Andy Arthur💃🏰⚓🦌 Threadinburgh 🧵
@threadinburgh.scot
Overlooked tales of Edinburgh, Leith & Scottish local history. Expect the unexpected: people, buildings, transport, maps & occasional attempts to be funny. Stories also published at https://threadinburgh.scot 🐦 ex-Cocteautriplets
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🗓️ Seeing as we're into the local history societies' talks season, I blew the dust off the Threadinburgh dot Scot events calendar to put my various offerings there.
🤦♂️Somehow I've managed a complete diary car crash of 3 talks in 10 days at the end of this month! threadinburgh.scot/events-calen...
🤦♂️Somehow I've managed a complete diary car crash of 3 talks in 10 days at the end of this month! threadinburgh.scot/events-calen...
Threadinburgh Talks Calendar
Writing about local history inevitably leads to one being invited to talk about local history and I’m fortunate (and always more than a little honour) that local interest and heritage groups …
threadinburgh.scot
🗣️"The Life and Times of Esta Henry: Queen of The High Street". Esta's remarkable story gets an outing again, with updates since last time! ✨
📆 Tuesday 4th Nov
🕡 doors 18:30, start 19:15
⛪ Braid Hall, Morningside Parish Church, 2 Cluny Gardens
🫰 £3 for non-members of Morningside Heritage Association
📆 Tuesday 4th Nov
🕡 doors 18:30, start 19:15
⛪ Braid Hall, Morningside Parish Church, 2 Cluny Gardens
🫰 £3 for non-members of Morningside Heritage Association
The best bit about taking a couple of days off to just have a bit of time to not do too much is that now you no longer just get to come back to an inbox full of emails that didn't really need to be sent if the author had read your out of office, you also get a big pile of unread Teams messages too
a group of minions are standing next to each other and they are laughing and saying yay
ALT: a group of minions are standing next to each other and they are laughing and saying yay
media.tenor.com
November 26, 2025 at 9:51 AM
The best bit about taking a couple of days off to just have a bit of time to not do too much is that now you no longer just get to come back to an inbox full of emails that didn't really need to be sent if the author had read your out of office, you also get a big pile of unread Teams messages too
See also stories about child poverty having to be illustrated with a photo of kids in Glasgow infront of abandoned council flats in Easterhouse that have been demolished for 25 years now
Under Scots Law, it is a criminal offence for a newspaper story about housing not to be illustrated with a photograph looking up Comely Bank Avenue
New Scottish Government data has revealed that rent for four bedroom properties has increased above the rate of inflation in every area in Scotland over the last 15 years
November 25, 2025 at 4:18 PM
See also stories about child poverty having to be illustrated with a photo of kids in Glasgow infront of abandoned council flats in Easterhouse that have been demolished for 25 years now
Under Scots Law, it is a criminal offence for a newspaper story about housing not to be illustrated with a photograph looking up Comely Bank Avenue
New Scottish Government data has revealed that rent for four bedroom properties has increased above the rate of inflation in every area in Scotland over the last 15 years
New data reveals how rent has dramatically increased across Scotland
NEW Scottish Government data has revealed that rent for four bedroom properties has increased above the rate of inflation in every area in Scotland…
www.thenational.scot
November 25, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Under Scots Law, it is a criminal offence for a newspaper story about housing not to be illustrated with a photograph looking up Comely Bank Avenue
Strictly speaking a slab block, rather than a tower, but here's the skinny on Westfield Court nevertheless. An unusual building for Edinburgh, both architecturally and historically: the first municipal, high-rise, modern flats but a bit of an evolutionary dead end threadinburgh.scot/2023/04/23/9...
November 25, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Strictly speaking a slab block, rather than a tower, but here's the skinny on Westfield Court nevertheless. An unusual building for Edinburgh, both architecturally and historically: the first municipal, high-rise, modern flats but a bit of an evolutionary dead end threadinburgh.scot/2023/04/23/9...
Reposted by Andy Arthur💃🏰⚓🦌 Threadinburgh 🧵
A short service of dedication was held in Stockbridge today where the first Scottish Stolperstein was installed at Saint Stephens church in memory of Jane Haining who died at Auschwitz youtu.be/o1JSO9Z55xk?...
First Scottish Stolperstein installed in Edinburgh
YouTube video by TheEdinburghReporter
youtu.be
November 24, 2025 at 7:04 PM
A short service of dedication was held in Stockbridge today where the first Scottish Stolperstein was installed at Saint Stephens church in memory of Jane Haining who died at Auschwitz youtu.be/o1JSO9Z55xk?...
