Absent Friends – Gone but not Forgotten
Our Founder Members
On a snowy afternoon about the middle of January 1881, a few of the worthies of the village were seated in Henderson’s Inn over a social glass; James Pearson Snr., James Fairbairn Snr., James Craik, George Henderson, William Garlick, James Wales, and the Inn-keeper Alex. Henderson became the Founder Members of ‘Let it Blaw’ ……… […]
John Fairbairn
John Fairbairn, son of Founder Member James Fairbairn Snr, was one of “the Twenty-three Gentlemen” present at the first ‘Let it Blaw’ in 1881. He was appointed Club Secretary, a post he held for 52 years. The existence of our extensive early Club records is the result of John Fairbairn’s long, dedicated and conscientious service……… […]
David B. Fairbairn
Son of Founder Member James Fairbairn Snr. and one of “the Twenty-three Gentlemen” present at the first ‘Let it Blaw’ in 1881, David was so highly thought of by Club Members that, although half the age of almost everyone else, by the fifth Supper he wasn’t only President, but also proposed the ‘Immortal Memory’ of Burns […]
George Y. Robertson
George Robertson was “one of the Twenty-three Gentlemen” who attended the first ‘Let it Blaw’ in 1881. He was born at Howatstone Farm near Livingston. His father owned the farm so George’s early years were very much linked to work on the Land. By the early 1850s the family had moved to Harlaw Farm, Balerno…… […]
Thomas Horsburgh JP
Tom Horsburgh was “one of the Twenty-three Gentlemen” who attended the first ‘Let it Blaw’ in 1881. Son of Master Blacksmith Dickson Horsburgh, he was brought up in the east side of Edinburgh. Together with his brother George, Tom learned the blacksmith’s trade from his father who had set up a business at Duddingston Mill […]
Rev. David C. Stewart
Davy was born in 1860 in Ochiltree, Ayrshire and took up the post as Minister of Currie Kirk in 1898. He was the first minister to attend ‘Let it Blaw’ when, in 1908, he proposed the ‘Immortal Memory.’ Davy preached sermons in broad Scots and was a much loved and respected character in the area….. […]
Fred Belford
Fred Belford was born in Gordon in 1886. It’s hard to imagine that anyone, in the long history of ‘Let it Blaw’, was more influential in Burnsian circles than Fred. Educated at George Heriot’s School and Edinburgh University, he pursued a career in education which saw him appointed Headmaster of Balerno School in 1923 ……. […]
Harry & Robin Rankin
Several families have made their mark on ‘Let it Blaw’ over the years but the songs and recitations of Harry & Robin Rankin has to be commemorated. It would be reasonable to create two tributes, one for each of them but, as they are always spoken of together to this day, together they must stay […]
Willie Shanks BEM
Willie was born in 1905 at Muiravonside near Linlithgow. In 1972, when Club Membership dwindled to the point of extinction, Willie single handedly took on the job of raising ‘Let it Blaw’ to the healthy Club we all enjoy today. In 1991, Willie was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to ‘Let it Blaw’…… […]
Jim Tait
Past President and latterly Honorary President of ‘Let it Blaw’, Jim Tait was born in the schoolhouse, Sandwick, Shetland, in 1922. His contribution to ‘Let it Blaw’ as chairman of the Supper on four occasions, committee man and diplomat cannot be overstated. The two ‘Immortal Memories’ presented by Jim in verse will long be remembered. […]
Rev. David D. Ogston
Born in Ellon in 1945, David was appointed Minister of Balerno Parish Church in 1973, and first attended ‘Let it Blaw’ in 1974. Having left Balerno for Perth in 1980, he was the unanimous choice to return and propose the’ Immortal Memory’ at the 1996 Supper which commemorated the 200th anniversary of Burns’ death ……… […]
Gordon Grant
Born in Edinburgh in 1918, Gordon spent most of his working life in the family business as manager of the Greyfriars Bookshop in Candlemaker Row. Late in his 80s, eyesight deteriorating and his mobility failing, he was still first ‘on duty’ on the morning of ‘Let it Blaw’ decorating the room for the evening’s festivities….. […]