1950s AND BEFORE
Former pupils left comments on our last website. It is interesting to hear how our school has changed over the years.
Margaret Greig (now Keane) ~ I figure I must have attended Longstone school in the early 50’s. I remember Mr Thompson was my teacher. Elizabeth McKay is the girl I remember was my best friend. Bad years for me my mum was dying of TB at home . I think we stayed at 22 Longstone Grove. I moved to Broomhouse to stay with my aunty and walked to school ( loved it ) very interesting stuff I found trying to find photos of the lost years ! I now live in Steger Il. ( south of Chicago) Was home last year.
Elizabeth Theis(Hill) ~ David Laird…I remember all of the names you listed and can even remember some of the faces. I was sorry to learn about Graham Paterson. How sad. I always had a crush on him but I don’t think he knew I existed. Woe is me! I do remember Ann Kilgallon, quite vividly and also going to her home on Sunday afternoons. Well it’s off to listen to my pal Rod croon. Hope to hear from some of you. Best wishes. Liz
Linda Doig (nee Taylor) ~ Hi, Came across this site when viewing Edin-Photos and was amazed at the memories it brings. I lived at 127 Longstone Street with my parents and my sister Irene and 2 brothers Ian and Robert. I started at the old school in Longstone Road in 1953 and then went to the annexe until the new school up in Redhall was opened. I think my last teacher in P7 was a Miss Pringle who got married and went to Carrick Knowe. My friends were Jeanette Ross, Jeanette McDonald, Sylvia Forrest, Violet Chalmers. My neighbours in Longstone were the Seaters, the Shores, the Browns, the Cliffords and the Wilsons. It would be great to hear from anyone who remembers me or any of my family
DAVID LAIRD ~ I noticed Ann Kilgallon’s earlier post and wonder if you were in my class Ann. There was a girl in my class whom I always thought was Ann Kilgannon, and maybe was indeed Ann Kilgannon. Anyway, if I am wrong then sorry for the wasted post.Here is a list of a few classmate’s names I can recall from my seven years at Longstone that might, or might not be familiar to you.Elizabeth Hill (a well kent contributor on this site!),Pat Meikle, Joan Bangholm (went to the Qualifying Dance with Joan), Irene Cameron, Janis Andrews, Caroline Mackie, Annette Ross, Belinda Turnbull, Derek Burns, Colin Dunlop, Graham Paterson ( who sadly passed away a couple of years ago with Motor Neuron Disease), Alan Wright, Graham Callaghan, Ian McDonald, Robbie Forrester, Robert Merriman, Alan Wharton, Kenny McIvor, Norman Dick………………and I am sure many more, so apologies to anyone the fading memory has failed to recall! Best wishes to any of my old classmates who visit the site. Hope you have as fond memories of old Longstone Village as I do.
Wilma Porteous ~ Hi everyone first time on Site and was amazed to find a picture of my class which must have been around 1961, I think Terence Kramer posted this but I believe the person he has marked as Marion Aitken is actually myself. I moved to Longstone when I was seven and I am still here brought up my two boys 31 and 33 who also went to Longstone School amazing place brings back lots of memories I was best friends with Andrea Jackson who I still keep in touch with.
Robert Laird ( pupil from 1955-1962) ~I have three “school” photos for you, all taken in the 1950’s of myself and brothers David & Terry.On close inspection you will see the clothing we are wearing is a bit frayed, and that was how it was for most kids in Longstone back then. If you came home with a hole in your jersey it got patched up, it didn’t get replaced. I am absolutely certain there are dozens and dozens of photographs like these out there, perhaps this “donation” will see a lot of others doing the same thing
Elizabeth Hill (Theis)~ Happy birthday to Patricia Hunter formerly of Longstone Grove. Patricia…I think your birthday is the 28th of May which will make you 61 this year. I am a week behind. I send you best wishes. How is Robert? Remember when your mum decided that you and Robert should take violin lessons? OMG…!!!!!!!!! I hope that you log onto this site. It is so much fun . I have been blessed hearing from former schoolmates and learning about their lives. Even hear from my older sister’s friends and who was top of the pops back then! She will love that! Best wishes to you and all at Longstone…You know what? I remember the day it opened. My brother Eddie was still going to the annex and then moved on to the new school.To all…have a lovely summer.