Reposted by Andy Arthur💃🏰⚓🦌 Threadinburgh 🧵
🎤 Forth & Borders welcomes Luis Albornoz-Parra for their next Winter Lecture Series talk, exploring Edinburgh’s iconic building stones- with real samples to examine.
🗓️ Mon 8 Dec
📍 Augustine United Church, Edinburgh
💻 Also on Zoom
🎟️ £6 / £2 students
More info: buff.ly/WwKNzau
🗓️ Mon 8 Dec
📍 Augustine United Church, Edinburgh
💻 Also on Zoom
🎟️ £6 / £2 students
More info: buff.ly/WwKNzau
November 24, 2025 at 10:01 AM
🎤 Forth & Borders welcomes Luis Albornoz-Parra for their next Winter Lecture Series talk, exploring Edinburgh’s iconic building stones- with real samples to examine.
🗓️ Mon 8 Dec
📍 Augustine United Church, Edinburgh
💻 Also on Zoom
🎟️ £6 / £2 students
More info: buff.ly/WwKNzau
🗓️ Mon 8 Dec
📍 Augustine United Church, Edinburgh
💻 Also on Zoom
🎟️ £6 / £2 students
More info: buff.ly/WwKNzau
Reposted by Andy Arthur💃🏰⚓🦌 Threadinburgh 🧵
Edward Hannan's role in founding Hibernian FC 150 years ago this year is relatively well known; less so his wider contribution to his adopted home city. Author Mike Hennessy will speak about Canon Hannan's work in Edinburgh Old Town (1861-1891) at what was St Mary's Street Hall.
Edinburgh's First Hibernian
A talk by author Mike Hennessy on Canon Hannan's contribution to Edinburgh's Old Town 1861 to 1891
buff.ly
November 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Edward Hannan's role in founding Hibernian FC 150 years ago this year is relatively well known; less so his wider contribution to his adopted home city. Author Mike Hennessy will speak about Canon Hannan's work in Edinburgh Old Town (1861-1891) at what was St Mary's Street Hall.
This is the week the council sneaks through the proposals to demolish the Scott Monument and replace it with a Ferris Wheel, roll out wheelie bins on Abercrombie Place and turn the Castle into PBSA
It hits 07:05 and the lack of an email from @edinburghminute.bsky.social reminds you it's taking a week off and you wonder what important local news you're going to be missing.
November 24, 2025 at 9:47 AM
This is the week the council sneaks through the proposals to demolish the Scott Monument and replace it with a Ferris Wheel, roll out wheelie bins on Abercrombie Place and turn the Castle into PBSA
Reposted by Andy Arthur💃🏰⚓🦌 Threadinburgh 🧵
In 1932 Jane Haining took on the role of matron at the Scottish Mission School in Budapest, which had about 400 pupils, a mixture of Jews and Christians. She helped keep the children safe until she was betrayed and arrested by German officers in April 1944. #Edinburgh
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Plaque for Scottish Holocaust victim to be unveiled in Edinburgh
The Stolperstein stone has been laid outside St Stephen's Church in Stockbridge in Edinburgh.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 7:00 AM
In 1932 Jane Haining took on the role of matron at the Scottish Mission School in Budapest, which had about 400 pupils, a mixture of Jews and Christians. She helped keep the children safe until she was betrayed and arrested by German officers in April 1944. #Edinburgh
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Andy Arthur💃🏰⚓🦌 Threadinburgh 🧵
Edinburgh or Shield Generator Complex on the Forest Moon of Endor?
November 23, 2025 at 11:59 AM
Edinburgh or Shield Generator Complex on the Forest Moon of Endor?
Reposted by Andy Arthur💃🏰⚓🦌 Threadinburgh 🧵
Mills on the Water of Leith; including paper, snuff and grain. #Edinburgh
November 23, 2025 at 9:12 AM
Mills on the Water of Leith; including paper, snuff and grain. #Edinburgh
Reposted by Andy Arthur💃🏰⚓🦌 Threadinburgh 🧵
The little closed church unfortunately soon became derelict once again, before happily being rescued once more when, in 1979, it was restored and converted into the Gogar Cabinetworks, a furniture-maker's workshop, which the building remains to this day.
(Image: Gogar Cabinet Works) (3/3)
(Image: Gogar Cabinet Works) (3/3)
November 21, 2025 at 4:48 PM
The little closed church unfortunately soon became derelict once again, before happily being rescued once more when, in 1979, it was restored and converted into the Gogar Cabinetworks, a furniture-maker's workshop, which the building remains to this day.
