East Thomas Street bonfire mystery

Mrs AJ Williams writes: "Although I now live in Eire, I am proud to say I was born in Edinburgh - at the lying-in hospital on the Royal Mile. I was born in 1924.

"For years, I have been puzzled by an event, which happened when I was only about two years old, being held in my father's arms.

"We lived in East Thomas Street which was a longish street and for some reason, three bonfires were set up on the street. East William Street backed on to us but was a much shorter street and only had one bonfire.

"The fire brigade turned up and dowsed the bonfires before going round the corner to dowse the East William Street one – there were bonfires all over the place not just these two streets.

"As the brigade left, more rubbish was brought out and the bonfires were started up again – but what was the occasion which was being celebrated? I have no relatives who can enlighten me, so can you?

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