Bombardier Allison Jones is presently on duty ...
 Bombardier Allison Jones is presently on duty at the Castle as Sergeant Shannon the District Gunner is on leave.
Allison who first fired the One o’ Clock Gun in March 2006, has also fired a twenty five pounder.
Margaret Holroyd who worked as a secretary at the Royal Observatory fired the time gun just after the Second World War. Lady Scott- Barrett also fired the One o’ Clock Gun in January 1979 when her husband Lt.-General Sir David Scott- Barrett, Governor of Edinburgh Castle and General Officer Commanding the Army in Scotland retired after thirty six years service.
Commissioned into the Scots Guards, General Scott-Barrett was awarded the Military Cross in 1945 when he distinguished himself by holding his position against German armoured and infantry attack. Bombardier Arthur Anderson and Gunner Tom McKay presented Lady Scott-Barrett with a commemorative shell to mark the historic occasion.
added 31-Aug-10 21:36
This week's photograph shows ...
 This week's photograph shows former Gunner David Henderson who fired the One o’ Clock Gun when he served with 278th (Lowland) Field Regiment R.A. (T.A.) Davie was a boy musician.
He played alto saxophone and bugle and appeared in the Tattoo. His father and brother also served in the same regiment. An enthusiastic military historian Davie is the events officer for the Scottish Military Heritage Centre group formed to build a national military museum for Scotland at Govan.
Our Chairman Brian McKenzie and his wife Stella will be paying a visit to Fort Rinella when they go on holiday to Malta next week. Blue our mascot will also be going on holiday to recharge his batteries.
Blue will not be flying abroad, but chilling out at his usual summer retreat up north.
Beth Bax who fires the Fremantle time gun is also taking a break by touring Australia's flooded areas by air.
Davie's photograph was taken by Sergeant Shannon, District Gunner, Edinburgh Castle when the gunner paid a visit to the fortress.
added 25-Aug-10 22:52
The photograph sent in by ex-gunner...
 The photograph sent in by ex-gunner David Henderson shows the gunners of 278th (Lowland) Field Regiment R.A. (T.A.) using handspikes to manhandle one of the regiment's 25 pounders to the top of Arthur’s Seat in the Queen's Park, Edinburgh.
The regiment was responsible for maintaining the One o’ Clock Gun until 1967. The exercise was carried out to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Regiment of Artillery in 1966.
David’s father Gunner Peter Henderson who was part of the gun team lost his wage packet during the historic exercise. In 1966 the One o' Clock Gun was maintained by Sergeant William Taylor. Born in Bethnal Green, London, Bill Taylor served in the Royal Artillery for twelve years.
He was employed by the Army in a civilian capacity for twenty five years before being appointed District Gunner in 1955 at the age of fifty two.
Sergeant Taylor was awarded the Imperial Service Medal when he retired from the post of District Gunner in 1968.
He was succeeded by Edward McCarthy who unveiled Frederick James Ritchie's plaque earlier this year.
added 16-Aug-10 09:46
James Findlay died last week....
 James Findlay died last week. James was an enthusiastic supporter of the One o’ Clock Gun & Time Ball Association’s activities.
The Royal Navy stoker who served two commissions aboard H.M.S. Belfast was the Royal Navy Association's standard bearer. His funeral will take place in the Lorimer Chapel, Warriston Crematorium, Edinburgh at 11.00 am on Friday 13th August.
The photograph shows James on the right during the ceremony to unveil the memorial stone for Colour Sergeant Scott R.E. which was held at Piershill Cemetery.
James was proud of the fact that he had the same name as Chief Master Gunner Findlay who supervised the setting up the One o’ Clock Gun in 1861 and would often bring up the fact in conversation.
He was also on parade with his standard during the ceremony held in St. Cuthbert's graveyard to unveil the gunner's headstone.
A larger than life character who called a spade a spade and a lover of Burns' poetry, Jimmy will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
added 10-Aug-10 11:19
 The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo...
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo starts on Friday. This is the Tattoo’s Diamond Jubilee Year.
added 04-Aug-10 13:09
 Tuesday 27th July...
Tuesday 27th July marks the anniversary of the Battle of Maiwand.
added 27-Jul-10 08:20
 The Parks Department...
The Parks Department of Edinburgh City Council has approved the Association’s proposal to hold a Floral Clock Day on 10th June 2011.
added 19-Jul-10 13:12
 This week’s photograph shows Battery Quartermaster Sgt.’ Dixie’ Deans...
This week’s photograph shows Battery Quartermaster Sgt.’ Dixie’ Deans who maintained the One o’ Clock Gun from 1972-1979.
added 13-Jul-10 09:42
 In 1841 several naval officers...
In 1841 several naval officers including Admiral Milne, Captain Basil Hall and Captain Dall campaigned for a time ball to be set up on the Calton Hill which would supply the time to captains of ships in the Firth of Forth.
added 07-Jul-10 08:32
 Richard Maudslay the great, great grandson...
Richard Maudslay the great, great grandson of the founder of Maudslay, Sons & Field dropped the Nelson Monument time ball last Saturday.
added 28-Jun-10 09:06
 Richard Maudslay a direct descendant...
