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.
One o’ Clock Gun & Time Ball Association member D.R. Watt whose mother belonged to the Ritchie family was also present.
Sarah Boyack MSP in her introduction said that she was surprised that this was the first time an exhibition featuring the firm had been set up as ‘Clockie’ Ritchie’s had such a famous history.
The Association’s hardworking catering team’s first class buffet was much appreciated by the guests. Each guest was presented with a commemorative pen to mark the occasion.
The Central Library staff were totally helpful as usual in addition to joining in the spirit of the occasion.
The firm has produced an attractive Commemorative clock to mark it’s 200th anniversary. Details can be found on the company’s website: info@jamesritchiecclockmakers.com
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.
The exhibition will be opened by Sarah Boyack MSP. Sarah will be assisted by Blue the Association’s mascot who is coming up from North Berwick to fire his cannon.
The world famous clockmaking company founded by James Ritchie at the beginning of the 19th century is still in business and Alan Wilson the director will be at the opening along with employees past and present. The firm was responsible for designing and maintaining the clocks which supplied the time to the Nelson Monument time ball and the One o’ Clock Gun.
Nick Sanders has loaned his working time ball model for the exhibition. Nick’s working diorama of the time ball in the One o’ Clock Gun Exhibition at Edinburgh Castle has fascinated visitors to the fortress since the exhibition opened ten years ago and like James Ritchie & Son, Nick's model is still going strong.
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.
The walkers and their pets left Bum’s statue bang on time escorted by Sergeant Hewitt of the Lothians & Border Police, his officers and three motor cyclists.
The procession led by Sarah Boyack MSP, Brian McKenzie and Blue accompanied by our piper Pipe Major Anderson marched through the Grassmarket at a cracking pace reaching Greyfriars Kirkyard in record time.
Sarah said a few words at Bobby’s memorial stone and photographs were taken by the tourists and press.
The Association would like to thank Morag Stevenson of the City of Edinburgh Council events department, the Parks department and the Lothians & Border Police for their help and guidance in arranging the event.
A meeting has already been held to plan next year’s World Animal Day walk.
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.
As it co-incided with the city’s annual Open Doors Day events, the custodian Margaret McLaughlan had to cope with a long queue of locals and visitors keen to see the newly refurbished monument.
The queue grew longer and longer due to the visitors taking time to study the first class display boards designed by Lyndsey Bowditch’s team at Studioarc. Two re-enactment actors, one dressed as naval veteran John Doig who served as a powder monkey on HMS. Victory during the Battle of Trafalgar entertained the waiting crowds, while his female companion dressed as Mrs Kerr the monument’s first caretaker welcomed visitors at the front door.
David Hicks of Edinburgh World Heritage was on hand to make sure that the opening went smoothly. David’s colleague David McDonald who also worked on the project is moving to a new job. David a loyal supporter of the One o’ Clock Gun & Time Ball Association will be greatly missed.
Only a few days to go to World Animal Day. Don’t forget to turn up with your pet at Bum’s statue at 1.30 pm on Sunday 4th October.
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.
If you feel like dressing up, Victorian costume would suit the occasion. If you don’t feel like wearing the full rigout, a top hat, bowler hat or deerstalker would fit the bill. Highland dress would also fit the occasion, while female walkers may like to turn up in a bonnet and shawl.
It’s appropriate that the Walk should start at Bum’s statue and end at Greyfriars Bobby’s memorial stone as both dogs were strays and cared for by the community. Don’t forget to to bring a plastic bag as the Parks Department has instructed us to leave the area around Bum’s statue as tidy as it was before we arrived.
The photograph of Bum’s statue was taken by Gavin Lovie.
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.
Gavin's photograph shows Brian and Blue with the Royal Scots Association Pipe Band outside Whitefoord House in the Canongate.
The Secretary and the Treasurer had a first class meeting with Alan Wilson the Director of Ritchies & Son at the firm’s Broxburn headquarters on Friday.
Alan has loaned the Association a selection of photographs showing the firm’s outdoor clocks for the time ball exhibition at the Central Library next month.
