Memories of growing up in 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.

At the shipyards in Leith, is in most places, it was a tradition that boys new to the trade had to go through a form of initiation and I was no exception. There must have been over twenty of us at various ages. I knew that plans were in hand for me but when and where it would take place was not known to me.

One afternoon when the foreman was not about, I was suddenly got hold of and pinned to the floor. Before I knew it I was stripped of my clothes and then blackened all over with plumber's smudge. This was a black paste that was used normally to spread on lead pipes to avoid solder clinging to the surface.

I didn't cry out, for it was useless. The paste clung to me for days before I finally managed to rid myself of it.

M.V. Cicero for the Ellerman, Wilson Line, Hull

Another time I was on board a ship when I heard my name being called out from behind a cabin door. I grasped the handle to go when I felt this shudder go up my arm and through my body.

I couldn't release my hand, but then I fell back as the shuddering stopped. The guys inside the cabin had attached the end of a welding cable to the handle inside as a joke.

Some innocent practical jokes were carried out on apprentices such as being sent for a bucket of steam. I don't think anyone cottoned on before falling for the ruses.

I did suffer one mishap that might have had serious consequences. I had a job in the chain locker. This was a deep compartment at the forward end of the ship that the anchor chain was stored in.

It was accessed through a manhole in the deck with steel rungs that descended into the depths. I had begun to descend into it while guiding a length of pipe at the same time. Suddenly my foot slipped off a rung and I went feet first into the void.

I must have dropped ten feet when I landed on some canvas bags. Fortunately these broke my fall. I suffered nothing more than a severe jolting and shock. I was very lucky.

One of my closest workmates during this time was Jimmy Bonnar. He was a Catholic from a family of Irish who were staunch Irish nationalists. Despite this difference in our political and religious outlooks, we were the best of mates.

Many could not understand this, but to this day I treasure the memories of our friendship. I would dearly love to know if he is still about. I know that he went down to the Newcastle area to live and work there.

John Stewart, 2001