The school children are taking part in ‘Old’s Cool’, a project run by Citadel Youth Group in which they’ve been discussing how patterns of work have changed in the area. Citadel Arts Group is developing a play about work.

‘Leith Docks: A Great Life’ is about a Leith docker’s family in the 1960s and whether his son will follow in his dad’s footsteps. The reading was carried out by Citadel Arts Group actors, Greg Davidson, Mark Kydd and Derek McGhie – all from Leith – and Helen Cuinn. After the performance, the pupils and residents shared their experiences with each other.

Liz Hare, artistic director at Citadel Arts Group, said: “We have been doing these inter-generational projects with Port of Leith Housing Association for five years now and they prove extremely beneficial for both the residents and pupils.”

Suzie Connery, scheme co-ordinator at Hermitage Court sheltered housing complex, said: “Projects like these are invaluable in helping people feel valued and part of the community. The best feedback we receive is when the kids tell us they’ve seen the older people in the street or in the supermarket and have chatted to them.”

Leith Academy pupil Stephen McWhirter, whose grandad used to work on Leith Docks, added: “If it was a movie, I would watch it 100 times.”