I do but I would dearly love to hear how it is viewed. Yes, I do have a dozen or so regulars who are as keen on the site as I am and to them I am eternally grateful.
I am not thinking of giving up, on the contrary this work has become a part of me and it is one of my few remaining interests at this stage of my life. I am indebted for that.
Each morning at 6am it is the first of my tasks after toiletries to check the e-mail and guestbook. This is usually the time that new entries are there.
As I stated, the site has become an integral part of me, being webmaster no doubt.
Now, I would love to hear from all of you about how much the site means to you be it ever so small and any recommendation to newcomers. I am not looking for praise, Heaven forbid, but it would give me a great fillip by so doing.
Please don`t use the guestbook but rather reply on the attached form. I will then add these comments to this page for all to see. Thank you.
John 23 Nov. 2008Comments
Rick Jamieson, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.23 Nov. 2008
23 Nov. 2008 E-mail: rick@jamieson.ca
John, my grandfather John Jamieson came to the USA over 90 years ago and eventually settled in Guelph. We have visited Scotland many times and enjoyed discovering your site that was referred to me from someone in San Diego.
Magnus Ganson, Kent, England 23 Nov. 2008
E-mail: m.ganson@sky.com
John, as you know, as 'Mr Whyte' Is always telling us, I could talk the hind leg off a donkey. Well the old leither site is an integral part of my day, also without boring the pants off you, too much over the last few months. I haven't been too great and I would like to think,(in fact I know) the old leither site has been a great help in my 'convalescence'. I would like to say thank you to, first of all you, for giving us this site, and the rest of the 'contributors' who have kept us amused, and informed in all manner of ways over the past few years. Magnus. A.K.A. Lord Dudley.
Daniel Cameron, Milton, Ontario, Canada 24 Nov. 2008
24 Nov. 2008E-mail: Sheena_cameron@hotmail.com
You are doing a great job. It is nice to read and find people you may have known from Leith. Going back in December. Cheers and Merry Christmas to all. Danny Cameron
Keith Flockhart, Hamilton, New Zealand 25 Nov. 2008
E-mail optional:
I enjoy my read of this website. Being into motorsports, and budgerigars it adds variety to my favourite websites. Keep up the good work. Memories do last a lifetime, and it is important to share them for they can get lost after that.
Webmaster note; Quite agree. Even the BBC have started a site on personal memories for the same reason
Linda Malcolm, Livingston, West Lothian 25 Nov. 2008
E-mail: linda@stevenson.co.uk
Generally have a look at the site every day, though don't always contribute. Have enjoyed my visits over the past four years or so. It has brought back many happy memories.
Bill Macrae, Leith-sur-Mer 25 Nov. 2008
E-mail: williammacrae@sky.com
Hi Fellow Keelies won't repeat the obvious, it's a no brainer that you do a great job with this site.
I have only one minor request that you find somewhere in the Guestbook page for a spellchecker. Of course only if this is possible under the Homestead web site conditions. As you can see speeling!!! was not a strong point( among other subjects) in my education back in the 30's&40's at Leith Links.
Webmaster note; yer dain no bad, Bill for aw that schule
Alexander Elder, Morpeth, Northumberland 25 Nov. 2008
25 Nov. 2008E-mail sandyshiels@aol.com
Now also hooked on this website, but sorry I didn't know about it sooner. I just happened to come across the very small piece in the Sunday Post, so it would be nice if, perhaps, the Sunday Post could do an article about it. This would certainly reach a wide audience. Anyone know any journalists? Regards Alex
Graham Whyte, Harrogate 26 Nov. 2008
26 Nov. 2008E-mail : whyte.g@hotmail.com
John knows my feelings about this site. Well produced, Well maintained. Naturally,There is some reluctance for some contributors to look but, not touch, this is unfortunate as there are some others who look at the guestbook and all they see are their own names. Whether you can talk the back legs off a donkey or not. Remember one thing. Any contributions to this site, are viewed by many people. If only one of them realises that one single comment takes them back to their childhood, then it makes the site worth-while. Personally, I always have thought that a slogan for this site could read. "The future history of Leith", as well as Persevere.We all have a part to play in keeping memories alive.
Webmaste note; I take your point re the slogan. Sounds appropriate. Will comply.