Ritchies is also lending two outdoor clock mechanisms for the exhibition while Nick Sanders is lending his working time ball model for the display.
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.
Brian McKenzie our Chairman dressed as Colour Sergeant Scott R.E. accompanied by our mascot Blue and Pipe Major Anderson our official piper will lead the procession to Greyfriars Bobby’s memorial stone in Greyfriars Kirkyard via the Grassmarket and Candlemaker Row.
This is the first time World Animal Day has been celebrated in Scotland. We’ve received the news that David Rintoul one of the One o' Clock Gun & Time Ball Association’s staunchest supporters has been awarded the Sir William Y. Darling Award for Good Citizenship.
The award will be presented to David at the City Chambers on Tuesday, 8th September.
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).
Jonathon who plays with Boghall & Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band has played at events all over the world visiting countries such as Belgium, Canada, Japan, Russia and Switzerland.
If you’ve a wedding or special event coming up and are looking for a piper contact Reel Time Events: events@reel-time.co.uk.
The testing of the time ball on Thursday 27th August was successful. The time ball slid gracefully down the mast while the mechanism operates like clockwork.
The scaffolding on the tower has nearly been dismantled and work on the Monument should be finished by the middle of September.
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.
Permission has now been received from the Lothian & Borders Police Events unit to hold an event to mark World Animal Day on Sunday 4th October. Along with Brian McKenzie and Blue the Association’s mascot, Bob will be leading the Walk from King’s Stables Road via the Grassmarket to Greyfriars Kirk.
The meeting last Thursday with Lorna McEwan and Jennifer Roxburgh of Historic Scotland’s Interpretation Unit went well.
There’s to be an official ceremony to mark the refurbishment of the One o’clock Gun Exhibition possibly in October.
Jen has applied for permission for Blue to cross the drawbridge as only guide dogs are allowed into the fortress.
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.
Jay’s photograph showing him kitted out in gunner’s uniform can be seen in our Personalities section. In addition to playing the pipes, Jay now has a set of drums.
The scaffolding on the Nelson Monument is gradually being taken down. The job should be finished by the end of the month and Dorothy Marsh the Keeper of Conservation at the City of Edinburgh Council tells us that work has restarted on James Craig’s House which stands not far from the Monument.
John and Kit Lovie and our mascot Blue are presently on holiday. Not sure whether to go to Portobello or Portsoy, John and Kit who live in North Berwick tossed a coin and decided on the latter. Blue is enjoying himself as he’s benefiting from the change of sea air and extra walks.
If you see a couple sitting on the beach with a small dog which looks like Greyfriars Bobby go and have a chat. Like Blue, John won’t bite you.
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.
When the time gun was proposed, the intention was to place it on the Calton Hill. As the sound of the gun going off would have upset the observatory’s instruments, the gun was sited on the Half Moon Battery, Edinburgh Castle and connected to the observatory by an electric wire over 4,000 feet long.
The scaffolding inside the monument is preventing the time ball from being operated at present but as the project is on schedule it should be back in service in a couple of weeks.
The Association’s Greyfriars Bobby exhibition at the Edinburgh Room, Central Library is attracting a lot of attention and may be moving to the Mitchell Library, Glasgow at some time in the near future.
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.
The exhibition designed by military historian John Bodsworth a MHS committee member has already proved to be a great success with the public during it’s run at the Central Library, Edinburgh earlier this year. The exhibition which was visited by the Lord Provost of Glasgow runs until Saturday 22nd August is definitely worth seeing as it contains the combat uniforms currently worn by the Royal Jocks in Afghanistan.
The One o’clock Gun Association’s Greyfriars Bobby exhibition opens at the Central Library this week. The exhibition set up to publicise World Animal Day on October 4th features the connection between Colour Sergeant Scott and the world famous dog.
Photograph supplied by John Bodsworth the One o’clock Gun Association’s archivist.
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.
The novice gunners are instructed in the necessary safety procedures required to fire the gun and after firing are issued with an Honorary Whitehaven Gunner’s certificate.
