|
 | |  | |
Memories of a childhood in wartime Leith. The trials and tribulations of the period, allied to the camaraderie of the community in facing up to an uncertain future made a lasting impression on John Stewart.
I recall with some embarrassment the occasion when I was locked in Pilrig Park while I was yet four years old.
I had accompanied some older playmates to the park where we had scaled an embankment to watch the steam trains progress from Leith Central Station towards the bridge at Bonnington Toll. I don't think my parents knew about this.
The incident in question happened when, discovering the park attendant had locked the gates and gone home, we had to climb over them to get out. The older boys had no difficulty, but my age and size were against me.
I remember crying with fright and this manifested itself in me soiling my trousers. I did manage to get out, but to this day I don't remember if it was by my own efforts or not.
I don't think I ever gave cause for concern that required a strict discipline regime. However, I was often threatened of being sent to Dr Guthries Ragged School if I was 'bad'.
This did the trick. Dr Guthries was a remand home at Liberton where the boys were dressed in grey tweed battle blouses and shorts. Often on Saturdays they could be seen in town in their few outings from the Centre.
John Stewart, 2001
| |  | |  |
To add a comment you must first login or join for free, up in the top left corner.
|
|