Elizabeth Hill (Theis)~ Greetings all you 60 year olds! Hope you are all enjoying fall, soon to be winter weather. For those of you who may remember her, I had a lovely e-mail from Julie Telford the other day. In fact I was in contact with her several months ago and she gave me an update on her life. As far as I recall she is living in Switzerland with her husband and daughter…don’t hold me to that. I will be home in December also, spending chrissy with my siblings…god, I can’t wait for a dish of haggis…I tried to bring some canned back a couple of years ago and it was confiscated…MAD COW DISEASE! So my brother tried the next year…same thing. Oh well! Try, try and try again..maybe this time. I have to say it was fun going through the comments of former classmates. I was telling my 90 year old mother-in-law about the contacts and she was astonished…’I don’t remember what school I went to, let alone their names’. I can remember birthday dates of some of my old friends…it’s funny how some things stick in your mind.It is amazing how having this contact can evoke so many memories… and mainly good ones. John…you mentioned the shop by the burn…I remember my mum taking us there to get the ‘rations’. Ian was a baby at the time and the pram and the ‘holdall’ were filled with groceries for the week. In between we would go to St. Cuthberts for groceries. I still remember my mums ‘share’ number which was given to each purveyor and she would get her ‘share’ at the end of the year. Mum came home one day thinking she had forgotten something…Yep…it was Ian…he was outside the butcher shop. If my dad had known he would have went lulu! We used to walk thru the burn to get to my grannys house at Stenhouse. Pass the prison with the workers out in the fields. I used to swing off a tree at the burn…I could not swim, but I was with the Easton sisters, Linda, Kate and Diane and followed their lead. Elizabeth McAndrew was there also. I ended up in the water…soaked to the gills…had to explain this to my parents…told them I stepped in a bucket of water and that was why I was wet…I was spanked not only for lying…but I was never to be at the burn in the first place…my brother, Eddie, almost drowned by the whirlpool…just below the pub.Someone fished him out. His wellies were filled with water and his legs were red from the dye in the wellies.My first ‘real’ boyfriend was Kenny Burns. His dad was a prison officer at Saughton and they lived in the housing off Stenhouse Road…we used to meet on a Sunday at the ‘pig stys’ along the burn…remember where the horse shows would be held. OMG! How romantic! One night we went to a park on Kingsknowe Road (with the EASTON girls) I had passed my curfew and my mother came looking for me…god only knows how she found out where I was, but she slapped the heck out of me all the way home.Best wishes to all and hope to read some comments soon.
Hello Liz, Sorry for taking so long to answer you time goes by so fast, dont know what happened, sent last message you replied and guess scared everyone away or maybe they do not know about website. Go home every couple of years stay over in Fife and drive or take train to Edinburgh visit Longstone everytime hoping I might see old friends but no luck, guess everyone moved or maybe they are hiding when they see me,(just kidding.) Still have family in Edinburgh so enjoy visiting them and catching up on old gossip, one Niece has hairdresser shop on Gorgie road just been open few months but doing well. Last year walked by where Brands wee shop used to be at the burnside and went over the little bridge looking at rear of Longstone Inn and the Prison, lots of changes but still a lot of the old, Great memories. Miss the good times Redhall park, Colinton dell, the Canal, building bonfires and raiding the other bonfires in the area,(at the same time they were raiding ours) great fun, not the same for kids anymore.
Liz Theis ~ John Vallance…you dated one of the Andrews sisters…if I am correct (Annette Andrews..sister of Janice / Janis ? spelling)..what a hoot…I remember you on your paper routes…GAFFS… and the wee shop at the burnside where mum would go for the ‘rations’ every week. My younger brother was still in the pram at that time..
John Vallance ~ Hello. Attended Longstone from 1951 to 1957, Old school on main road, then Annex, Juniper Green, Merchiston, Tynecastle, Slateford (opposite Woodburns Garage) then the new Longstone School . Remember a lot of the names mentioned and teachers.Would be great to have a reunion and see old Friends. I come home every two years and travel around Longstone, and Redhall hoping l might see some old friends who stayed in the neibourhood, l lived in Longstone Grove,and at times helped out at Gaffs, also remember Brands little shop at the Burnside next to Longstone Inn , the chippy and the confectionary was it Barkers or Bakers dont remember, l do recall pushing the milk cart up the hill to Redhall to deliver milk,newspapers, and rolls, that was no fun. It would be wonderful to hear from Friends of years gone bye, and remember the laughs and good times at Longstone
Sheena Palmer (nee Fairgrieve) ~Hi all. Don’t know what made me look back to find Longstone Primary school today, but what a surprise to see so many names I remember! Yes John you did take me to the qually! Liz and David Weddell (Liz went onto art college in London) but I lost touch with her after that. Mary Bennett, Alan Barton, Fiona Thomson, Elizabeth Baldock, Yvonne Crawford, Stuart Strong, Maureen McDonald, Miss Stuart (our last teacher, we seemed to have so many!), Mr Stoddart – always having to put plasters on my knees! Oh so many memories!
