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.