Tuesday 9th March ...
 Tuesday 9th March marks the anniversary of the death of Pat of the Seaforths. Pat would have been familiar with the sound of the One o’ Clock Gun as the Seaforths were stationed at Edinburgh Castle in the 1880’s.
No longer under the supervision of a Master Gunner, the time gun was maintained by Lieutenant Logie, Coast Brigade Officer. Pat had come to the attention of General Roberts during the Afghan War when the Irish terrier had gone to the aid of Lance Corporal Sellar.
The corporal was awarded the Victoria Cross for his part in the action. Every year, the medal was attached to Pat’s collar to mark the anniversary of the action on the Asmai Heights. Pat was also present at the Battle of Tel-el-Kebir when the British Army crossed the desert at night and attacked the Egyptian trenches.
When Pat died in 1888, the terrier was buried in the Dog’s Cemetery, Edinburgh Castle. Pat’s obituary was printed in ‘The Scotsman’.
The photograph of the painting of Pat was sent to us courtesy of the Trustees of The Highlanders Museum, Fort George, Inverness.
added 07-Mar-10 15:18
Exhibition is now running at Whitburn Library...
 The Association’s ‘Colour Sergeant & Greyfriars Bobby’ exhibition is now running at Whitburn Library, West Lothian.
Press reports at the time show that Colour Sergeant Scott was a very important person in the legendary dog's life. In 1865 an article in the ‘Ayrshire Express’ reported ‘During the inclement winter the year before last, Sergeant Scott, of the Royal Engineers. one of ‘Bob’s’ best friends, got him coaxed into his house for a night or two; but the dog was evidently unhappy, and soon returned to his quieter quarters under the tombstone.
Bob got to know Sergeant’s dinner hours to a minute. With military precision he would meet him at George IV Bridge at a certain hour each day, go home with him, and share his dinner.
In the afternoon, when Sergeant Scott prepared to return to the office, Bob would give him a ‘Scotch convoy’ a short distance past Greyfriars, give a farewell wag or two with his tail and trot away back to the graveyard.’ As the sergeant was a surveyor he may have been attached to the Ordnance Survey Office in Melbourne Place an extension of George IV Bridge.
The exhibition will be moving to Linlithgow and Prestonpans Libraries. when it finishes its run at Whitburn Library.
The Nelson Monument has been been awarded four stars by VisitScotland.
added 01-Mar-10 12:39
A preservation company ...
 A preservation company is presently working to restore the artillery carriages at Warrnambool, Australia.
The guns at Warrnambool, Moyne and Glenelg dating back to 1866 represent the largest collection of artillery pieces contained in a defensive network outside Australia’s major colonial ports and are now recognised as a national asset.
During the 19th century, the discovery of gold led the authorities to the conclusion that Australia's sea ports would require protection from attack by French, Russian or pirate cruisers. The first R.A. gunners landed in Sydney in 1858. R.A. gunners were stationed in Australia until 1870.
Peter Abbott,Tourism Manager at Flagstaff Hill, Warrnambool sent us the photograph of the 80 pounder firing at night on Friday 5th February.
The City of Edinburgh Planning Department and Sue Thompson the owner of the property at 6 Brunton Place, Edinburgh have given the Association permission to place a plaque on the building where Frederick James Ritchie the clockmaker who designed the clock which fired the One o’ Clock Gun resided.
Donations would be most welcome and should be sent to: John Lovie, Treasurer, One o’ Clock Gun & Time Ball Asscn, 30 Coupar Avenue, North Berwick, East Lothian, EH39 4DX. The names of contributors will be placed on the website.
added 21-Feb-10 15:40
Sunday 21st February...
 Sunday 21st February marks the 110th anniversary of the death of Professor Charles Piazzi Smyth who worked with Frederick James Ritchie and Chief Master Gunner Findlay to set up of the One o’ Clock Gun.