Evelyn Barr ~ Can’t believe this site. My twin sister and I attended Lonstone Primary from 1956-1963, Mr Gibson was our last teacher. Secondary was a breeze in comparison. Our friends were Linda Carruthers, Alison Duncan, Janice Hunter, Sally Jarvis, Maria McKinnell, (we are in her photograph, front row and seated on the grass) Anne Wardrobe and Veronica Collins. I also remember the other twins, the Hortons, the Murrays and the Hopkirks. Working for the Scottish Government now.
To Maria Koster – Harry Walters would like to get in touch.
To Ian Barton – You don’t know me but it appears that you played violin with my mum! – Christine Wright (Nee Seatter) In answer to your assumption, yes she did go on to sing in a group called ‘This n’ That’ and enjoyed a successful career in the Civil Service. She still lives in Longstone (always has!!) I can’t wait to show mum this, its so nice to see that she is so fondly remembered and yes Ian, she is still very competitive and musical but these days she spends more time on Facebook than she does playing her violin, guitar and piano!! lol Kerry x
Alan Wharton ~ Only just found out about this site.My god!!What a blast from the past.Great to see some of names remember.Nothing too much to report though. Living quietly in Sighthill with my wife Irene. I am still playing music.Two bands on the go at the moment. IAN BARTON,how are you!!
Reg Taylor ~I was at Longstone in the 50’s and good to see it is still going strong… some of the names I recognise. Lived at 117 Kingsknowe Rd North and remember the neighbours the Allans, Dunlops, Wardrobes Bennetts and many more. Have lived in Perth West Australia for over 40 years now 5 grandchildren and another on the way. Visited Longstone about 5 years ago and it brought back many memories. All the best to everyone.
We received this message from Maria Koster(McKinnel) ~On the former pupils page there is a reply from a Harry Walters about my letter, could I perhaps have his contact details as we live about 60kms away here in South Africa from him? Thank you,Harry, if you send us your details via our enquiry page, we will pass them on.
Sheila Black ~ Found this site by chance. I went to Longstone Primary 49-55.I remember David Shepherd Teacher Mrs. Rae. We had slates and warm milk.I remember at Slateford spending my dinner money on bubble gum to get the “film star photos” Such great memories.
Avril Fanning ~ What you find on line is amazing, imagine my surprise to see Hon Dickson’s comments about our old school. She was so right about everything and the names brought back so many memories. The Teachers Mr Moyes and Mrs MacDonald!! I also started in the old school with my friend Hon and progressed up through the annex to the new school. She lived across the road from it so we saw it being built brick by brick and I remember the old gentleman who was the watchman when the builders left each night. Memories indeed how time passes and I hope everyone she mentioned is doing well and in the best of health.
Honor Pringle – I can’t believe what I’ve just read on this site. All the familiar names from Longstone Primary. I first attended the old Primary in Longstone Village then went to the Annexe and the foot of Longstone Street then eventually went to the “new” school which was opposite my house in Redhall Grove – this would be around 1957ish. My teacher was Mr Moyes (Malcolm) who took great pleasure in wrapping my fingers with his ruler when I froze at mental arithmathic (which I did regularly).I was absolutely terrified of him and consequently learned nought. Not surprisingly my memories of Longstone Primary are not good, pretty awful really. Some of the names that are on the site are certainly known to me. Anne Wardrobe must be the sister of Stewart Wardrobe (Waddie) who was in my class. Also Eric Coulter who was brother of Betty Coulter, also in my class. Betty Merrilees who, my brother John used to fancy, is sister to Alice and also to “legs” Merrilees. My main friend at school was Avril Fanning who I still keep in touch with. In my class I used to sit at the front (which is where all the “stupid” pupils sat. All the “clever” ones sat at the back). I remember John Horton, Robert Jackson, Margaret Strachan, Betty Coulter, Hazel Strong all sat quite near me at various times so we must have all been tarred with the same brush………..stupid! Aye those were days (notice I’m not saying the “good old days”).
