Mary Moriarty

Mary Moriarty took the wheel of the Port O'Leith Bar 13 years ago and there are customers around the globe who claim it's Leith's best.

Mary, born in Corstorphine Village, Edinburgh, was never destined to become a publican.

"Before I came into this trade I was exporting antiques to America from a warehouse I had down here in Leith. In fact I planned to emigrate to the US. That move never materialised and that's when I got round to the pub idea. We're talking 14 or 15 years ago remember. You don't make fortunes here, but I have to say I've no regrets whatever about this job. In fact, I absolutely love it. I visualise being here till the end of my working days. They'll have to carry me out, I'm sure."

Mary is currently president of The Edinburgh & District Ladies Licensed Trade Auxilliary Association (ELLTA).

Typical of Mary is that she wouldn't hear of any write-up without mentioning her staff, particularly her 'helper' every morning. Rachel McCaig retired after managing Nobles Bar, a neighbouring pub, for 25 years. Both ladies together and you've got the very heart of Leith and tales that would make a docker blush.