Author Archives: Queensferry History Group

The History of Schools in Queensferry

In South Queensferry, in 1635, James Livingston was appointed ‘Parish Dominie’ – the term for a Scottish schoolmaster, usually of the Church of Scotland, beginning a long association between church and school.  Lessons were often held in Church towers or the schoolmasters house. There are Schoolmasters and Mistresses recorded in Queensferry since 1635, up to and beyond, theContinue reading “The History of Schools in Queensferry”

Vat 69 in Queensferry

King George IV was the monarch to formally pass the Excise Act 1823, which introduced the first licences to legally distill whisky in Scotland. Vat 69 bottling plant came to Queensferry in 1969 by Sandersons via the Distillers Agency Limited (DAL) and brought employment to many local residents and their families.The plant was not alwaysContinue reading “Vat 69 in Queensferry”

Remembrance Sunday, 13th November 2022

Members of Queensferry History group undertook minor repairs to the Community poppy drape which was created in 2018 by the Group and members of the local Community. This has been used each year since, hanging from the top of the steps at Rosebery Hall for the service. May locals have been spotted having their photoContinue reading “Remembrance Sunday, 13th November 2022”

Some of the Local Shops and Hotels

J McFarlane’s Inn 1900-1905, what is now the Anchor bar. The Colosseum, c.1914, a ship’s chandlers, naval and sports outfitters, during the 1914-18 War. This was situated where Allium is now on Hopetoun Road. Sandercombe’s Grocer Shop, c.1920’s, where Queens Spice Indian Restaurant and Take Away is now situated, on the High Street. The CornerContinue reading “Some of the Local Shops and Hotels”

History of the Hawes Garage and the Ferry Fair Cars up to 1977.

 BackgroundIt is believed by some that the weekly Fair started around 1068, in the time of King Malcolm III and his Queen, Margaret (whose visits to Dunfermline Abbey via ferry boat, gave ‘Queensferry’ its name).  It was a civic duty to walk the boundaries of Queensferry, which were fiercely guarded. Through the course of time,Continue reading “History of the Hawes Garage and the Ferry Fair Cars up to 1977.”

There But Not There – Slideshow

The silhouettes shown in this slideshow, produced by Queensferry History Group, were awarded to Queensferry History Group through the Armistice and Armed Forces Communities Programme, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust. Partners in this programme, the charity “Remembered” are responsible for running this project, “There but not there”. These silhouettes are displayed, especially overContinue reading “There But Not There – Slideshow”

Queensferry’s War Heroes Remembered

Soldiers who made the “ultimate sacrifice” are being remembered by local historians. Queensferry History Group has produced a new book and website highlighting the men from the town – and neighbouring Dalmeny – who went to fight in World War I but never returned. The beautifully-illustrated “Queensferry At War” book, which covers 70 pages, isContinue reading “Queensferry’s War Heroes Remembered”

A Brief History of South Queensferry

The small town of Queensferry lies on the south shore of the Firth of Forth just eight miles west of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city. As a convenient crossing place, the area may have been known before the Romans arrived, but the town is traditionally associated with Saint Margaret, the Anglo-Saxon princess who married King MalcolmContinue reading “A Brief History of South Queensferry”

The Covenanters and Queensferry

Queensferry has an interesting Historical connection to the Covenanters – 1638 – 1680. King Charles I attempted to overthrow the Presbyterian form of religion, which had been established in Scotland in 1560 during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots. “Covenanters” was the name given to Presbyterians in Scotland, of all ranks, who signed theContinue reading “The Covenanters and Queensferry”

The Heraldry of Queensferry

Heraldry in Scotland The development of armour in the 11th century created a need for identification to distinguish knights in battle. However, the resulting coats of arms, or “armorial bearings”, rapidly came to symbolise nobility, rank, authority and ownership. In a society where most people could not read or write, armorial bearings provided a usefulContinue reading “The Heraldry of Queensferry”

Welcome Home to Returning Soldiers

In the West Lothian Courier newspaper edition 5th December, 1919 it was reported that Queensferry had organised a social evening as a thank you to the returning Sailors and Soldiers in the Rosebery Hall. It was arranged by the Local War Service Committee and some 200 discharged and demobilised men and their guests were invited.Continue reading “Welcome Home to Returning Soldiers”

Exhibitions Remembering the Great War

Queensferry History Group has presented two major exhibitions relating to World War I. In 2013 Queensferry History Group, like many other community Groups throughout the country, was aware the time was approaching to commemorate the centenary of the First World War. In our area the communities of Dalmeny and Queensferry lost significant numbers of menContinue reading “Exhibitions Remembering the Great War”

Queensferry War Memorial

Listed below are the names of the men commemorated on Queensferry’s  World War I War Memorial, with information about them. If you are related to the men – or want to share additional information about them – please get in touch. Email: queensferryhg@gmail.com Private Louis Alfred Anderson, 2nd Battalion, Royal Scots, was born in Queensferry inContinue reading “Queensferry War Memorial”

Negotiations in the Forth

Article XXI of the Armistice required the surrender of the entire German submarine fleet and a total of seventy four  ships, including ten named battleships, six named battlecruisers, eight named light cruisers and fifty modern torpedo-boat destroyers. These were to be interned in neutral ports, or failing them, allied ports. The Germans were warned thatContinue reading “Negotiations in the Forth”

Conscription, Conscientious Objectors and Military Tribunals

Conscription Conscription was introduced in January 1916 for single men aged 16-41. A few months later married men were also included. Men who were called up for service could appeal to a Local Military Tribunal. Tribunals were held at town level and also at county level. Reasons for appeal included ill health, hardship, moral orContinue reading “Conscription, Conscientious Objectors and Military Tribunals”