Ram Day

It's too long a story to go into but suffice to say I couldn't make the Blip day at the beach as I met with my cousins at the The Sheep Heid Inn, Duddingston Village (we meet once a month for a chat).

We met with DJ who is manager of the said famous pub, to recall memories of Grant's Dairy and the village in general. DJ and others are putting together a book as it is the 650th year of The Sheep Heid (famous for its sheep heid broth).

My Dad worked at the dairy before and after World War II and during the war my cousin Bunty (pictured with the Ram and looking great for 83!, she won't mind me saying) and her brother (aged 10 and 9) helped to deliver milk with the son of the owner of the dairy. Bunty was a bit apprehensive when DJ asked if he could record her but she soon forgot about the mic and we all had a laugh.

DJ laughed the loudest when she recalled how she and her brother were sent, by my Dad, up Arthur's Seat every Sunday, to collect sheep's purls (I think its an East of Scotland term for sheep dung!) which was used on the garden. They had to carry the bucket a couple of miles home with the contents dripping all the way.

DJ said he had to go and do some work and returned as you see dressed as a Ram! He's publicising the upcoming anniversary activities. Bunty suggested she might continue the tradition and follow him with a bucket!

As we left later he passed in his car still in the costume but without the 'sheep's heid' on, off to a gig. He must have been cooking it was so warm.

Another nice surprise, my brother who had put me in touch with DJ, had arranged to pay for our lunch! Thanks, bro!