They were beaten to the start by the lonely small bell of the Mission Church in Baxter’s House at the foot of Bell’s Brae here in the heart of Edinburgh’s most neglected tourist asset.
More tradesmen. The Gas Board delivered a second hand gas fridge, followed within the hour by the electricity board SSEB to advise on the fitting of a 13 amp ring main. Two very dirty and unpleasant hours were spent on trying to beat clean Mother’s carpet and rugs. Remind me never again to try this in a high wind. This traumatic experience spurred me to visit the Lane Auction to get a vacuum cleaner. I should have known better. For thirty shillings I was rewarded with the world’s oldest GEC vacuum cleaner, signed by Mary Queen of Scots. On impulse, I bid 30 shillings for 200 books, of which I only wanted six. The auctioneer’s workmen don’t think much of books and loaded me with two massive old suitcases full of 350 old books. On the really important stuff: a bedroom wardrobe and a chest of drawers, I was outbid. I’ll keep on attending auctions until something turns up.

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The real problem remains what to do about the blessed bathroom. I went to see the clerk to the Dean of Guilds Court yesterday and he was quite keen that the work be done. Out of curiosity, I carefully read upside down what grading he had put against my property and was pleased to note that it is “in very good condition”.