Boys' Brigade book is pal's promise fulfilled

Published on Saturday 13 March 2010 11:11

LAST night's launch of From Humble Beginnings: the Story of the 1st Leith Company the Boys' Brigade was the culmination of an emotional project for co-author Ian Ross, and not only because it is a history of an organisation that has been a key part of his life.

It also marks the fulfilment of a pledge to his friend, Steve Mitchell, who began the project but died of cancer before it was completed.

The two, who were both in the company – nicknamed The Humble First – in the 1950s and 60s, began delving into its history in 2007, when Steve returned to the Capital after living in England for some years. Ian says: "He was already very ill, and knew he didn't have very long. The doctors said 'We've done all we can for your body; now you've got to look after your head'. He threw himself into many groups, particularly history, and mostly about Leith, where he grew up."

The pair raked through the records stored in the BB Memorial Club in Ferry Road.

Steve began the project, with Ian proofreading his work, but after Steve's death in November 2008, Ian stepped in to make sure it would be completed. "When he died it was only about half done and I promised his wife and two boys that I would finish it," he says.

As well as details of the bands, drills and sports that are so much a part of the BB, the book also recounts more unusual interludes, such as the establishment on The Mound in 1917 of rest huts for soldiers home on leave, by First Company Captain AJ Lethem, manned by BB members.

The publication is funded by the organisation's ex-members association, which is offering a free copy to everyone who has been a member of the company. It is also available to buy for 10 from Ian via [e-mail].