Following experiments at Edinburgh Castle early in 1861, it was decided to place the time gun on the Half Moon Battery. The professor and his assistants travelled all over Edinburgh and down to Leith Docks to find out how well the sound of the gun could be heard throughout the city. Although mariners on ships lying in the Firth of Forth required binoculars to spot the time ball falling at one, in addition to hearing the sound of the gun, it was possible to see the white puff of smoke.
The Jones clock adapted by Frederick James Ritchie to fire the One o’ Clock Gun was supplied by James Ritchie & Son at the company’s expense. This was a shrewd move which led to international recognition for the firm as the company received orders from observatories in Russia and the United States.
The photograph taken by Professor Piazzi Smyth in 1876 shows the One o’ Clock Gun firing from the Half Moon Battery. Judging by the angle of the photograph, the professor must have stood on top of the wall surrounding the observatory when taking the shot.
The photograph is reproduced by permission of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (The RSE’s Piazzi Smyth Bequest is held on deposit at the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh).
added 13-Feb-10 16:52
Rob Bolton and Les Howie’s new book ...
 Rob Bolton and Les Howie’s new book ‘Wilder than Panthers and as ignorant as the Heathens’ is well worth getting.
In addition to explaining how the juvenile Shoe-Blacks, Industrial Brigades and Training Ships crews were formed, it tells how the cadet units which led to the formation of the Boys’ Brigade originated.
Both the Ulbster Juvenile Volunteers and the British League Cadets were formed in Edinburgh when the One o’ Clock Gun was being set up. The well designed and illustrated book contains a photograph of the Sinclair Fountain which stood outside St. John’s Episcopal Church in Princes Street.
Although the fountain which was gifted to the city by Catherine Sinclair the founder of the Ulbster Juvenile Volunteers now lies in one of Edinburgh City Council’s warehouses, a section can still be seen, as it was incorporated into the Boys' Brigade memorial which stands on the Water of Leith Walkway.
This extremely interesting book costing £10.00 plus £2.00 p & p. is available from: Rob Bolton, 116 Aldridge Road, Little Aston, Aldridge, Walsall, WS9 0PF. Cheques should be made payable to: ‘R. Bolton’.
added 07-Feb-10 22:13
The first ceremonial salute...
 The first ceremonial salute of the year to mark the anniversary of the accession of HM The Queen takes place on Saturday, 6th February.
The salute to mark the Coronation was fired by 278 (Lowland) Field Regiment (TA) on 3rd June 1953 from the Half Moon Battery.
Salutes are now fired from the Mills Mount Battery. Members of the public should be at the Castle by 11.30 pm, half an hour before the salute. Lt. Colonel C.S. Huthwate, 105’s new colonel will be taking the salute. The photograph shows Corporal Moffat 105’s official piper on the Mills Mount Battery.
BBC Two is launching a new series this year featuring the nation’s history as seen through the eyes of the British public. The Home Movie Roadshow will travel the U.K. searching for amateur footage shot during the last seventy years including the Edinburgh Festival, Royal events, local festivals, parades, political demonstrations and people who later became famous such as sports personalities or pop stars.
The production team is also looking for film showing the construction and opening of important buildings, Beatlemania, weddings, hobbies, birthday parties plus footage featuring local industries from ship building to cider making. The production team is keen to find out what individuals or organisations think is important and deserves to be seen on the small screen.
Details of footage which can be submitted in any format should be sent to laura.millward@diverse.tv or you can contact the team on 0203 189 3230. A fee will be paid for any clips used in the series.
added 31-Jan-10 10:13
In 2002 William E. Irwin...
 In 2002 William E. Irwin sent the Association biographical information on his great grandfather Master Gunner Thomas James Irwin.
Thomas was born in Ireland in 1835 where his Scots-born father was serving as an officer in the Irish Constabulary. Joining the Royal Artillery, Gunner Irwin married Jane Herdman in 1860 while he was stationed at Leith Fort.
