Tag: St Mary’s Primary School

More burials discovered in Leith playground

Forensic archaeologist Megan Stoakley with P1 Amelia Soffe and P6 Louise Doyle

Further evidence of human remains thought to date back to the 17th Century or even earlier have been unearthed by archaeologists in a Leith school playground.

The outlines of at least nine coffins have been identified in the grounds of St Mary’s Primary School in Leith as part of an excavation by Morrison Construction in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council.

The findings follow the discovery on an individual skeleton over the Easter break while investigative works took place for a new classroom building.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Culture Convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The new information coming from the site is proving to be even more significant than previously thought.

“The school community has been very interested in the excavation and the findings. The children have been eager to learn about the new discoveries and as the excavation continues, we’ll find out more about the former inhabitants of Leith.”

John Lawson, City of Edinburgh Council Archaeologist, added: “Leith and the surrounding area has a rich archaeological history. These excavations have unearthed what appears to be a complex cemetery thought to date from the 15th to the 17th centuries, containing at least nine graves including adults and young children buried in coffins.

“The discoveries of these burials in this location, although always a possibility, is nevertheless a surprise. Further excavations will reveal more evidence which will allow us to accurately date these burials and how they relate to the history of Leith.”

The area containing the remains has been fenced off but the school remains open. The new classrooms will still be built but will no longer open in time for the new school term due to further necessary archaeological analysis, expected to last until the end of June. All existing and new pupils will be accommodated.

Citadel performs Leith at War

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Residents from Port of Leith’s Hermitage Court sheltered housing complex and pupils from St Mary’s Primary school were treated to a wartime play presented by Citadel Arts Group last week.

‘Leith at War’ is about a Leith-based family living through World War II. Brother and sister Eck and Frankie are living with their grampa, a WWI vet. As schools temporary closed during the war, and lessons held in pupils’ homes, this gives Grampa the chance to talk to the class about the War in Leith.

Cast members Rob Flett, Nicky McCabe, Iona Soper, and Nick Cheales entertained the audience with a performance that rekindled memories of the dark days of war for many members of the audience. It also offered an opportunity for youngsters to hear wartime experiences war from people who lived through it.

Liz Hare, Artistic Director at Citadel Arts Group, said: “We’ll be performing the play at Leith Festival in June and hope to get some useful ideas and feedback from our inter-generational audience today.

“The school pupils and tenants enjoyed a chat after the show in which they talked about the older people’s own war memories, and after Easter the children will come back to Hermitage Court with some of their own scenes based on Leith at War.”

Susie Connery, Scheme Co-ordinator at the Port of Leith Housing Association’s Hermitage Court sheltered housing complex, said: “The residents really enjoyed the performance as it gave them the opportunity to talk about their memories and experiences, whereas it was educational for the pupils learning what happened on their doorsteps over 70 years ago.”

McScrooge brings Christmas spirit to Leith

Bah! Humbug! Residents from Port of Leith’s Jameson Place sheltered housing complex and pupils from St Mary’s Primary school were treated to a mini pantomime presented by Citadel Arts Group this week.

McScrooge, based on Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, saw cast members play Alice and Marge, McScrooge and Ghost of Christmas Past, Present and Future, as well as McCratchit and McMarley.

Liz Hare, Artistic Director at Citadel Arts Group, said: “Citadel Arts Group regularly performs for Jameson Place residents and we are delighted to have been able to spread some festive cheer. The pantomime is part and parcel of Christmas and we’re pleased the audience enjoyed themselves.”

Elaine Edwards, Scheme Co-ordinator at the Port of Leith Housing Association’s Jameson Place Sheltered Housing Complex, said:
“Our residents look forward to performances by Citadel Arts Group, but this year’s performance was certainly their favourite and made everyone feel very Christmassy.”

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Citadel performance inspires Leith kids to put on a show

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Residents from Port of Leith’s Jameson Place sheltered housing complex and pupils from St Mary’s Primary school have been treated to a play presented by Citadel Arts Group. ‘Granny was a Rock Star’, written by Jim Brown, highlights the importance of recycling and community responsibility.

The cast of Andrea McKenzie (wee Donny), Iona Soper (her big sister Sandy) and Corinne Harris (Kath, the former rock star) raised laughter and tears in this heart-warming play.

St. Mary’s P5 pupils will now go on to explore some of the play’s themes. Working with Citadel Arts Group, the children will devise their own play and perform it for the Jameson Place residents after Easter.

Liz Hare Artistic Director at Citadel Arts Group, said: “The play looked at exploring green issues in a fun and informative way. The pupils liked the songs and thought it was a great way of getting across important issues. We’re very much looking forward to working with the pupils and helping them come up with their own play.”

Elaine Edwards, Scheme Co-ordinator at the Port of Leith Housing Association’s Jameson Place Sheltered Housing Complex, said: “It is a nice treat for the residents to have a fun-filled afternoon and there was a lot of laughter. The children are also so good, always polite and helpful. It means a lot to the tenants here.”

The project is funded by Foundation Scotland, Leith Benevolent and Age Scotland.