Elizabeth Theiss ~ Dear Ian Barton, my gosh I remember you and most of the names you mentioned in your comment. I remember when Alan Wharton had to have his appendix removed. Rhona Nussey< I thought was in Russia doing something. I used to work with her dad at the North of Scotland Hydro Electric Board at the West End. Many names came flooding back to me after reading your note. Ian McDonald, Iain MacDonald, as I recall the two Ian’s were football crazy,Colin Dunlop, Norman Dick, Robert Merriman, Patricia Hunter, Ruth Horn. It would be great if a reunion could be planned, but how to go about it is another story, although it could be done. It would just take some willing people to do some research and try and contact our former classmates. I hope you are doing well and it was wonderful to hear from you. Liz
Ian Barton ~ I have found myself wandering into the web site – I can’t believe all the old names from around 1957 – 65. David Laird I remeber you. The football team of 1965 when we got thumped by St Patricks (7-0??) Other people I remember Iain McLeod (podge) ian McDonald (mickey) the McIvor brothers. What about Gordon Stewart Rhona Nussey Alstair Harrison _ I could go on. I also recall the class fight to find the toughest boy at school. I remember so well everyone expecting Billy Grubb to win but along came Colin McDonald. I saw some names that also bring back memories – Eric Coulter for one. What about Wendy who was Podges “girlfriend”. Please post a note if any of you remember me!!
Hey I forgot Alan Wharton – we both went over to Carrickvale and had a small pop band together. Alan was the most talented of course. does anyone remember playing football in the park during summer jerseys down across the pitch! Ian
Liz Theis ~ Hi everyone! I have not been in touch for a while. This has been quite a sad year for me and my family. My mum died July 31st, just a month short of her 91st birthday. My wee doggie died August 27th and I lost my hero (Jim) on August 31st. He was diagnosed with cancer in January of 2008. He put up a good fight, but a cure was not to be. I am now in the throes of getting my life back together and putting the sorrows of the past year behind me.
DAVID LAIRD ~ I certainly remember you and am so happy that you responded. Are you married? Do you have children? Do you keep in touch with anyone that we went to school with?
IRENE LEITCH ~.Gosh, I remember the day you married. I recall that you moved into a new house in Redhall, just up from the Co-op. Do you remember Peter Jack? Your next door neighbour? Vera always had the hots for him….She will kill me for saying that. Tee Hee!Nothing too exciting to report from here other than we are freezing our tushies off. It is supposed to warm up soon!!!!!! We shall see. I will try to be a bit more diligent keeping in touch . Best wishes to all.
Harry Walters January 2010 ~I started p1 in 1956 with Miss Wightman as my first teacher, Miss Philips as headmistress – still have a photo of the official opening sitting alongside class mates Anne Wardrope, Eric Coulter & Linda Carruthers. I left for Trinity Academy in 1963, Mr Gibson being my final teacher – I remember trips in his car to Thins bookshop to choose our prizes, probably not politically correct today! I was very interested to read other pupils stories from the same era, & in particular Maria McKinnell’s story from May 08 – I remember attending Sally Jarvis’ 7th birthday party. The other twins were the Rosses, Andrew & Robert, & the Barrs, Evelyn & Susan(?) Maria, I also emigrated to South Africa, in 1974, & have lived in Pretoria since then – helping build some of the new football stadiums.
December 2009 ~ I attended Longstone from 1957/58 until leaving in 1965. I have very fond memories of my time living in old Longstone village, and not least my time at the Primary School.It was nice to read Elizabeth Hill’s recollections. Elizabeth was in my class and I have a few more names to add to her list of classmates. Joan Bangholm, who’s parents owned the store in the old village, and whom I took to the Qualifying Dance in our final year. I had wanted to got with Patricia (Trishy) Meikle but she went, I thought with Graham Paterson, although Elizabeth recalls Graham going with Irenie Cameron, the lovely wee red head from Stornoway. Derek Burns was also in our class as was, albeit for a short time, a girl from South Africa called Idena Wadman. My pal Robbie Forrester was also a classmate.I played in the school football team, and a very good one it was as well. Only blot was a thumping by ST Patricks in the final of the EPSAA Cup at Warriston in the early sixties.Our teacher when we moved up to the ‘big ones’ was indeed Miss Steele, who lived on Lanark Road. She was your archetypal ‘Miss’ however she was a lovely lady.I could go on and on but I’d be here forever!I hope others from my era stop by and take time to share their memories.Irene Leitch
Elizabeth and Vera Hill thanks for comments,Did I wear tight skirts? must have been about 12 I think. I well remember the dolls pram wish I had kept it but don’t think my granddaughters would play with it, still in touch with Maggie Ritchie who stayed in Longstone Street just along from the top of the grove, Strange to remember the TV we were the first to have one at our end of the grove and Mrs Irons who stayed at the top of the grove had one so on Coronation day some of the kids came to my house and some to Mrs Irons, we all had our mugs etc which we were given at school, still have mine in the attic, don’t think it will be worth much if anybody else from the good old days remembers get in touch!!
