Penicuik Silver Band Photograph by Alistair McEwen with permission from Penicuik Historical Society Private Alexander Gair, Royal Scots, was the eldest son of Andrew Gair, a Paper Maker Calenderman, and Marion Gair, of 6 Manderston Place, Penicuik. He was born in Bonnyrigg, worked as a Paper Enameller and died on 10 August, 1918, age 31. Surviving siblings were Elizabeth, Jessie, Matthew, James and Ernest. Private Charles S Johnstone, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry), was the second son of the late John Johnston, an Engine Fitter, and Sarah Field Johnston, of Polton Cottage, Lasswade, Midlothian. He was born in Loanhead, worked as a Paper Maker and died on 21 March. 1918, age 41. Surviving siblings were James, Gilbert, Sarah and John. Private John C McLean, Machine Gun Corps (Infantry), was the son of William McLean, a Roll Grinder, and Mary Clapperton McLean, of 15 Imrie Place, Penicuik. He was born in Penicuik, worked as a Paper Enameller and died on 26 June, 1918, age 30. Surviving siblings were Rachel, Elizabeth, William, Ann, James, Mary, Thomas and Margaret. Private McLean was married to Catherine C. McLean, of 5 Newby Court, Peebles. Private John (Jack) Smith, Royal Scots, was the husband of Emma Smith, of 4 Dunlop Terrace, Penicuik. He was born in Glasgow and, in 1882, served in the Egyptian Campaign. Despite his age and employment as a Paper Mill Worker, he enlisted in the Royal Scots and died on 24 March, 1916, age 53, leaving a widow and six children, William, Ann, Margaret, John, Maisie and Emma. His elder son, Private William Badger Smith, Royal Scots, was born in Penicuik and died on 23 April, 1917, age 34. His wife, Margaret, later remarried, becoming Margaret Pantzer, living at 36 Castle Street, Edinburgh. Private James Thomson, Royal Scots, was the elder son of David Thomson, a Paper Mill Worker, and Margaret, Thomson, of 11 Croft Street, Penicuik. He was born in Penicuik, was employed as a Paper Mill Worker and died on 20 July, 1918, age 31. Surviving siblings were Agnes, Alexander, Robert, Isabella, Margaret and Mary. Private John James White, Royal Scots Fusiliers, was the only son of John White, a Paper Mill Worker, and Jane White. He was born in Kirkhill, Penicuik, employed as a Paper Mill Worker and died on 9 June, 1918, age 32. Surviving sister was Margaret. Sources: Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Ancestry.com and Scotland’s People. .