Scott Porter, Selby, North Yorkshire 26 Nov. 2008
26 Nov. 2008E-mail: jeanscott1934@aol.com
I am one of the daily "Peekers" of the site. The letter from Magnus A.K.A. Lord Dudley, is all important, because if you are poorly, what is the best thing to cheer you up, asides from a dram, is the "oldleithers" website. How many are there out there who watch the site avidly for a little blast from the past, to cheer them up? Well done ,John. Regards Scott, A.K.A. "Sir Bonnet On" can`t spell, either.
Karen Stewart, East Calder, West Lothian 29 Nov. 2008
I am a regular visitor and often come in twice a week. I don`t always post, mainly because I`ve nothing really to say but I enjoy catching up with others on here.
Ruth McClounnan. AKA Lady Coburg. Los Angeles, California USA 29 Nov. 2008
E-mail: leithlady@sbcglobal.net
I am a regular visitor to the site, it makes me feel that I am still connected to Leith The site has given me a lot of pleasure, laughs, and a lot of good memories of places that I can remember as a child. We left when I was 10 years old, it broke my heart that night we left from the Waverley Station, most of our family were there to see us off....And a lot of the family I never saw again. Now this site has brought back to me some of my family: Tom Wallace, Alex Wallace, and Scott Porter.
So for this Oldleither Site I am very grateful. And we must be all "Jock Tamsons Bairns" You are keeping my memories alive.
John Helliwell, Waterloo, Ont. Canada 30 Nov. 2008
E-mail: scottyh@golden.net
I agree with all of the above John, I'm on the site quite often and I love the chatter. I think back to when I was a boy on Bangor Road and all the fun we had playing the games that we all loved. When I'm home in Scotland I spend a great deal of time in Leith. I always meet up with Billy McBean, Jim Scott, Brian Roarty and Jim Anderson for a few (sometimes quite a few) wee ones to drink to the health of our friends that have left us, at the Trafalgar bar on Henderson St. Unfortunately I'm not the chatterbox that I used to be, but do keep up the good work.
ALEX WALLACE, MEAFORD,ONT, CANADA 03 Dec. 2008
E-mail: brigodoon@sympatico.ca
A DAY WI THOOT THE "OLD LEITHER " IS LIKE A DAY WITHOOT SUNSHINE, AN AH DAY WITHOOT SEX AN OOR JESSIE. OOP'S, AH FINK AH FRASED THAT THI WRANG WAY.!
JOHN. WIT YI STERTED SHOED AN WUL GO ON FIRIVIR,THANK YOU.
Webmaster note: Ah dinna ken whit Jessie wull hae tae say. Anyhoo, wull ye stoap shoutin?
Janet Burgess, Leith 03 Dec. 2008
E-mail: janetseacot@aol.com
I am a newcomer to the site but think I will enjoy it. My brother, Bob Cowe, told me abut it.
Webmaster note: Welcome to our midst, Janet.
Allen Dall, Wallsend, Newcastle 09 Dec. 2008
E-mail: allen.dall@gmail.com
Saw your article in the Sunday Post. Great site. Been in Wallsend for 31 years. Visit Leith to see my mother Annie Dall (nee collins) from Henderson Street who still lives there. 90 years old in June, she will love this site when I tell my brothers to show her it. All the best, Allen
Fiona Logan, Leith 12 Dec. 2008
E-mail: fionalogan1@blueyonder.co.uk
Just stumbled on this site by chance. Fantastic site. Will be back soon for a proper look and I'll check out my mum and dad's photo album for pictures you might like to see. Fiona
Webmaster note: Will welcome them.
Doreen Baxter, Stirlingshire, Scotland 15 Dec. 2008
E-mail: dorbax@tesco.net
Great site - full of interest. Please advise me where to send photos of old Leithers.
Webmaster note; Please scan them and e-mail onto me.
John Myles, Dromana Victoria, Australia 15 Dec. 2008
E-mail: johnmyles@virginbroadband.com.au
Great to keep in touch and and read all the Leith memories but lately I have been unable to get on board. Any clues? How can I join you all again? John.
