Hi there, I'm a new member to this list, and until now didn't realize that some of my ancestors hopped from Orkney to mainland Scotland. Two Great Uncles settled in Edinburgh as it turns out so I'm hoping that someone here might have a connection or information. I'm searching for: ~ John Ward: born July 13, 1872 @ Walls, Orkney. Apparently, he became a Police Officer in Edinburgh. He appears in the 1901 census living at (and I hope that I read this correctly) 5 Old Fishmarket Close, Parliament Square. He's shown as a 28 year old lodger, a constable. A relative passed along an undated photo to me where he's in his police uniform. Unfortunately, I don't know anything else about him. How long he worked, who he married or when he died. ~ Henry Berston Ward: born Sept. 4, 1879 @ Walls. He appears in the 1901 census in Edinburgh too. He's at 39 Ramsey Lane and works as a 2 car conductor. I'm not sure what that is -- sounds like something to do with trains, perhaps? I do not know if he married or when he died. If anyone knows any information on these two people or there situations, I'd be so thrilled! Is there any chance that the buildings where they were listed might still be around today? Jackie Middleton Toronto, Canada

> ~ John Ward: born July 13, 1872 @ Walls, Orkney. Apparently, he > became a Police Officer in Edinburgh. He appears in the 1901 census > living at (and I hope that I read this correctly) 5 Old Fishmarket > Close, Parliament Square. Yes, should be still there and not far from the Police Museum as it happens. The Police Station in the High St is perhaps the best known in Edinburgh, famous for temporary overnight stays for those who had a skinful. Perhaps your relative was living in Police accommodation. > ~ Henry Berston Ward: born Sept. 4, 1879 @ Walls. He appears in the > 1901 census in Edinburgh too. He's at 39 Ramsey Lane and works as a > 2 car conductor. Ramsay Lane, up near the Castle. Not sure if the address will still be there, not so much because of demolition, more because building use might have changed. As a car conductor I would say he worked on the Edinburgh Trams which in those days were trolley buses. ( Leith got electric trams earlier but they didnt come in in Edinburgh itself until about 1922. ) The cars ran on cables laid in the street. Power was provided by plants at key places such as Tollcross. The conductor of course was needed to take the fares. The two men were living near to each other - 500 metres maybe. Judy