Arthur Williams



A much loved feature down at the foot of Leith Walk (more so than that arbitrary metal spire or statue of Ol' Vicky), Arthur Williams, or Rastatramp - as he was affectionately but mistakenly named (he's not a rasta and doesn't like to be identified as such) - gained quite a cult following amongst citizens of Leith. Originally from the Seychelles, he somehow wound up living on the streets there for 25 years, protected from the sharp winds of the North Sea by a collection of insulating dreadlocks, and sight of him was a refreshing change from the assorted scumbags spilling out from pubs on Duke Street at all hours of the day. Legend had it that he used to own many businesses on Leith Walk, and that his family perished in a house fire. However this this is not true, just a commonly regailed story, he's just a guy who has ended up homless. Still very sad - yet he doesn't let it destroy his spirit - a true hero.

Indeed he has his own Facebook page, much like another of Edinburgh's local heroes - Beaverman. Impressively, it has been sitting just just shy of 10,000 fans - far in excess of your average shitey Edinburgh indie band or George Street DJ. The page itself describes him as 'Leith's most well known street celebrity. Often seen at the foot of leith walk and quite often sitting outside the Sea Breeze Cafe'

Upon his disappearance from Leith Walk there was much speculation on various social media sites and messageboards as to his whereabouts and, as ever, some rumours about his passing - which thankfully turned out to be untrue when it was reported that he had been moved to a halfway house in Leith, and had been relieved of those heavy looking dreadlocks (which were presumably developed into a tougher and more resiliant fiberglass for Leith's shipping industry). As it turns out the dreadlocks weren't a style conscious decision and more just the result of having matted hair as is often case with many homeless folk. Either Arthur's he now sports a tidy new hairdo and a tidy new pad! All's well that ends well - I'm a sucker for happy endings <3