(Image: Gogar Cabinet Works) (3/3)
(Image: Gogar Cabinet Works) (3/3)
Reposted by Andy Arthur💃🏰⚓🦌 Threadinburgh 🧵
The medieval church at Gogar became ruinous after the Reformation and was rebuilt 1891-1901.
The decision was taken to close the building in 1954, with the congregation asked to join their ancient font two miles away in the historic Old Corstorphine Kirk.
(Image: British Newspaper Archive) (2/3)
The decision was taken to close the building in 1954, with the congregation asked to join their ancient font two miles away in the historic Old Corstorphine Kirk.
(Image: British Newspaper Archive) (2/3)
November 21, 2025 at 4:48 PM
The medieval church at Gogar became ruinous after the Reformation and was rebuilt 1891-1901.
The decision was taken to close the building in 1954, with the congregation asked to join their ancient font two miles away in the historic Old Corstorphine Kirk.
(Image: British Newspaper Archive) (2/3)
The decision was taken to close the building in 1954, with the congregation asked to join their ancient font two miles away in the historic Old Corstorphine Kirk.
(Image: British Newspaper Archive) (2/3)
Reposted by Andy Arthur💃🏰⚓🦌 Threadinburgh 🧵
Major U-turn: Council considering demolishing Westfield Court in Gorgie. Last week residents told the Minute they live in fear of fire, flooding or even collapse: www.edinburghminute.com/the-edinburg...
Today's update: www.midlothianview.com/news/plans-t...
Pic: Living Rent Edinburgh
Today's update: www.midlothianview.com/news/plans-t...
Pic: Living Rent Edinburgh
November 21, 2025 at 6:56 PM
Major U-turn: Council considering demolishing Westfield Court in Gorgie. Last week residents told the Minute they live in fear of fire, flooding or even collapse: www.edinburghminute.com/the-edinburg...
Today's update: www.midlothianview.com/news/plans-t...
Pic: Living Rent Edinburgh
Today's update: www.midlothianview.com/news/plans-t...
Pic: Living Rent Edinburgh
Reposted by Andy Arthur💃🏰⚓🦌 Threadinburgh 🧵
The Demolition of the Crown Hotel, Edinburgh, 1925, by David Macbeth Sutherland.
November 21, 2025 at 4:32 PM
The Demolition of the Crown Hotel, Edinburgh, 1925, by David Macbeth Sutherland.
Reposted by Andy Arthur💃🏰⚓🦌 Threadinburgh 🧵
Looking forward to finding out about the #geology and history of Calton Hill with @caltonhill.bsky.social & @geowalks.scot at this event next week! 🌋
"Where’s the volcano? The story of the making of Calton Hill", Tues 25 November, 6pm, online
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wheres-the...
"Where’s the volcano? The story of the making of Calton Hill", Tues 25 November, 6pm, online
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wheres-the...
November 20, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Looking forward to finding out about the #geology and history of Calton Hill with @caltonhill.bsky.social & @geowalks.scot at this event next week! 🌋
"Where’s the volcano? The story of the making of Calton Hill", Tues 25 November, 6pm, online
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wheres-the...
"Where’s the volcano? The story of the making of Calton Hill", Tues 25 November, 6pm, online
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wheres-the...
Reposted by Andy Arthur💃🏰⚓🦌 Threadinburgh 🧵
Booking for 'WHERE'S THE VOLCANO?' is now open on Eventbrite.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wheres-the...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wheres-the...
November 20, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Booking for 'WHERE'S THE VOLCANO?' is now open on Eventbrite.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wheres-the...
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wheres-the...
Reposted by Andy Arthur💃🏰⚓🦌 Threadinburgh 🧵
Under the pseudonym “Meg Dods”, Christian Isobel Johnstone (1781–1857) wrote THE COOK & HOUSEWIFE’S MANUAL, a cookbook which also includes the various doings of the fictitious Cleikum Club – “a small gathering of absurd diners who do not much like or trust each other”
#BookologyThursday
#BookologyThursday
November 20, 2025 at 12:42 PM
Under the pseudonym “Meg Dods”, Christian Isobel Johnstone (1781–1857) wrote THE COOK & HOUSEWIFE’S MANUAL, a cookbook which also includes the various doings of the fictitious Cleikum Club – “a small gathering of absurd diners who do not much like or trust each other”
#BookologyThursday
#BookologyThursday
Reposted by Andy Arthur💃🏰⚓🦌 Threadinburgh 🧵
Today’s #ThrowbackThursday gives a 1960s view of the Vennel off the #Grassmarket.