Webmaster note: I take it you mean you can`t access the guestbook? I can`t explain it as I have no other word of this being a problem to other users. Maybe if you delete Oldleither from your site then download again using this URL then save as favourite. www.oldleither.com
Jim McCaskell Edinburgh 5 Jan. 2009
E-mail: jim.mccaskell@gmail.com
Saw the article in the Sunday Post and was delighted when I logged on. This is such an excellent site which brings so many fond memories for all. My father Bill McCaskell, sadly no longer with us, was brought up in the Corporation Buildings, and was a very proud 'Leither' all his days. Many may remember him as a singer with the 'McCaskell' Band in the days of the Eldorado, Leith Town Hall, The Asemby Rooms etc, and the private family numerous functions throughout Leith where McCaskell's band played. His Uncle Willie was on Drums, George Eunson on Piano, and Willie McFarlane on Accordian. I myself was a Police Officer in Leith over some thirty years, retiring in November 1993. Many congratulations on such a wonderful site. Kind regards, Jim
Norma Ross (nee Dorward) Lochgilphead, Argyll 16 Jan. 2009
The site is like an old friend - we can take up where we left off, and chat about old times, show each other photos and introduce each another to folk we have met along the way. It is a daily delight to dally with you all.
Wilma Stuart [nee Hannah] Blairgowrie Perthshire 20 Jan. 2009
E-mail: wilmastrt@yahoo.co.uk
Saw an article in the Evening News which I still get here,about the site which I think is really interesting. I log on to it all the time now. My dad was a very proud Leither and let everyone know it. He was Robert Hannah [Bob] as he was known to all. He was born in Bridge Street, and brought up in the Coalhill, His brothers were William [Wullie], John [Jock], Allan, Charles [Charlie] Thomas [Tommy] and one sister Helen [Nellie].
For the last thirty odd years off his life he lived in Newhaven up until he died just over seven years ago aged 94. He still had a brilliant memory and would love to talk about Leith, Leithers, the old Kirkgate, the shore where he grew up. He had some wonderful stories to tell. Some names he mentioned a lot Wullie Merrilees, Wingy Robertson, and quite a few others. His dad was John Alexander Hannah, and his mother was Elizabeth, Bridges, Nicholson. This is a wonderful site very interesting kind. Regards Wilma.
Webmaster note: Through this connection I have been fortunate in making the aquaintance of someone related to a past boyhood friend unfortunately who passed away sometime ago. I was aware of his passing at the time.
Maureen Glancy Calder Edinburgh 24 Jan, 2009
E-mail: maureen.joyce@blueyonder,co.uk
I also read the article in the Edinburgh Evening News and found the site facinating being a proud 'Leither' also with my husband Billy Calder (Bonnington Road 1941 - 1947 and then DK 1947 - 1952). I just felt that I was still there - my two boys Lee Calder (Buddy or Big Lee) and Murray Calder are also very proud to be Leithers although Lee lives in Alloa now. He has called his house Little Leith - there was just something about the place that you cannot forget.
Murdo Stewart Longniddry 2 Feb, 2009
E-mail omstewart23@toucansurf.com
My wife saw the web site in the Sunday Post. I read all the news about us old Leithers. I asked about an old pal and I got an answer from San Fransisco. I was born in Leith 1925 and have many happy memories of visiting my gran in Elbe Street and Guthry"s in the Kirkgate. I always add Leith when I address any mail to Leith. Please keep the comments going, I enjoy reading them.
Jean Macaulay (Nee Westwood) Bonnyrigg,Midlothian 9 Feb, 2009
E-mail Macaulayjean@aol.com
I left leith a long time ago but feel I am still a Leither. My Fathers people are from Hope Terrace in Leith and I spent my childhood up to my marriage at 27yrs there, and it will always be classed as home. I came on this Site in the Sunday Post, and have really enjoyed reading it. I sent an Email off today, rather long, but I hope interesting. I was born in Industrial Cottages in March 1937 and most of my life in Madeira Street and will never forget it. Long May Your Lum Reek! All the very best to all Leithers.
Wilma Stuart, nee Hannah. Blairgowrie, Perthshire 7 Mar, 2009
E-mail wilmastrt@yahoo.co.uk
Have already entered a comment about my dad Bob Hannah. I consider myself to be an old Leither,although I was not born in Leith I stayed there a lot of years, first in Prince Regent Street with some off the finest neighbours any one could have. Margaret Souza, Mrs Windram, Betty Cameron, Isa Thomson, Mrs Mackie, Mr & Mrs Veitch, Jimmy Scotland, John & Isobel Cochrane, Frank Kirkpatrick to name a few.
