Transcription:
6 to spell and I picked up spelling very readily. And like yourself I was between 3 and 4 years old. That was in 1866-7.
Then I have a hazy recollection of a school at the North end of Castle St close by the Wesleyan Chapel. I think it was known
as the infant school, and was presided over by a Miss Suales. But I am not clear on that front. I dont think I ever knew where
Mr Siddon's school was. I imagine the school you went to after that, Mr Lyon, was hent in my day as Dick's schule . You speak
of your visit to it in later years, and meeting I presume Mr Dick. He has passed on, also Mr Buchanan the good parish minister
who was likely your guide. The school buildings were all enlarged years ago. But I recall the little low square building.
Among my late Father's effects, I found a photo of the little building and part of the play-grund 7 and Keir's boat building
yard, which I have safely laid by. Personally I never attended Dicks school, but was one year at a school in St Catherines
Hall near Keir's house, or at the Woodbush to be more correct. The balance of my education, not much to be sure, but thorough
was gotten under George Welster at the Westbarns. I recognize the well on the kirk brae under the dyke at the end where the
road to the cottages , Church St, and the Woodbush Brae intersect. All gone for many a year, but I mind fine some o' the round
wells that used to be on the High Street. Soohin-in-goats. oh how it all comes back. Havent heard the word for years. There
used tae be an awfu' yin at the Horseshoe. My first experience too of bathing was being dragged screaming into the sea at
Belhaven sands close by the burn