The couple lived in married quarters at 8 Annsfield, Newhaven, not far from the barracks. Transferred to Dumbarton Castle, Bombardier Irwin rose to the rank of Master Gunner.
On leaving the Army, Thomas became the owner of the Ship’s Inn which was situated at no. 1 Quay Street, Dumbarton before emigrating to the Assiniboia Territory, Canada.
Master Gunner Irwin and his wife had eleven children. We’d be interested to hear from anyone who might have further information on the gunner as he may have fired the One o’ Clock Gun while stationed at Leith Fort.
Our archivist John Bodsworth reckons that Master Gunner Irwin is wearing the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
added 23-Jan-10 09:54
Due to the cold weather...
 Due to the cold weather fewer people turned up at Greyfriars Bobby’s memorial ceremony than expected. The Association’s Chairman Brian McKenzie said a few words on the close connection between the world famous dog and Colour Sergeant Scott.
After Sergeant Shannon the District Gunner fired the time gun, the Association’s mascot Blue laid a wreath, while Pipe Major Anderson played a lament.
Among the guests at the buffet following the ceremony held in the George Washington Browne Room at the Central Library were Fiona Rankin and Chiari Roncini from Edinburgh World Heritage and Kirsten McKee researcher for the Calton Hill project.
Vincent Balfour secretary of the Astronomical Society of Edinburgh and his wife Ann also attended the ceremony. The event was covered by Scottish Television and appeared on the channel’s news programme that night.
Next year’s ceremony will be a special occasion as 2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the setting up of the One o’ Clock Gun. The committee would like to thank the staff at the Central Library for their help in setting up the buffet.
The photograph courtesy of David Rintoul shows John Lovie the Association's treasurer handing the wreath to Blue.
added 18-Jan-10 13:31
Greyfriars Bobby Day...
 Greyfriars Bobby Day takes place on Thursday 14th January.
The dog who used the sound of the One o’ Clock Gun as a signal to go for his dinner was friendly with Colour Sergeant Donald McNab Scott who lodged at 28 Candlemaker Row next to Greyfriars Kirk.
The n.c.o. was a member of no. 14 Survey Company, one of the four Royal Engineer companies assigned to carry out the survey of the British Isles. According to an article which appreared in the ‘Ayr Express’ in 1865, Bobby would meet the sergeant at George IV Bridge not far from his lodgings and go home with him for a meal.
Although it’s assumed that the sergeant worked at Edinburgh Castle, the Ordnance Survey Office was situated at Melbourne Place which was then an extension of George IV Bridge and the n.c.o. may have been working there.
After leaving the Army, Donald was employed in a civilian capacity at Edinburgh Castle.
The engraving shows the northern end of George IV Bridge where the street connected with Melbourne Place.
added 09-Jan-10 15:13
All the best for 2010...
 2009 proved a very good year for the Association thanks to the excellent advice and support we received from Edinburgh World Heritage, Historic Scotland, Edinburgh City Council and EVOC.
I’d also like to thank the committee for the hard work they’ve put in during the past year, especially the ladies responsible for the catering arrangements which turn our events into such special occasions, plus the members of the public who regularly support our exhibitions.
I hope I’ve proved worthy of my predecessors Staff Sergeant McKay MBE, John Simpson MA and Sergeant Shannon during my term as Chairman. We’ve got a full programme arranged for this year starting with Greyfriars Bobby Day on 14th January.
Members should assemble at Bobby’s memorial stone, Greyfriars Kirk at 12.30 pm.
Looking forward to seeing you on the 14th.
All the best for 2010,
Brian McKenzie
Chairman
One o’ Clock Gun & Time Ball Association
added 04-Jan-10 13:36
In days gone by...
 In days gone by, before the arrival of the telly changed the tradition, the citizens of Edinburgh would gather at the Tron Kirk on Hogmanay to welcome the New Year.
They would then go first footing which meant visiting their friends and neighbours to wish them good luck for the coming year.
