Ian's first job was working in the cellars at Fountainbridge Brewery in Edinburgh, then at 16, he served his time as an iron moulder at Bertrams, Westfield Road.
Born: 16 June 1943 at 132 Steven Law's Close in the High Street, in a 'penny tenement' as they used to call them
Q: When/why did you first start drinking in the Tynecastle Arms?
A: I first started drinking here when I moved to Gorgie about 30 years ago. It was called 'Campbells' at that time and the staff all wore white aprons. First I lived in Newton Street, then I moved into the flat next door, so I used to come down in my slippers.
Q: Why do you keep going in?:
A: It's a habit and I like the guys in the pub. I like Stevie, the manager, even though he's a shitehouse. I've known Stevie since he started here 18 years ago. He's my pal although you wouldn't think it the way we speak to each other. I moved to Gorgie when I got married in 1970.
Q: What's your favourite tipple?
A: A pint of Special
Q: What is your favourite film?
A: 'The Birds' and 'Psycho'. The first time I seen 'The Birds' I shit myself. I couldn't believe it when they all came in that window.
Q: What is your favourite song?
A: 'Flower of Scotland.' I like Scottish music, particularly the songs about fighting the English
Q: What part of Edinburgh should every visitor coming to the city see?
A: The Tynecastle Arms and The Spider's Web if they want to drink. They should also have a look at the big square at the back of the Lawnmarket where we used to play football when I was wee. We used to get chased round all the closes by auld George the policeman. He had a notebook but instead of taking your name, he'd draw a picture of you. That was the old days. The old days were the good days. I retire on 15 June, the day before my 60th birthday. I also used to sell newspapers at the top of Cockburn Street (pictured above) on Sunday mornings. I'd have to get up about 4.30. The best thing about selling papers on a Sunday was watching the folk getting out of the jail on the High Street, getting their tea and rolls. I used to sell papers in all kinds of weather. When the papers went on strike, all you could get was 'The Sunday Post' and the 'Sunday Mail.' They were going like hot cakes. I've been through many strikes over the course of my life. I used to be a shop steward. It makes for a hard life but I've liked it. I've done it all but I've not worn the t-shirt.
Q: What don't you like about Edinburgh?
A: Drugs and knives. The police don't get respect any more. In the old days, they'd belt you, then take you home to your ma and she'd belt you as well. It was better that way. Also, the buses are freezing in the mornings. They don't seem to heat them so if you're on one early, the cold goes right through you.
Ian Brown’s 6 Best Things About Life
1. Living – I’m 60 on the 15th of June and I thought I wouldnae see it. My old man died at 54 and my brother had a heart attack last Thursday. He’s 61
2. The first lassie I first went out with. It would be lovely to see her again. She must be about ages with me now. I saw her once a few years ago, in H Samuel jewellers in Princes Street, but she didn’t see me. She was with someone else. I was 20 when I first fell for her. Her name was June Gillan. We used to go to the Palais de Dance. That was good. I’ll always have feelings for her
3. The old Palais de Dance in Tollcross (now a bingo hall.) You used to get some great punch ups there and we’d always end up getting flung out but it was a great place. Sean Connery used to be the bouncer there. The Ray McVie Band used to play there on a revolving stage
4. When I was young and my whole family used to stay in the same stair in the High Street. My old man lived on the 1st floor and I stayed with my aunties and uncles on the 2nd floor. My old man used to keep losing his budgies as he’d forget to shut the window and also, he’d used to walk about with the budgie on his shoulder, and forget it was there when he went out, so they’d fly off. He thought they wouldn’t go, but they always did
5. The parties my aunties and uncles used to have when I was wee were great. I used to collect the screw top bottles and drink what was left in them. I was about 9 or 10 at the time
6. My honeymoon in Aberdeen in 1970. We stayed in a boarding hoose in Carden Place. It was a good time.
