Leith and World War I - an important new historical record

I recently received this email from local historian Andrew Grant about Leith and the First World War, which I thought many Leithers (and others) might be interested in.

"After more than 2000 hours of research, collating evidence and editing images and other materials I have now handed over my portfolios relating to Leith casualties (and others associated with Leith) of the Great War to the Library Service. This contains details and analysis of the 2206 casualties noted in the Leith Roll of Honour and of an additional 351 others whom I tracked from other sources. In addition there is something like 5000 photographs and images. These include photographic obituaries noted in the 'Leith Observer', local and international memorials and individual panels; headstones of casualties here in Leith cemeteries and overseas (e.g. Flanders, Dardanelles, Jerusalem, Gaza). This information is now available for individuals researching family members who died in the conflict.

As Leith Library is undergoing alterations the material is meanwhile being held in the Edinburgh Room of the Central Library. In time it will be lodged in Leith Library.

In addition I have collated 151 poems from the Leith Observer written by Leithers and others on the home front or in the trenches. This is available from me on CD for £5.00 + postage. All proceeds are being donated to the Merchant Navy Memorial Trust (Scotland). This memorial is to be unveiled on the Shore on 16th. November 2010 by the Princess Royal following a service in South Leith Parish Church.

Anyone with particular interest or specific enquiries on Leith casualties or wishes a copy of the CD can contact me by email.:- aandmat72ew@blueyonder.co.uk "

There's also information on the Lothian Health Service archives website.

(Above from Andrew Grant)

I thought I would also post this link about the unveiling of the Merchant Navy memorial at Leith, last week, a very moving event.

And also some information about the Granton War Memorial from the Granton Local History Society, here.

Remembrance Sunday

Like most MPs, and no doubt hundreds of thousands others, up and down the country, I attended two remembrance day services this Sunday morning. First, at South Leith Parish Church, a well attended and moving service - and in the afternoon, the annual Remembrance commemoration in the Leith NHS Community Treatment Centre - held there because the Children's Wing of the old Leith Hospital was built as war memorial for those who died in the 1st world war.

Both reminders of those who died in the wars - and also their effects on those who at home and left behind. Reminders also of the horrors of war for all nations and peoples involved, and the need for the world community - and political leaders - to try and work for a more peaceful world.

History relaunched at Newhaven

At the launch of the Newhaven Skiff today - 200 turned out in pouring rain - see here to find out what it's about!

Burma 'elections' - Edinburgh support for democracy campaigners

Today being the day of the sham 'elections' in Burma, I thought it would be useful to remember that Edinburgh is one of the many cities throughout the world that has marked its support for democracy campaigners, by giving the freedom of the city to Aung San Suu Kyi. I took part in an initiative at Westminster to highlight the situation in Burma, see here.

And I thought I would also mention the long-running link between a number of Lothian schools and refugees from Burma in Thailand, which I have been honoured to have supported over the years.
UPDATE Aung San Suu Kyi has been released. Let's hope this is a move towards real democracy.