Despite the dreich weather

Despite the dreich weather the unveiling ceremony at number six Brunton Place took place bang on time.

After saying a few words, District Gunner Edward McCarthy who fired the One o’ Clock Gun from 1968 -72 pulled the cord attached to the red velvet curtains covering the bronze plaque.

As Shannon the Cannon fired the One o' Clock Gun from the Castle and the time ball dropped, Blue the Association’s mascot fired his garrison gun and Corporal Scott played the pipes.

The reception at James Ritchie & Son (watch and clockmakers) was also a success. Sarah Boyack MSP said a few words on the clockmaking company which is over 200 years old. Among the guests were Richard Maudslay the direct descendant of the engineering firm which manufactured the lifting machinery for the Nelson Monument time ball, Colonel Huthwaite commanding officer of 105 Regt. R.A. (V.), Vincent Balfour secretary of the Astronomical Society of Edinburgh and his wife Ann.

Mark Levy of the Worshipful Company of Clockmakers and his wife also came back for a glass of wine and a sandwich. Unfortunately David Ritchie Watt the direct descendant of Frederick James Ritchie, his daughter and Cleo Jones of the City of Edinburgh Education Department could not attend the reception as they had other commitments. Although our piper Pipe Major Anderson was not on parade as he is due to go into hospital, his duties were carried out by Corporal Piper Scott.

The photograph showing Edward McCarthy, Blue and our Chairman Brian McKenzie was taken by John Lovie.