As Big Ben strikes midnight, Sergeant Shannon will be firing Mons Meg from the Castle to announce the arrival of the new decade while Edinburgh City Council has invited the One o' Clock Gun & Time Ball Association’s Chairman to drop the time ball on the Nelson Monument.
If you’re planning to visit the Calton Hill to see the U.K.’s finest firework display on New Year’s Eve don’t hesitate to introduce yourself to Brian and wish him a happy New Year. Blue the Association’s mascot won’t be helping Brian out as he traditionally brings the New Year in at Buckie.
The Chairman and Committee hope you keep healthy and have lots of good luck during the coming year.
added 31-Dec-09 11:29
Entertainment centre of the town...
 During the 19th century the Grassmarket was the entertainment centre of the town. The military bands of the regiments stationed at the Castle would play on the fortress’s Half Moon Battery overlooking the busy marketplace.
In addition to the penny sideshows, performing animals, acrobats and street musicians, Wombwell’s Menagerie came to the Grassmarket annually during the festive season. The pupils from Heriot’s situated on the north side of the market place would climb over the school wall to visit the travelling zoo.
When the time gun which was then situated on the Half Moon Battery went off at one, the loud bang must have alarmed the animals.
The Association’s treasurer John Lovie has taken a look at Frederick James Ritchie’s headstone and reckons it can be cleaned and the lettering refurbished.
Click on to edinburghschristmas.com for details of the capital’s Christmas events.
added 20-Dec-09 07:23
Buffalo Bill Cody’s trip to Edinburgh Castle...
 Tuesday 15th December marks the anniversary of Buffalo Bill Cody’s trip to Edinburgh Castle.
During 1892 Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show spent a season at the East End Exhibition Buildings at Dennistoun, Glasgow. The world famous showman decided to come through to the capital for the day.
Although it’s not recorded if he saw the One o’ Clock Gun in action, he must have seen the time gun and possibly spoken to Sergeant Richard Roberts who was in charge of the gun at that time.
In addition to touring the Castle, Colonel Cody visited Holyroodhouse and the Calton Hill where he would have seen the Nelson Monument. The time ball on the monument would have been a familiar sight to Bill as time balls were situated in towns and ports all over the world during the 19th century.
The world famous frontiersman who was used to the Wild West's panoramic views was overwhelmed by the views from the Calton Hill according to the press.
Illustration of the Wild West Show’s official programme cover courtesy of the Tom Cunningham Collection. tom@tnais.com
added 12-Dec-09 10:43
Photographs of the Nelson Monument...
 Photographs of the Nelson Monument information display panels can now be seen on the website's Pictures section.
Designed by Studioarc, the panels tell the story of the Battle of Trafalgar, the building of the monument and the setting up of the time ball. The Association worked with Edinburgh World Heritage and Edinburgh City Council to apply for funding to restore the monument.
The Association’s allocation from the Heritage Lottery grant was used to commission the information boards.
The James Ritchie & Son exhibition ends this week at Leith Library. Ian Anderson the managing director has asked the Association to set up the exhibition at James Ritchie & Son's premises at 35a Dundas Street in June where it will run until the end of the Edinburgh Festival.
The photograph taken by David Rintoul shows Pipe Major Anderson the Association’s piper playing outside Leith Library.
The ceremony to commemorate the death of Greyfriars Bobby will take place on Thursday, 14th January at Bobby’s memorial stone. Full details can be found on the official Greyfriars Bobby website: www.greyfriarsbobby.co.uk
added 07-Dec-09 08:37
Frederick James Ritchie’s headstone...
 Frederick James Ritchie’s headstone has been located thanks to Stuart Fagan, Edinburgh City Council Cemeteries Manager. Although the committee was aware that the clockmaker was buried in Rosebank Cemetery, efforts to find the headstone proved unsuccessful.
The headstone is in good condition except for the inscriptions which are difficult to read but our treasurer John Lovie reckons that the lettering can be refurbished.