We had some wonderful times there. Its true you can take the person out of Leith, but not Leith out the person. We moved from there to North Fort Street, right next door to Kenny the Barbers. Again we had some wonderful neighbours that have remained really good friends. I see quite a few of them on my many jaunts back to Leith which I do frequently.
My husband is Peter Stuart who originally stayed in 18 Bowling Green Street, with his granny Mrs Stronach. Peter is ex Merchant Navy having sailed with Gibsons, the Ben-Line, BP Tankers, also an ex Whaler, and before he left the sea was with Granton Trawlers. So yes he has had a varied life at sea. We really enjoy this site since coming across it. Keep up the good work everyone, with plenty of entries its so interesting when you come across someone you know all the best to all in sunny Leith. Regards Wilma.
Sandra Cochrane (nee Johnson) Canada 27 May, 2009
E-mail: acochrane@distributel.net
Don't get on the site as often as I'd like (once I do the time just slips away and I can't get anything done), but each time I do it brings back great times. I attended Dr. Bell's between 1949 - 1955 before emigrating to Canada with my family.
My Mum worked for Isa Dalgliesh in the wee pawn shop in Market Street - does anyone remember it? The shop was actually owned by Mr. Dresner (he had another pawnshop on Jane Street.
I have a question to test your brains. Does anyone else remember calling Lorne/Square sausage 'paloney' or was this just a Market Street expression? The butcher always knew what we meant, but it seems the Scottish shops here in Canada have never heard of it!!! Just wondering. John, how your book is doing. Are there any copies left? Needless to say - Love this site. Cherio for now, (tattie peelins - (is this another Market St. expression?) Sandra.
G P Tweedie Scotland 28-10-09
E-mail gpt @talktalk.net
Can you find anyone who knew the Tweedies of Leith ? MY dad was Wallace Scott Tweedie. I can remember visiting my grandparents in 1939,They lived in a tenement opposite the Swan Pub. I cannot remember the street,, or anything about the family. MY uncle was Johnhe drove for SMT bus line in Edinburgh. I met him once 1939 at Edinburgh Castle My dad was in the Royal Navy 1917 to 1926. He met my mum Christian Murray whenshe worked in the Dining Room of the North British Hotel they married and movedt o Aberdeen where I was born 1929 in Allan Street. Later they moved to Stonehaven. He worked for Stonehaven Swimming Pool from its inception in 1934 to 1939. He went into the Merchant Navy then, died about 1963in Durban. Many more memories. I would like to attempt at setting up a Family Tree .Anyone out there who can help me.
No name supplied Winnipeg Manitoba Canada 24-01-10
E-mail optional:
I was born at 45 Sandport Street Leith in 1944 moved to Canada 42 years ago My sisters and I have many happy memories playing down at the Custom House and the Links Hope to pay a visit this year any-one else out there from Sandport Street?
George Tweedie Aberdeen 24-01-10
E-mail gpt@talktalk.net
Still looking for information on the Tweedie family of Leith. Please help me if you can. Have no real memories of Leith. My father spent most of his time at sea , latterly in the merchant navy , Died in 1963 in Durban S.A. Would like to set up a family tree.
Christene Richardson (Donaldson ) Waterdown Ontario 22-04-10
E-mail cmdrichardson@gmail.com
I just love this site you are doing a wonderful job John. When I feel homesick I just click on this site and go home. Leith is the best place and I love the new buildings although I have been away for a long time 45yrs Leith will always be home.
I hope to visit soon and see my old school Dr Bells and my church Junction Road although I was baptised in South Leith. My grandmother lived above Cousins pub for many years and I lived Ballantyne Place and have great memories of our backgreen concerts. Does any one else remember them? I'd love to hear from you. Do you remember George's ice cream shop on Junction Bridge? Lovely man. Best wishes Christene
PS .I see Murdo Stewart lives in Longniddry. My in-laws used to live there Bert and Rena Richardson on the main street. I loved to visit but that`s a few years ago but maybe you knew them. Unfortunately they are both gone now but I have nice memories of Longniddry.
