Rab loved to wander down memory lane on his patch on the South-Side.Candlemaker Row, Greyfriars Kirkyard, the Grassmarket and the Meadows. Many times, he and Janet wandered around this area with Rab recounting stories of he and his sibling’s life in the area and then to make their way for a nightcap in Sandy Bells.

We feel this poem captures some of his memories of walking in the area that he would share with us all.

Edinburgh Stroll

I leave the Tollcross traffic and walk by the Meadows

Between two rows of trees, all looking

As grave as Elders of the Kirk – but wait till the wind blows

Dogs are hunting for smells. A few men are practising approach shots on the dwarfish golf course. 

Some Children incomprehensibly playing.

And between two heaps of jackets A boy scores a goal –The best one ever

Past the Infirmary I go back to the traffic, cross it, and there’s Sandy Bells bar.

Tollcross to Sandy Bells Bar –a short walk with long conclusion.