Donald Ross~ Hi There, Id love to make contact with some of the people featured on your Gallery page. Specifically the ones from the 50s-60s period. Robert Laird Norma Penman If you can help Is be very grateful. I will be adding my comments on the site later. I will say its never too late to learn as Im currently in my third year as an undergraduate at UWS in Ayr. Kindest regards Donald Ross
Eileen Howieson~I attended Longstone school in 1954 or 1955 till 1957.I have many happy memories of the school.Mr Munro was the head master and Miss Bastick was my teacher.My two best friends were Catherine Merrilees who I still keep in touch with and Eileen Charley.I now live in Australia and will be in Edinburgh August 1st 2009 and would like to meet some of my old friends
Irene Leitch~I was at Longstone primary started off in the village school where Miss Kelling was my teacher,this was in 1951, then moved to Merchiston, while the new school was being built, they used to bus us from Longstone to Merchiston every day, friends from school were Maggie Ritchie(still friends today) Eleanor Cowan was in my class and Partricia McLeod(Mitzi)my brothe David also went to Longstone , he is a year older than me it was a great school, then went on to good old Carrickvale. hope to hear from anybody still out there ds
Teddy Wiseman ~Veronica Kramer asks whether I am the one she recalls. Being a founder member of the Longstone Scout Troop and attending the Mission run by Mr Harkness at Slateford public Hall, I am indeed. I hope that night with the boys is not what drove her to the USA (which I visit regularly)
Julie Telford ~ As a former pupil, I would like to contribute this to your archive. From former pupil Julie Telford. I was just googling myself to see who in the world had said anything about me and I discovered this site, and a nickname I never knew I had: Woolly Julie! Thank you, Elizabeth. I attended Longstone School from 1957 to 1964. My teachers were Miss Phillips (1957-58), Miss Scotland (1958-59), Mrs Ray (1959), then Miss Steele until 1964. I also remember Mr Martin, the headmaster, whom we all liked very much, and Miss Chain, the nice sewing teacher. Miss Steele worked us very hard, and for that I am grateful. Occasionally she could be very nice to us, and I think she genuinely did have our best interests at heart. I also remember every pupil in my class (I think). : Irene Cameron Patricia Meikle Joan Bangham Derek Burns Alan Wharton Graham Paterson Alan Wright Graham Callighan Caroline Mackay Janice Andrews Elizabeth Hill Patricia Hunter Katherine Hirst Robert Merriman Kenneth MacAlpine? Dennis Mathieson Norman Dick David Laird Christine Shannon Ann Kilgallan Angela ?? Belinda Turnbull Annette Ross Janice Shore Colin Dunlop Robert Forrester Bruce ?? Lorraine ?? I came across Robert Merriman through FriendsReunited, where I also discovered that Graham Callighan has died. I lived near the shop in Kingsknowe Road. I those days it was owned by Mr Roccio, then by Mr and Mrs Gaff. There were great changes in the area during my time. There were prefab houses east of Redhall Gardens and between Longstone Gardens and the canal, which had been erected as emergency housing after the war. Many of my classmates lived in them. They were tiny, damp and never repaired, as they were due for demolition, and had been for years. They were finally replaced with better housing in the early sixties. Many of the prefab residents were relocated to the new houses around Longstone Park, which also replaced slums. In our day, children were left to play unsupervised. The most exciting ‘adventure playgrounds’ were also quite dangerous: The river: The Water of Leith, the canal, Hailes Quarry where the city’s rubbish was tipped, and derelict farms at the top and bottom of Kingsknowe Road, and ‘through the burn’ to Stenhouse. I would be pleased to hear from anyone in my class, or anyone else who remembers me. julietelford55@hotmail.com
Elizabeth Hill/Now Thies ~MY SISTER VERA IS TRYING TO LOCATE ELSPETH MACKAY WHO LIVE ON LONGSTONE STREET, SHE HAS A BROTHER GEORGE. CONTACT ME IF YOU KNOW HER WHEREABOUTS. i, MY SISTER MAUREEN AND MARGARET REI ALL GOT PRAMS AND DOLLS FOR CHRISTMAS ONE YEAR AND WE WALKED TO THE MACKAYS TO SHOW THEM OFF. IT WAS A SNOWY MORNING AROUND 7.AM. AND WE WERE SO PROUD OF OUR PRAMS. THEN WE WALKED DOWN TO THE CO-OP (ST CUTHBERTS, I THINK) AND SHOWED THEM OFF THERE. I STILL REMEMBER MY MUM’S STORE NUMBER 14672 AND ALSO REMEMBER GOING FOR RATIONS AT THE WEE STORE NEXT TO THE LONGSTONE INN. HOW LIFE HAS CHANGED.I DON’T USUALLY SPEND SO MUCH TIME ON THE COMPUTER, BUT THIS IS SO MUCH FUN. IT IS SO WONDERFUL TO HEAR OF TALES YEARS GONE BYE. HOPE SOMEONE WILL REMEMBER ME AND GET IN TOUCH. AGAIN, BEST WISHES TO ALL.
