Margaret Gray - Memories of Leith: schooldays, pageants and the outbreak of war.

About this episode

Margaret Gray shares her vivid memories of growing up in Leith during the 1930s and the impact of World War II on her childhood.

Margaret Gray was born in Leith in 1929 and spent her formative years there. Educated at Leith Academy Primary School, she recalls her friends, teachers and the day to day routines which were disrupted with the outbreak of World War II in 1939. Despite two attempts to evacuate from Leith, Margaret found herself back there in the midst of the wartime action, still a young girl. Margaret's lived experience is testament to the circumstances of young Leithers back in the 1930s. Her memories are vivid and her stories fascinating, humorous and poignant. The Living Memory Association receives the recollections we hear without judgement or correction. On occasion you may hear events being described in language that was acceptable at the time. Cover picture: Leith Academy Primary One Class, 1935. Margaret Gray is pictured on the second back row, fourth from the right. Interview recorded November, 2025. Thanks to Setuniman for use of their dreamy-loop track found on Freesound.org

People in this episode

Guest: Margaret Gray

Topics covered

• memories
• schooldays
• World War II
• Leith history
• personal stories

Keywords

• Leith
• Margaret Gray
• schooldays
• World War II
• memories
• Leith Academy
• 1930s

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Leith, Leith Academy Primary School