A book comprising a commemorative tea set designed by Port of Leith Housing Association’s (PoLHA) St Nicholas Court residents was launched this week by Edinburgh-based best-selling author Millie Gray.

Millie, the Scottish Storytelling Centre’s Arts Champion for Older People who started writing when she was 75 and has just started her eighth novel, joined residents at the Ferry Road-based sheltered housing complex.

The tea sets, made by the residents and young people from Pilmeny Development Project for the complex’s 25th anniversary two years ago, feature key dates, milestones and local Leith landmarks which take pride of place in the reception area.

Millie said: “Having been born a Leither, it’s wonderful to look at the residents’ tea set and be reminded of all the different things that make Leith great. Many of the residents have led colourful lives and it is lovely being able to take a trip down memory lane with them and hear their stories which are reflected in their designs.

“Having photographs of their designs, along with their stories, in a book is a wonderful keepsake for the residents and their families.”

Maisie McKenzie, an original resident who moved into St Nicholas Court when it opened in 1988, said: “I had such fun designing my own cup and saucer. The green grass and bowls remind me of happy long summer days spent at Dudley Bowling Club with my husband Alec and the sun is for sitting out in the garden at St Nicholas Court, chatting and having some good old laughs with my neighbours.”

Keith Anderson, chief executive of PoLHA, which celebrated its 40th anniversary this year, added: “St Nicholas Court does a fantastic job in looking after its residents and having each individual piece of the tea set illustrated in the book celebrates an aspect of Leith both now and looking to the future.”

@PortofLeithHA