Do you have any picture memories of Edinburgh that you can share on #EdinburghCollected, our community archive?
Photo thanks to Living Memory Association
zurl.co/S1go9
Do you have any picture memories of Edinburgh that you can share on #EdinburghCollected, our community archive?
Photo thanks to Living Memory Association
zurl.co/S1go9
November 20, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Today’s #ThrowbackThursday gives a 1960s view of the Vennel off the #Grassmarket.
Do you have any picture memories of Edinburgh that you can share on #EdinburghCollected, our community archive?
Photo thanks to Living Memory Association
zurl.co/S1go9
Do you have any picture memories of Edinburgh that you can share on #EdinburghCollected, our community archive?
Photo thanks to Living Memory Association
zurl.co/S1go9
Reposted by Andy Arthur💃🏰⚓🦌 Threadinburgh 🧵
ASTRONOMY on CALTON HILL: Saturday 6 December starting at the Portuguese Cannon at 12.45.
Please join the Trust and Prof. Andy Lawrence as he tells the history of the Astronomical Institution, Royal Observatory, Henderson & Piazzi Smyth, time ball & time gun, Maria Short, and City Observatory. 1/
Please join the Trust and Prof. Andy Lawrence as he tells the history of the Astronomical Institution, Royal Observatory, Henderson & Piazzi Smyth, time ball & time gun, Maria Short, and City Observatory. 1/
November 19, 2025 at 5:44 PM
ASTRONOMY on CALTON HILL: Saturday 6 December starting at the Portuguese Cannon at 12.45.
Please join the Trust and Prof. Andy Lawrence as he tells the history of the Astronomical Institution, Royal Observatory, Henderson & Piazzi Smyth, time ball & time gun, Maria Short, and City Observatory. 1/
Please join the Trust and Prof. Andy Lawrence as he tells the history of the Astronomical Institution, Royal Observatory, Henderson & Piazzi Smyth, time ball & time gun, Maria Short, and City Observatory. 1/
Reposted by Andy Arthur💃🏰⚓🦌 Threadinburgh 🧵
Hot Buttered British Rail Toast from Travellers Fare in 1983 - at 17p per round. @doublearrow64.bsky.social #railways #food
November 19, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Hot Buttered British Rail Toast from Travellers Fare in 1983 - at 17p per round. @doublearrow64.bsky.social #railways #food
It's that time of the year when your provider sincerely hopes you'll be so distracted by Christmas that won't notice the sheer volume of Michael they are trying to take for a broadband-only contract 🤣
November 19, 2025 at 11:11 AM
It's that time of the year when your provider sincerely hopes you'll be so distracted by Christmas that won't notice the sheer volume of Michael they are trying to take for a broadband-only contract 🤣
Heating and hot water have decided to pack it in. Of course they have.🤦
Of course it's going to rain all day just before temperatures drop below 0°C for a period🌧️🌡️🥶
a black and white photo of a dog walking down a snowy road
ALT: a black and white photo of a dog walking down a snowy road
media.tenor.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Heating and hot water have decided to pack it in. Of course they have.🤦
So when the corporate AI-ensloppified tech-support chatbot onto which you have enforced all corporate tech-support queries fails, what's the plan?
Asking for a friend.
Asking for a friend.
a cartoon of a man sitting in a rocking chair with the words come on emma on the bottom
ALT: a cartoon of a man sitting in a rocking chair with the words come on emma on the bottom
media.tenor.com
November 18, 2025 at 10:14 AM
So when the corporate AI-ensloppified tech-support chatbot onto which you have enforced all corporate tech-support queries fails, what's the plan?
Asking for a friend.
Asking for a friend.
Reposted by Andy Arthur💃🏰⚓🦌 Threadinburgh 🧵
We recently had an overseas request from to locate a gravestone. It took two visits to find it as it it was completely hidden inside years of ivy growth & was subsumed into a tree. Two hours of cutting back thick ivy strands eventually revealed the stone. #Edinburgh #Gravestones #Cemeteries
November 18, 2025 at 9:37 AM
We recently had an overseas request from to locate a gravestone. It took two visits to find it as it it was completely hidden inside years of ivy growth & was subsumed into a tree. Two hours of cutting back thick ivy strands eventually revealed the stone. #Edinburgh #Gravestones #Cemeteries