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

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