Richard Maudslay a direct descendant of Henry Maudslay the founder of the engineering company which manufactured the lifting mechanism for the Nelson Monument time ball and the trustees of the Maudslay Society will be visiting Edinburgh on Saturday, 26th June.
added 21-Jun-10 08:46
 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
added 15-Jun-10 12:54
 Despite the dreich weather...
Despite the dreich weather the unveiling ceremony at number six Brunton Place took place bang on time.
added 09-Jun-10 08:54
 The unveiling takes place on Monday 7th June...
The unveiling of the plaque to commemorate Frederick James Ritchie takes place on Monday 7th June at one o’ clock.
added 02-Jun-10 08:45
 This week’s photograph shows...
This week’s photograph shows Kit Lovie our catering manager struggling with Blue the Association’s mascot.
added 24-May-10 09:05
 The 21 gun salute signalling...
The 21 gun salute signalling that the Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is leaving Holyroodhouse for the Assembly Hall takes place on Thursday 20th May.
added 17-May-10 11:25
 The 3rd Rifles...
The 3rd Rifles, a company of the 4th Rifles and B Company of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland marched from Johnston Terrace down the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse on Saturday 8th May to mark their return from a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.
added 10-May-10 11:29
 The Battle of Prestonpans...
Archaeologists have discovered that the Battle of Prestonpans took place further to the east than the battle lines drawn on maps of the time indicate.
added 02-May-10 07:30
 Exhibition was opened at Prestonpans Library...
The Association’s ‘Colour Sergeant Scott & Greyfriars Bobby’ exhibition was opened at Prestonpans Library, East Lothian by Iain Gray MSP last Saturday.
added 28-Apr-10 14:17
 The Association has been invited...
The Association has been invited by Ian Anderson, managing director of James Ritchie & Son (Watch & Clockmakers) to set up an exhibition on the city’s time system at the firm’s premises at 35a Dundas Street.
added 19-Apr-10 10:25
 Cameron’s Penny Guides ...
Cameron’s Penny Guides could be purchased at railway bookstalls and newsagents.
In Cameron’s guide to Edinburgh Castle for 1892, the section on the Half Moon Battery states: ‘The guns by which it is fortified are only 18 pounders, and they are used for firing Royal and other salutes.
added 11-Apr-10 19:59
 The Boys’ Brigade ‘Badges of the Brigade’...
Vol. One: The Boys’ Brigade ‘Badges of the Brigade’ is packed with photographs and information on the history of the B.B.’s. Written by Rob Bolton, Les Howie and Bob Mandry the large format book is an encyclopaedia on the organisation founded in the 1880’s.
added 08-Apr-10 10:13
 Michael Connarty MP who opened...
Michael Connarty MP who opened the ‘Colour Sergeant Scott & Greyfriars Bobby’ exhibition at Linlithgow Library last Saturday is not only a historian, but a fan of Eleanor Atkinson’s novel featuring the world famous dog.
added 29-Mar-10 11:17
 Robert Louis Stevenson was born...
As Robert Louis Stevenson was born and brought up in the New Town area of Edinburgh, he would have been able to check his pocket watch when the One o’ Clock Gun fired from the Half Moon Battery.
added 22-Mar-10 08:27
 Musket balls have been discovered ...
Musket balls have been discovered by archaeologists at Fairmilehead, Edinburgh which may prove that a Roundhead camp had been set up in a field close to Frogston Road during the 17th century.
added 14-Mar-10 20:27
 Tuesday 9th March ...
Tuesday 9th March marks the anniversary of the death of Pat of the Seaforths. Pat would have been familiar with the sound of the One o’ Clock Gun as the Seaforths were stationed at Edinburgh Castle in the 1880’s.
added 07-Mar-10 15:18
 Exhibition is now running at Whitburn Library...
The Association’s ‘Colour Sergeant & Greyfriars Bobby’ exhibition is now running at Whitburn Library, West Lothian.
added 01-Mar-10 12:39
 A preservation company ...
A preservation company is presently working to restore the artillery carriages at Warrnambool, Australia.
The guns at Warrnambool, Moyne and Glenelg dating back to 1866 represent the largest collection of artillery pieces contained in a defensive network outside Australia’s major colonial ports and are now recognised as a national asset.
added 21-Feb-10 15:40
 Sunday 21st February...
Sunday 21st February marks the 110th anniversary of the death of Professor Charles Piazzi Smyth who worked with Frederick James Ritchie and Chief Master Gunner Findlay to set up of the One o’ Clock Gun.
added 13-Feb-10 16:52
 Rob Bolton and Les Howie’s new book ...
Rob Bolton and Les Howie’s new bookRob 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
added 30-Nov-09 10:06
 The Clockie Ritchie exhibition at Leith Library...
The Clockie Ritchie exhibition was opened last Saturday at Leith Library
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
added 24-Jun-09 08:46
 The One o’clock Gun Association’s A.G.M....
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.
added 11-Jun-09 16:34
| 