“Remember Graham Priestley” the inscription reads. This unassuming stele in Graham’s Garden tells a story. It’s a tribute to a man deeply connected to the Water of Leith. Graham was more than just a local resident. He was a champion of the river. He worked tirelessly with the Water of Leith Conservation Trust. His efforts helped restore the river’s health. He understood the river’s vital role in Edinburgh’s history. The river’s importance to Edinburgh’s industrial past. Its transformation from polluted waterway to the vibrant resource it is today. Graham documented this history in his book “The Water Mills of the Water of Leith”.
He highlighted the mills along the river. These mills produced diverse goods. Paper flour woolen and linen cloths spices and even snuff. But Graham wasn’t just a historian. He was also a passionate angler. His expertise led to five editions of “Angling in the Lothians”. He was High Bailiff of the Water of Leith for fourteen years. He knew the river intimately. He generously shared his fly-fishing knowledge through evening classes. He advised on techniques for success on the Water of Leith. He emphasized stealth and caution. He noted that fishing is best at dusk or later. He knew the river’s nuances its challenges and its rewards.
This stele stands as a testament to Graham’s multifaceted contributions. To his love of the river his dedication to its preservation. His legacy extends beyond his writing and his angling. It’s etched in the revitalized Water of Leith itself. It’s felt in the community he served. It’s seen in the quiet appreciation shown at Graham’s Garden. It’s in the lives he touched. This little-known memorial is a powerful symbol. A reminder that even the smallest monuments can tell the largest stories. Stories of dedication service and the enduring connection between people and place. So take a moment. Reflect on the life and work commemorated here. The legacy of Graham Priestley. A legacy that lives on. In the revitalized Water of Leith and the hearts of those who remember him.