In addition to designing many of the city’s public clocks, Frederick James Ritchie designed the mechanism for the Floral Clock in West Princes Street Gardens. When he died at the age of seventy eight in 1906 he was buried facing the Nelson Monument which is situated approximately one and a half miles south east of Rosebank Cemetery. The Nelson Monument can no longer be seen from the headstone’s position as an apartment building now stands outside the south wall of the cemetery.
The secretary has contacted D.R. Watt a descendant of the clockmaker for permission to have the headstone cleaned. Photograph courtesy of John Lovie.
The website now features a section on James Ritchie & Son public clocks. We’d be glad to hear from anyone who has information or photographs of the company’s public clocks for the website as they were set up in towns and cities all over the world.
added 30-Nov-09 10:06
The Clockie Ritchie exhibition at Leith Library...
 The Clockie Ritchie exhibition was opened last Saturday at Leith Library, Ferry Road by Mark Lazarowicz M.P. Mark's introduction was followed by a few words from Andrew Laing the managing director of Laing’s Foundry who explained how the Nelson Monument time ball was recently repaired.
Andrew has loaned the Association a section of the metal shell from the old time ball, the button from the mast and various pieces for the exhibition plus a 1914 penny found by one of the company’s craftsmen under the winding platform.
Ian Anderson the managing director of James Ritchie’s household clock division and D.R. Watt a direct descendant of Frederick James Ritchie were also at the opening.
A first class buffet was provided by committee members Kit Lovie and Stella McKenzie while the raffle was run by Ian Paxton and his sister Cath.
Our mascot Blue and the One o’ Clock Gun & Time Ball Association’s piper Pipe Major Anderson were also present. The Association would like to thank Jill Marple Leith Library’s team leader and her staff for their help in setting up the exhibition which runs until 14th December.
The photograph taken by David Rintoul shows our Chairman Brian MacKenzie, Andrew Laing and Mark Lazarowicz M.P.
added 23-Nov-09 07:59
Staff Sergeant Tam McKay M.B.E., Anniversary...
 Tuesday 17th November marks the anniversary of the death Staff Sergeant Tam McKay M.B.E.
Over ten years ago Tam had the idea of marking the millennium by putting on a three month exhibition at Edinburgh Castle featuring the One o’ Clock Gun.
Recruiting the present secretary of the One o’ Clock Gun & Time Ball Association, Tam and George were soon joined by an enthusiastic squad of volunteers with an interest in the city’s history - John Dallas, Neil Primrose, Graham Rule, John Simpson and John Thomson.
After receiving a £30,000 Heritage Lottery grant Tam’s time team was offered a store room under the Mills Mount Battery by Historic Scotland. The three month exhibition is still running and is a permanent feature at the Castle. Mark Lazarowicz M.P will open the ‘James Ritchie & Son Clockmakers 1809- 2009’ exhibition at Leith Library, Ferry Road on Saturday, 21st November at 10.30 am.
Our mascot Blue will be on parade with his cannon having just returned from his winter break.
Any member of the public bringing along a Ritchie’s watch will be invited to the buffet.
The photograph shows John Dallas and John Simpson toasting Tam at the opening of the One o' Clock Gun Exhibition.
Photograph courtesy of David Liddle
added 16-Nov-09 08:19
Mons Meg’s wheel...
 A metal band round one of Mons Meg’s wheels has begun to bend out of shape due to the weight of the massive barrel and carriage.
Two mini-cranes have been used to hoist the giant cannon off the ground to allow experts from Historic Scotland to restore the damaged wheel.
Muckle Meg was last fired in 1680 to mark the arrival of James Duke of Albany and York to the capital. Unfortunately the barrel burst. Meg was taken to the Tower of London in 1754 but she was not returned until 1829 thanks to the influence of Sir Walter Scott who had friends in high places.
Meg is fired electrically on Hogmanay by the District Gunner to welcome the new year which leads to the belief that she’s the One o’ Clock Gun.
