Dr Andrew Balfour

Blipped the water fountain (erected in the memory of Dr. Andrew Balfour) on the way to the Odeon at Fort Kinnaird to see ‘Kingsman, The Golden Circle’.

The drinking fountain was erected in 1907 at Whitehill Street to commemorate Dr. Andrew Balfour who had died the previous year. As detailed in the dedication, Dr. Balfour was a valued member of the community. On 24 May 1884 in Niddrie, a serious fire broke out in No. 7 pit which was about 250 fathoms deep. During the rescue effort, seven miners were discovered dead, one of whom was clasping in his arms his son, still alive. Information was immediately sent to the surface, and Dr. Andrew Balfour and Dr. John Balfour of Portobello, descended and gave medical assistance to the rescued miners, who were much exhausted. In 1890 an influenza epidemic hit the area and Dr. Balfour treated 146 cases of in a three week period in the Newcraighall mining village.

You forget that there is a rich and sometimes sad past to many of these small ex-industrial villages.

Still coughing and spluttering...

Hope you have had a good Sunday,