Saturday 24th July 1971

I packed the milk in. It's not been the same since Sid resigned and I don't particularly like the new boss; that'll be the household back to Stork margarine again! 

Another day with pouring rain; so much for me leaving the bike at the shop (Baird's Newsagent's Morningside Drive). Rain or not I decided just to cycle up to the City Hospital keeping the papers dry as best as possible. As usual I got on fine; there's always a wee bit of trepidation as to whether I'll sell all my stock but I haven’t failed so far. I'm always keen as mustard to get a pat on the back from Pamela. I'm never sure though whether she realises the efforts I sometimes go to to sell out all the Edinburgh Evening News’. 

Nana, Gaga and Aunt Heather were out to see us all. We sat and watched a good Gary Cooper film called The Unconquered. Although it comes under The Saturday Western series it was set in the early days of the Colonists but still braw for all that. Late on we watched Parkinson; two entertaining guests Michael Caine and Georgie Best.

Saturday 17th July 1971

Photograph Graeme Paterson

I finished the milk early this morning; although we're on holiday Saturday still has that different wee feel to it. After breakfast I went down to the National Garage; Mrs Munro gave me my pay. In the afternoon I sold all my Edinburgh Evening News' dead quickly perhaps because it was a Saturday and there were more visitors in to see the patients. However I was only paid a £1 by Pamela Baird. 

In the early evening Nana dropped by to see us. I then went out and played on the bike going off for a wee cycle ride up to Colinton. Mum and John are away for an evening out.

Old Parky was interesting this evening. There was quite a line up with some great jazz musicians but mainly because the show had John Lennon and Yoko on; Lennon told him that if he (Parky) mentioned The Beatles once he'd have to conduct the interview from a sack which he duly did!

Monday 12th July 1971 It's work Jim, but not as we know it!

Well it may be the school summer holidays but compared to last week's leisurely week I put in a heck of a good shift today; and yet busy as I was it didn’t really feel like working at all. I really enjoyed myself. 

I started a new milk run this morning so I was up with the birds at the crack of dawn; however on a light, summer's morn and with no school I took it in my stride. After a wee bit of scran for my breakfast I went down to job number two at the National Garage to work on the pumps. Mrs Munro is as big a character as her hubby. They're like two peas in a pod. 

Mid- afternoon I took a number 16 bus down to Bairds Newsagents to begin my new paper-round for Pamela Baird. 

Pamela Baird

She gave me a bundle of Evening News' to sell around the City Hospital wards. It's completely different to a few years back when I did the early morning slot where I saw some bonny (not) sights. On a bright, sunny afternoon the hospital is a much sunnier place to go around in both senses of the word; there's more staff on the go and the visitors were in. Anyway, I managed to sell all the papers so Pamela will be pleased, which makes me pleased too. 

Photograph courtesy John Stirling, Currie

Afterwards I had a quick tea then I went back down to put in a few more hours at the garage - my pockets will be jingling this week. Meanwhile John and Mum are up the The Good Companions having a wee tipple or two; I've just had some chips.

Friday 9th July 1971

I worked for a good part of the day at the National Garage at the back of the Store on Colinton Mains Drive. Mr Munro the owner is a big, bluff sort of a character but is okay. I got the job through Iain and Ali Douglas who have both been working there too. I quite enjoy being at the garage and serving the petrol from the wee kiosk. The petrol's straight forward enough but it's a wee bit trickier with the oil 'n petrol mixture for the motor-bikes. 

There's a great smell about the place; it’s the mixture of petrol and heat. It's been another hot and sunny day with the sun beating down. I like the whole feel of the place; there's a certain timelessness and tradition about a garage. It's a wee bit messy with odds 'n ends and some car stuff lying around. I also like the free badges we get to distribute to the customers. On a warm, dreamy afternoon it's a good way to spend a school holiday. 

Pamela Baird

Later on I cycled down to Morningside Drive to re-introduce myself to Pamela Baird and pick up another job at Bairds Newsagents. I've always enjoyed working at Bairds - it's in my DNA. It's actually been a wee while since I've been in the shop. 

Mr Baird

The shop has a good feel to it with the double shop at the front with newspapers; chocolate; cigarettes; stationery and cards and a few toys and then the contrast of the smaller, secret world of the back shop where we fold the newspapers and make up the rounds; brew the tea as well as the wee sink and loo. 

Gaga picked up Iain and me and we went down to Porty where he treated us to a St Andrew’s Restaurant fish supper; they must easily be the best in the world. Like the weather, the golf is hotting up and there’s only a stroke between Lee Trevino and Tony Jacklin. We sat in and watched a great film, Robin Hood; I've always fancied a life in the greenwood. Before bed I settled back to read my comics. All 'n all a fantastic day - another excellent day of holiday and work too, but with lots of good stuff packed in there - happy days!