So who will be crowned the greatest ever Leither?

Published on Thursday 11 September 2008 10:06

AUTHOR Irvine Welsh, Hibs legend Pat Stanton and The Proclaimers are in the running to be crowned the greatest Leithers of all time.

They are joined on a list of nominees by sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi, businessman Sir Tom Farmer and publican Mary Moriarty – all familiar faces in the area.

The identity of the winner rests in the hands of parishioners of South Leith Parish Church as it prepares to celebrate 400 years in the community with the award.

The church – on Henderson Street – is marking four centuries in Leith with a number of celebratory events, including Pillars of Our Community, a quest to crown influential people or those who have impacted on the area through their work.

Deputy session clerk Arthur Mathieson said: "We wanted to do something that would span all the different generations of the Leith community and believe this is it."

Pillars of Our Community is divided into six sections: arts and culture, business, church, community, politics and sport. Each features three nominations – one of which will be awarded a gold medal. All nominees will be invited to a celebratory event in January, with Trainspotting author Welsh having already confirmed his attendance.

This has generated hope among the congregation that the awards will attract widespread attention, helping to put both the area and the church firmly on the map.

Mr Mathieson said: "We're looking for real bigness with the awards ceremony. It has such great potential."

The idea was the brainchild of the church's Rev Ian Gilmour. Next weekend, the 500-strong congregation will be invited to cast votes, followed by selected groups from across Leith.

Other events to mark the 400th anniversary include a service for all those baptised in the church, which was founded in 1609, over the last 100 years, to which Rod Stewart's son Alastair will be invited.

Mr Mathieson said: "It's amazing how Leith goes on across the world through its people. We fully expect many will come back to mark the anniversary."

Leithers buried in unmarked graves at the church will be remembered at a service in April.

September will see a service for couples married at the church over the last 100 years, and there will be a champagne communion in October.

The nominations in full:

Arts and Culture

&#149 The Proclaimers

&#149 Irvine Welsh

&#149 Eduardo Paolozzi

Business

&#149 Sir Tom Farmer

&#149 Robin Salvesen

&#149 Martin Wishart

Church

&#149 Dr James Marshall

&#149 Rev Elizabeth Wardlaw

&#149 Gregor Cowan

Community

&#149 Willie Merrilees

&#149 Douglas McKay

&#149 Mary Moriarty

Politics

&#149 Malcolm Chisholm

&#149 Mark Lazarowicz

&#149 John Crichton

Sport

&#149 Sir Peter Heatly

&#149 Pat Stanton

&#149 Lawrie Reilly