In September 1779 a U.S. naval squadron

In September 1779 a U.S. naval squadron consisting of seven ships under the command of John Paul Jones sailed up the Firth of Forth heading for the port of Leith which was undefended as the town had no gun emplacements and was beyond the range of the guns mounted on Edinburgh Castle’s batteries.

Fortunately a storm blew up forcing the ships to head for the North Sea.

As a result of the raid, the authorities decided to build Leith Fort and garrison it with a Royal Artillery company. A volunteer regiment consisting of merchants, bankers and professional gentlemen of the city was also raised.

When the Edinburgh Defensive Band stood down in 1783, the Colours were presented to the Edinburgh Defensive Band Lodge No. 151. A member of the Lodge still wears the uniform of the regiment.

The photograph shows Rab Wildgoose one of the guests at the reception held at James Ritchie & Son last week who presently has the honour of wearing the uniform.

The members of the Maudslay Society will be arriving in Edinburgh on Saturday 26th June. Richard Maudslay who was also at the reception will be dropping the Nelson Monument time ball.

A talk is to be given on the history of the time ball at the headquarters of Edinburgh World Heritage, 5 Charlotte Square at 11.00 am.