Did you know Marion?

Hi,

My mother, Marion Fyfe Reilly (nee Banks) was involved in protesting and squatting in Lochend Gardens and West Ferry Road sometime around 1943-46. She had her first child in July 1943 and raised him alone while her husband was still overseas in the army.

She died (aged 95) last week and I only became aware of this yesterday from her younger sister (aged 90). There were apparently reports and photographs in the newspapers at the time. I am amazed and impressed.

I was wondering if you had any records from that time as I would love to share her struggle with friends and family at her funeral on Friday. It feels like it may be a very important aspect of her character that wasn’t known to us. I have viewed the Scotsman digital archive with no luck.

Thanks

Steven Reilly

If any reader remembers Marion please get in touch and we will forward details to Steven Reilly 

Letter: Normandy and the lessons learned

letter (2)Dear Editor

So many important anniversaries occur in 2014, being recalled with differing emotions. As a Normandy veteran I hope the following words will contribute to a peaceful world …

To remember and celebrate is not to glorify militarism but to show the united will of people for a peaceful world.

It is so important that the events of the 1930s and 1940s are told to each generation so they can avoid the mistakes made during that period: the mistake of tolerating discrimination, the mistake of letting vested interests ignore the aspiration of Fascism to expand their domination over all, leading to World War.

It was the ordinary people of all lands who finally defeated evil: it is the ordinary people of all lands, armed with the knowledge of the past, that will safeguard our futures.

A. Delahoy

Silverknowes Gardens

Letter: Use drug cash to help older people

 

Dear Editor

I think talking about taking pensioners’ bus passes and winter fuel payment  away is terrible – surely there could be another way? Allow them £100 – £150 and a couple £250. The money should be taken off people who are receiving money but who abuse it on drugs, etc. Take the money off them and give it towards winter fuel payments to the elderly.

Name and Address withheld on request 

Letter: Proud parents

Dear Editor

I would be grateful if you can print a piece on my sixteen year old daughter Gillian, of whom we are very proud. She got an ‘A’ exam result for Art and Design and now has a full-time place at Telford College.

I enclose a picture she took on her mobile while in South Queensferry then painted it onto canvas.

P White

Easter Drylaw Avenue