The photograph of the Whitehaven time gun was sent by Rob. Visitors from all over the world will be arriving in Edinburgh for the Gathering which takes place in the Queen’s Park this weekend.
Visitors to our One o’clock Gun Exhibition at Edinburgh Castle should ask to speak to Sgt. Shannon the District Gunner. If he’s not too busy he’ll give you a run down on the time gun’s history
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.
Although he was given a full military funeral like the wives of many Army veterans, his widow could not afford to provide a headstone for her husband. Nearly a century and a half later, thanks to Patricia Neish a direct decendant of the gunner, a headstone was set up in St. Cuthbert’s graveyard.
In June 2006 the One o’clock Gun Association held a ceremony at the cemetery to unveil the headstone. The photograph shows the District Gunner Sgt. Shannon with the Colour Party following the historic event.
Visitors from all over the world will be arriving in Scotland to take part in the Gathering which takes place on the 25th and 26th July in the Queen’s Park. We recommend that gunners and visitors interested in the history of Edinburgh Castle pay a visit to the historic church which is situated at the city’s west end.
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.
In addition to Dorothy’s assistant Paul MacCauley, also directing operations were the Director of James Ritchie & Son, Alan Wilson whose firm has been connected with the time ball for over 150 years and Andrew Laing from Charles Laing & Son who renovated the time ball.
Communications Manager David Hicks of Edinburgh World Heritage the organisation responsible for raising the funding for the project also on the hill, while Fiona Devlin the city’s Community Parks Officer kept an eye on the operation to ensure that the trees and bushes surrounding the monument were not damaged. As there was no wind, the time ball was lifted off the lorry by a Forsyth of Denny’s crane and expertly lowered into place.
The work on the monument is five weeks ahead of schedule and it should not be long until the scaffolding is removed.
Photograph courtesy of Edinburgh World Heritage.
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.
The site manager Calum Duke of Forth Stone took the Association’s secretary up on to the tower roof last Thursday to show him how the work was progressing. Calum is a mine of information on the project as he has a great interest in the city’s architectural history. Calum’s son Nick is also part of the six-man squad working on the restoration of the tower. Inside the monument the lifting mechanism column has been set in place complete with brand new gear wheels. The precision work was carried out by Ritchie’s who are now based at Broxburn, West Lothian.
The firm which was involved in setting up the time ball in the 1850’s is celebrating the anniversary of it’s founding this year.
An operator from the firm will continue to wind up and drop the ball maintaining a tradition which has lasted 150 years.
The time ball was refurbished at the workshops of Charles Laing & Sons, Beaverbank Place, Edinburgh.The photograph supplied by the firm shows the structure of the ball. The covering will be painted black just as it was when it was originally set up on the Nelson Monument to signal the time to ships lying in the Firth of Forth.
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.
The Secretary and Treasurer had a first class meeting with an advisor at EVOC’s HQ last week. The Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council is fully behind the Association and is liasing with OSCR to help process our application for charitable funding status.
We also received a letter this week from Sarah Boyack MSP confirming her support for the Association’s activities. John and Ellen Thomson have now returned to Canada. Ellen was unfortunately confined to her hotel room during her stay with a bad cold which may have been due to a jet of cold air from a vent on the aircraft during the journey over.
Before the couple left to return home, the Association presented Ellen with a model of the Greyfriars Bobby pub.
The Nelson Monument time ball project is still on schedule although the mast and a number of the bolts will have to be replaced.
added 24-Jun-09 08:46
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.
The secretary and treasurer had an excellent interview with the OSCAR advisors at the organisation’s Dundee headquarters on Monday 8th June. The committee has been advised to make a few changes to the constitution which will help our application for charitable status.
Plans are on schedule for the Colour Sgt./ Greyfriars Bobby Walk on Sunday 4th October. Member Brian McKenzie will be taking the part of the Colour Sergeant who was friendly with the world famous dog.
We would like to thank Madame Favier and the staff at the Thistle Hotel for their hospitality during our AGM. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can answer any queries.
added 11-Jun-09 16:34
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