105 Regt. R.A. T.A. will fire a Royal Salute at noon on Saturday 14th November at Edinburgh Castle to mark the birthday of H.R.H. Prince Charles.
The Clockie Ritchie exhibition will open at Leith Library on Saturday 21st November at 10.30 am. The One o’ Clock Gun & Time Ball Association’s catering manager Kit Lovie and her team will be providing a buffet for invited guests.
added 09-Nov-09 08:13
Exhibition ended it’s run...
 The James Ritchie Clockmakers 1809-2009 exhibition ended it’s run at the Central Library on Saturday. The exhibition was successful as it brought the public’s attention to the company’s long history and it’s important connection with the capital.
The exhibition will move to Leith Library where it will open on Saturday 21st November and run until the end of December. Nick Sanders has made a first class recovery from his recent operation, Nick was taken into hospital before he had the chance to wire up his time ball model for the opening. Photograph courtesy of David Rintoul.
We’ve heard from Murray Thomson from Auckland, New Zealand. He’s looking for biographical details of his great uncle District Gunner Robert Thomson who maintained the One o’ Clock Gun for fifteen years before and after the Second World War.
District Gunner Thomson's photograph can be seen on the Gunner’s Blog 9.10.09. Can anyone help?
added 02-Nov-09 09:51
Admiral Nelson’s famous signal...
 Admiral Nelson’s famous signal failed to fly from the Nelson Monument on Wednesday the 21st.
According to the company contracted to set up the flags, as one of the two horizontal fibreglass flagpoles was being placed in position, a sudden gust of wind broke the pole.
While the White Ensign fluttered proudly from the top mast. the ceremony to commemorate the epic sea battle went ahead. As the city’s church bells pealed eleven, former RNVR officer Andrew Kerr representing HMS Claverhouse Officer’s Association hung an anchor-shaped wreath made from poppies on the wall to the right of the monument’s front door.
Dorothy Marsh the Keeper of Conservation for City of Edinburgh Council, Margaret McLaughlan the custodian, the Secretary of the One o’ Clock Gun & Time Ball Association and two Park Rangers attended the ceremony.
Visitor figures to the Nelson Monument have shot up following the refurbishment of the tower and the time ball. The 'James Ritchie & Son Clockmakers 1809 - 2009' exhibition is still receiving a lot of attention from the public.
We've also received the good news that Nick Sanders who made the model time ball which can been seen in the exhibition has now recovered from his recent operation and is fighting fit.
added 26-Oct-09 09:03
 The opening of the ‘James Ritchie & Son 1809-2009 ’ exhibition...
The opening of the ‘James Ritchie & Son 1809-2009 ’ exhibition went very well. In addition to the managing director Alan Wilson, a few of the firm’s former employees attended the opening.
added 19-Oct-09 11:55
The opening of the...
The opening of the ‘James Ritchie & Son Clockmakers’ exhibition marking the firm’s 200th anniversary will open at the Central Library, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh on Saturday 17th October at 10.30 am.
added 09-Oct-09 09:50
 World Animal Day Walk...
The Association’s walk to mark World Animal Day was a success as the weather turned out to be bright and sunny.
added 05-Oct-09 08:15
 The Time Ball & Battle of Trafalgar exhibition...
The Time Ball & Battle of Trafalgar exhibition at the Nelson Monument opened to the public on Saturday 26th September.
added 27-Sep-09 12:55
 Only two weeks to go...
Only two weeks to go to the World Animal Day Walk on Sunday 4th October. Animal lovers and their pets should assemble at Bum’s statue in West Princes Street Gardens (King’s Stables Road) at 1.30 pm.
added 19-Sep-09 20:06
 The campaign to advertise World Animal Day...
The campaign to advertise World Animal Day was launched outside Jennie Ha’s pub in the Royal Mile on Sunday morning. An ‘Evening News’ photographer took shots of our Chairman Brian McKenzie and our mascot Blue, while Association member Gavin Lovie took shots at Edinburgh Castle, Holyroodhouse and Bobby’s drinking fountain.
added 14-Sep-09 12:33
World Animal Day...