LIZZIE (HILL) ETSCOTTIE@VISI.COM ~MY SISTER VERA HILL HOPES TO HEAR FROM SOME OF HER OLD CLASSMATES. ARE YOU THERE ELSPETH MACKAY OR IRENE MACKENZIE OR IRENE SUTHERLAND?
Veronica M Kramer (Vera Hill)~ Teddy Wiseman is the name I knew you by. Did you go to the Mission Hall along Slateford Rd. and also were you in the Longstone Boy Scouts. I believe it was run by Minister Goldie. I was in the Girl Guides at the same time. I remember that was my first time I had been to a party with the Boys. UUUU! I got sick that night as I ate too many sweeties. It sure was a great time though.
Elizabeth Hill/Now Thies ~ .I LIVED @ 11 LONGSTONE GROVE AND ATTENDEDL.S. PRIMARY FROM APPROX. 1957 – 66/67. SOME OF MY CLASSMATES WERE. IRENE CAMERON(STORNAWAY) PATRICIA HUNTER, ANNETTE ROSS, BELINDA JONES, ALAN WRIGHT, ROBERT MERRIMAN, GRAHAM PATTERSON, COLIN DUNLOP. NORMAN DICK, DENNIS MATHESON DAVID LAIRD, ALLAN WHARTON,(REMEMBER WHEN HE HAD HIS APPENDICS REMOVED) WOOLY JULIE TELFORD, GRAHAM CALLAGAN AND SO MANY MORE THAT I CAN’T THINK OF AT THE MOMENT. OUR TEACHER WAS MISS STEEL .WHEN I STARTED AT LONGSTONE, I HAD THE GOOD FORTUNE TO HAVE MISS PHILLIPS AS MY TEACHER, SHE WAS A GEM, WITH SO MUCH PATIENCE AND SO KIND. SHE LEFT AFTER SHE GOT MARRIED. WHAT A LOSS! MISS BASTICK & MISS NICOL WERE OUR NETBALL COACHES. WE USUALLY PLAYED BROOMHOUSE AND GOT OUR BUTTS KICKED….PROBABLY BECAUSE WE WERE MUCH MORE REFINED AND LADYLIKE! TODAY I LIVE IN MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA USA. JIM AND I HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR 35 YEARS. NO CHILDREN. WE HAVE A GOOD LIFE AND JIM IS SELF EMPLOYED. WE HAVE A HOME IN FLORIDA, WHICH WE GET TO A COUPLE OF TIMES A YEAR. OUR HOPE IS THAT WHEN JIM RETIRES WE WILL SPEND MOST OF THE WINTER THERE AND GET AWAY FROM THE COLD SNOWY WINTERS OF MINNESOTA. WE RETURN TO SCOTLAND A COUPLE OF TIMES DURING THE YEAR. MY SIBLINGS, EDWARD, MAUREEN AND IAN ALONG WITH MY MUM (NOW90) STILL LIVE THERE. JIM SPENDS MOST OF HIS TIME ON THE BRAIDS (GOLFING) AND OTHER COURSES. I DO MY BEST TO SUPPORT THE STORES. :)HOPE SOMEONE WILL REMEMBER ME AND GET IN TOUCH. BEST WISHES TO ALL.
