Astley Ainslie Oral History Project
Photo by the Iain Stewart
This year, I have had the honour and the joy of working on a phenomenal oral history project for the Astley Ainslie Community Trust. I am elated to share part of it here. The AAH grounds are my favourite place in the whole of Edinburgh, and spending time amongst the trees is a daily ritual of devotion for me.
When I learned about the oral history project aimed at capturing and preserving the memories of people of the AAH, I knew instantly that I wanted to be involved. I joined a group of incredible volunteers (who quickly became dear friends) and under the wonderful guidance of Louise, we began our oral history training with the Oral History Society. I instantly loved the training as everything felt so natural, easy and intuitive to me. What could be better than sitting across from wondrous people and listening to their stories?
I wanted to be able to fully engage in this project by being interviewed and also being an interviewer. I loved being interviewed by the wonderful Alison whose thoughtful questions allowed me to be very fully present with all of my emotions of deep love of the trees and the grounds. Over the course of three months, I met and interviewed three magnificent interviewees who opened doorways into their memories of the AAH, and whose stories will always remain as a part of my memory of the AAH. My gratitude to each of them is eternal.
Thirty-five stories were collected in total, and 10 of the interviewees were invited to be photographed for an oral and visual exhibition. The wonderful Iain Stewart took stunning photos of all of us. The exhibit is currently available for viewing at the Morningside Library until the 14th of Nov 2025. You will find me photographed in my holding tree. The three-minute audio is a part of my interview and all of the interviews will be archived at LHSA at Edinburgh University. This project has been an immense reminder of the power of individual and collective voices shaping history.