World Animal Day is only a few weeks away. Animal lovers wishing to take part in the Greyfriars Bobby Walk are invited to dress in Victorian costume, bring their pets and assemble at Bum’s statue in Princes Street Gardens at 1.30 pm on Sunday 4th October.
added 06-Sep-09 09:23
This week’s photograph...
This week’s photograph shows Jonathon Simpson one of the four pipers provided by Reel Time Events to welcome visitors to Edinburgh Castle, play on the ramparts and pipe the District Gunner as he marches across the Mills Mount Battery to fire the time gun at one o’clock (check out roddythepiper).
added 29-Aug-09 15:13
Pipe Major Bob Anderson...
Pipe Major Bob Anderson the Association’s piper has received the good news that the operation on his hand has been successful. The photograph shows Pipe Major Anderson playing at the ceremony to launch the Royal Regiment of Scotland exhibition at the Central Library, Edinburgh.
added 22-Aug-09 21:17
We’ve heard from Jay Wilson’s dad John...
We’ve heard from Jay Wilson’s dad John. Although Jay's now a second year pupil at Hamilton College he's still keen on the One o’clock Gun and keeps in touch with Sergeant Shannon the District Gunner.
added 17-Aug-09 08:02
The name of the Association has now been changed...
As can be seen on the banner, the name of the Association has now been changed.
Although the new name is a bit of a mouthful, the committee felt that as we are now involved in setting up a time ball exhibition at the Nelson Monument in collaboration with Edinburgh World Heritage and the City of Edinburgh Council, the new title is appropriate.
added 09-Aug-09 21:07
 The Royal Regiment of Scotland exhibition...
The Royal Regiment of Scotland exhibition set up to publicise Military Heritage Scotland’s project to build a national military museum on the Clyde opened at the Mitchell Library, Glasgow last Friday.
added 02-Aug-09 11:54
We’ve heard from Rob Romano of the Whitehaven Gun Team....
The time gun which stands on the port’s harbour quay is normally fired every Friday at 1.00 pm. In addition to being fired on naval and military occasions such as Rememberance Day, the gun can also be fired by members of the public to celebrate birthdays or weddings.
added 18-Jul-09 20:24
Anniversary of the death of Chief Master Gunner Findlay...
Saturday 18th July marks the anniversary of the death of Chief Master Gunner Findlay. The gunner worked with Professor Piazzi Smyth and Frederick James Ritchie to set up the One o’clock Gun in 1861.
added 11-Jul-09 12:30
The time ball and mast...
The time ball and mast were successfully lowered into position on the Nelson Monument on Tuesday, June 30th. Although City Museums Manager Frank Little was on the hill to witness the historic event, Dorothy Marsh the city’s Keeper of Conservation could not be present as she was on holiday.
added 30-Jun-09 21:39
Nelson Monument Time Ball...
The time ball will be set up on the Nelson Monument on Tuesday June 30th. The tricky operation of re-positioning the mast and ball on top of the tower will be cancelled if the wind force proves too strong.
added 29-Jun-09 08:03
 The Chairman of the One o’clock Gun Association...
Brian McKenzie lives with his wife Stella at South Queensferry, West Lothian. Brian who was born in North Berwick, East Lothian enlisted in the RAF straight from school. During his career he was stationed in Madagascar and Kenya.
added 24-Jun-09 08:46
The One o’clock Gun Association’s A.G.M....
The One o’clock Gun Association’s A.G.M. was held at the Thistle Hotel, 59 Manor Place, Edinburgh on Sunday, 31st May. In spite of the good weather there was fair turnout of members. Unfortunately although John and Ellen Thomson are on holiday in the capital just now they couldn’t make the meeting as Ellen was feeling unwell after their long flight from Canada.
added 11-Jun-09 16:34
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