My Early Years

Despite the ever-present threat of death and destruction from German bombs and the deprivations of a war-time economy, young Stuart Edmond enjoyed a fascinating, adventuresome and fulfilling childhood along with the many other children of his age group in the crowded, bustling stairs of a new housing estate, situated between Portobello and Leith.

The neighbours and pals he was surrounded by, the games they played, and the places they roamed to – from the beaches of Portobello, fishing at Seafield, to the hills and crags of Arthur’s Seat – are vividly described in this well-illustrated journey through times past by the author of Memories of a Ben Line Man.

Schools and teachers at Craigentinny and Portobello High School come to life, as do visits to the “picters” at the Carlton, the County, the Victory and the George and other parts of Edinburgh and Leith. All now vanished.

This delightful collection of memories and reminiscences will be of interest to young and old and will jog memories of those who were lucky enough to grow up in the tumultuous 1940s and 50s.

The book is no longer in print but is available on Kindle for £2.99. You'll find it here.