Elizabeth Hill/Now Thies ~ I HAVE TRIED THIS BEFORE BUT HAVE NOT BEEN SUCCSESSFUL. ANYHOO, I LIVED AT 11 LONGSTONE GROVE, . CLASSMATES WERE PATRICIA HUNTER, AGNES MILLER, BELINDA JONES, ANNETTE ROSS, DAVID LAIRD, IAN MCDONALD, IAIN MACDONALD, ROBERT MERRIMAN, GRAHAM PATTERSON, (THE COALIES SON) ALAN WRIGHT. GOSH. AND SO MANY MORE. MISS STEELE WAS OUR JAILER!!!!! I THINK IRENE CAMERON WAS HER FAVOURITE AND GRAHAM PATTERSON WAS IN LOVE WITH IRENE . SHE WAS FROM STORNAWAY. A LOVELY GIRL WITH RED CURLY HAIR. I ALWAYS HOPED HE WOULD INVITE ME TO THE SCHOOL LEAVING DANCE, BUT HE CHOSE HER, MUCH TO MY DISMAY AND COLIN DUNLOP ASKED ME! DO ANY OF YOU REMEMBER NORMAN? HE TOSSED DIRT INTO MY MUM’S HALLWAY AFTER SHE REFUSED TO LET HIM DO GROCERY SHOPPING FOR HER. I CAN REMEMBER HER CHASING HIM DOWN THE GROVE UNTIL SHE CAUGHT HIM IN AN ENDEAVOUR TO HAVE HIM CLEAN THE MESS UP. SHE WAS SUCCESSFUL. SHE RAN LIKE A RABBIT. AND IS NOW 91 YEARS OLD WITH ALL OF HER FACULTIES. I GET HOME 2-3 TIMES A YEAR AND WOULD LOVE TO MEET UP WITH ANY OF YOU. SO I LEAVE YOU MY E-MAIL ADDRESS IN THE HOPE THAT YOU WILL CONTACT ME. ETSCOTTIE@VISI.COM PLEASE FEEL FREE TO GET INTOUCH.
Veronica M Kramer(Vera Hill)~ Does anyone remember Mr. MacKenzie the History teacher from New Zealand. I was at Slateford Annex when I had him. He was an awesome teacher. Then I went to Longstone Annex,Stayed on Longstone Grove. Left there in 1963 to come to the states.Does anyone know what has happened to Carrickvale Secondary. That was our Secondary school,where does everyone go now? WEBTEAM REPLY _ Everyone goes to Firrhill High School Now. Carrickvale closed long ago.
Ted Wiseman January 2009 Hi. Just stumbled across your website. Very good I hope it flourishes as it deserves.I started in the old village school in 1948 and remember my first day vividly, well at least part of it. The queue of mothers round the perimeter of the playground and us kids getting our first feel for the slope of that playground. (a few skint knees there). Miss Wightman I think was the name of my first teacher. I should remember because I was in love with her until classmate Margaret McIntosh started talking to me. We lived in the Redhall prefabs which I thought were wonderful. Ours was the highest in the scheme and the view was impressive. We were the starting gate in the sledging season.Obviously the school was not big enough for the baby-boomer influx. We had to be shipped out.Others have mentioned the Annexe, Juniper Green and North Merchiston. I was also taught in the Slateford Public Hall near Inglis Green, which is now a Masonic lodge I think and finally the old Slateford school which is now the Water Of Leith exhibition centre. My final teacher was Mrs Lusk who sent me off pretty well prepared for what was ahead. Next door to us was the Mr Gibson who has a few mentions in other comments. He wasnt so bad. Just wanted to be sure we all knew he was in charge. He ran our football team with some success. I never made it to the new school. I delivered milk and rolls up the top of the hill and saw it being built. Maybe one day I’ll get a closer look.
James Hey~Hello folks, my name is James Hey I attended Longstone Primary School from 1945 to 1952. Starting of in the old village school then moving to the Red Hall Annex with Mrs Lusk as our teacher.I have lived in the USA since 1971 with my wife and 3 children and would like to know if any of the old gang are still in touch as we seemed to scatter to the four winds after school finished.Would like to here from anybody who is still around.
Ron Irvine ~Hi Class of ’54! Just accessed the new website – looking good. I am hoping some of my former class-mates and friends will remember me from the old school and the “new”.I was very friendly with Douglas Muir, who transferred to Heriot’s, and we were near neighbours, and stayed friendly until around 1958/59 after which time I had moved down to Peebles, (and was never as happy there as had been in Longstone). I also remember Stanley Reid, Alex Borthwick, Jacqueline ?,and other faces whose names have gone now.We were taught, in 1957, by a Miss Greig, and the Head was a Mrs Phillips.To this day, I have kept my old school tie! If any of the 1954 intake remember me, would really like to hear from you all and how Life is treating you.
