The Lamplighter

'there are no stars so lovely as Edinburgh street-lamps' - Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894)

Yesterday we went on the first of our Edinburgh's Hidden Walks (Stephan Millar).  The weather forecast wasn't that great so we chose one of the nearest - the Northern New Town and Moray Estate Walk.  It took us along Heriot Row, apparently one of the most exclusive and expensive addresses in Scotland.  (Did I mention it was not a million miles away from where we are renting!)  Robert Louis Stephenson grew up at at No 17.  He was a poorly child and spent much time in bed from where he looked forward to the nightly appearance of the lamplighter (the Leerie).

My tea is almost ready and the sun has left the sky;

It's time to take the window to see Leerie going by;

For every night at teatime and before you take your seat,

With lantern and with ladder he comes posting up the street.

...

For we are very lucky, with a lamp before the door,
And Leerie stops to light it as he lights so many more;
And oh! before you hurry by with ladder and with light;
O Leerie, see a little child and nod to him to-night! 

Then this morning, on my way to Quaker Meeting, I spotted this paving stone in Lady Stairs Close.