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.

So many memories spring to mind as I look back on my school years in Leith.

With a leather schoolbag on my shoulders, I was seen off by my grandma at 8.45 am and told to hurry along. Childlike, I would stroll up Cables Wynd with not an inkling of time and be distracted by almost anything of interest.

Andrew Paterson's coal horse and cart; electricity workmen digging up the granite setts in the road that the gasmen had re-laid only the week before; dustmen emptying the buckets into their horse-drawn carts.

Each morning I would encounter Bill Wright the postie (postman), weighed down with his postbag coming down the street. At other times 'Condie' the plumber with his tool bag balanced on one shoulder without a steadying hand and his grease laden cap lying flat on his head.

'Ding! Ding! Ding! The school bell would peal out from its niche high up on the side of the building as I was meandering down Brewery Lane. Off I would 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?'

The policemen were always friendly to us, but could show a sterner side. I was once late and crossed the street before the official crossing. I negotiated it successfully but then again there was not much traffic in the early forties. A shrill whistle caught my ears. 'Stand where you are until I am finished', called out an angry policeman.

I stood at the school railings watching the other pupils filing into the building as the officer approached me. I had only crossed the road at the wrong place and yet I had fallen foul of the law and had been caught out.

Eight years old I was. He lectured me and accompanied me into school where he handed me over to Mr Campbell the janitor. He in turn ushered me into Mr Barrie, the headmaster's room. There I received a further lecture on road safety and this in turn was followed by a stroke of the belt.

It must have got through to me as I remember it to this day. This was one time I missed out on marching to class to the sound of martial music and Miss Steel counting out the steps. So many memories.

Dr Bells in 2001

John Stewart, 2001