Joe Miller~ I went to Longstone in 1950 which was in the old village then we went to juniper green then to merchiston then to the school at redhall. The headmaster was mr munro our teacher was miss murial lieshman hope to here from someone JOE MILLER
Eleanor Cowan ~went to longstone between 1951-1958 my teacher in p7 was Mr Thompson our headmaster was Mr Monro my best friend was Pat McLoed[MITZY] I still see now and then
Colin McDonald ~dont know where to start about good old Longstone,was there from 1956 and still live a stones throw away from the school we had a good football team with the earl brothers , podge mcleod, micky mcdonald, billy grubb,charlie murphy and many more that I just cant remember cause I am over the big 50 as well.
Robbie Hamilton Just saying Hello… I attended Longstone from 1947- 53 then went on to Pentlands Sec.Used to live in Redhall Place along with my Brother Eddie & Sister Lilian.Good to hear the school is still doing OK
Betty Merrilees ~I went to the old school in the village, then the Annexe, slateford school, North Merchiston, they were all annexes of the primary,before moving to the present school.we lived in the prefabs before moving to Redhall place,where my brother Ronald still lives.Miss Wightman was P1 teacher, coal fire in the classroom, outside toilets frozen in the winter!Mr Ross, Mrs.Nimmo were lovely, mostly happy days, with a good round education,I left to go to Pentlands and Boroughmuir.I planted a tree when the new school opened.mr. Goldie was the minister, he used to come into the school all the time. My mum was one of the school cleaners.Mr Munro was the head-master, I used to go for fags for him to Gaffs!!
Details ~ I have been trying to find out when coco the clown came to longstone school I was chosen to go on stage with him it was a memorable time for me but I can not remember what year it was I think it must have been about 1956/7 it even made the Scottish news on BBC. I could write a book about Longstone. I know nearly every name that is mentioned as I was born and bred in this great place that good I have never left it was in pre fabs first then moved to a stones throw from the school here are some names that have not been mentioned Davies McLean Davies Sinclair Charlie Murphy Billy Earl and all his brothers Davies Wilson who stayed opposite the school his father was a motorbike policeman Podge McLeod, Billy Grub I could go on a bit more but not want to bore you all.
Robert Laird December 2008 ~ I delivered milk to everyone in Longstone & Redhall who got their milk from the “Dummy” (the Edinburgh & Dumfrieshire Dairy).An early start,5.45am at the foot of Craiglockart Ave. and the run finished for us at Longstone Cottages at 8.00am.Six days a week, in all weathers, a double delivery on Saturday because Sunday was a day off. A lad….? Jackson who attended Longstone Primary was another of the boys on the buggy. I delivered milk until I left school in 1965.The only bad memory I have from my time at Longstone has to do with an accident I had in the play ground. Somone tripped me up as I was playing, I went face first into a water fountain that was mounted on the wall and smashed all my front teeth.To show how times have changed, when the teacher came and lifted me up that day, she shouted on an older boy to take me home.I remember being told I “fainted ” three times on the way down the hill.The doctor was called, I was hospitalised for a day with concussion and underwent fairly lengthy dental treatment. Apart from that!!! My time at Longstone was pretty decent.
Pat Macleod May 2008 ~ Started Longstone Primary 1951 in the village Mrs Scougal was our first teacher she was great. then Juniper Green,North Merchiston, Slateford then new school at Redhall.Mr Thompson was our teacher. Mr Munro was headmaster a lovely man. happy happy days.
Maria Koster (nee McKinnell) May 2008 ~ I was at Longstone Primary until I think about 1962 and Mr Gibson was my final year teacher. We had three sets of twins in our class, I think Robert and Alan Spence were one pair. My best friend was Sally Jarvis. I’d love to hear from some of my classmates, I have emailed a photo of our class. I have been living in South Africa since 1964.
Hazel Wright 26 February 2008 ~I have many happy memories of Longstone Primary between 1957 and 1964. Teachers – Mr Gibson, Miss Bastick, Miss Nicol. Classmates Rona Nussey, Christine Emslie. Barbara Fowler, Margaret Watson, Alastair Harrison, Gordon Macleod Rosemary Jackson, Tina Reid….. I also remember the lukewarm milk referred to by Norma Penman!
Norma Penman ~ November 2007 ~ I attended Longstone from 1958-1965. I loved school, but hated it when our small bottles of milk were frozen in winter! We defrosted them by the radiators.I remember some of the teachers as being very fair, but others as bordering on psychotic.I look forward to hearing more, would be great to hear from former school friends and neighbours.
Longstone Primary School 