The firing of the One o' Clock Gun

The firing of the One o' Clock Gun on Wednesday, 10th November announced the commencement of two ceremonies on either side of the Atlantic.

The event at the San Diego dog’s statue in West Princes Street Gardens, Edinburgh took place in brilliant sunshine while a similar ceremony took place in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego, California, U.S.A.

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, John C. Wilson chairman of the Edinburgh / San Diego Sister City Association and Brian McKenzie the chairman of the One o’ Clock Gun & Time Ball Association said a few words after Sergeant Shannon the District Gunner fired the time gun bang on one o' clock. A proclamation from the Mayor of San Diego was read out.

A similar event was held at Bum’s statue in San Diego at exactly the same time.

Pipe Major Anderson played for the ceremony. Following the gathering at Bum's statue, tea and scones were served in the Lindisfarne Room, St. Cuthbert’s Church where OCGTA member Isobel Skeldon entertained the guests with the Legend of Greyfriars Bobby.

OCGTA member Ian Paxton's One o' Clock Gun cake baked specially to mark the occasion was much admired by the guests.

The photograph taken by John Lovie shows the Lord Provost, John C. Wilson. Brian McKenzie and Bombardier Blue proudly showing off his new stripes.