The annual commemoration to mark the birthday of one of Musselburgh’s most famous sons, the celebrated doctor and author David Macbeth Moir, took place earlier this month.

Organised by the Old Musselburgh Club, a service, conducted by the Rev Malcolm Lyon, minister at St Michael’s Church at Inveresk, was held at St Michael’s Church Hall on Dalrymple Loan, Musselburgh.

Fifteen members of the club attended the service, which was followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the statue of the physician on Mall Avenue.

Club members were accompanied by Ian and Marion Moir – descendants of Dr Moir – from Edinburgh.

David Macbeth Moir was born on January 5, 1798, in Musselburgh and attended the local grammar school.

He practised in the town before attending the University of Edinburgh, where he graduated in surgery at the age of 18.

While continuing with his medical practice, he contributed to the Edinburgh Magazine and Literary Miscellany and Blackwood’s Magazine. He is probably best known for his humorous The Life of Mansie Waugh, Tailor in Dalkeith. In addition to his literary works, he wrote Outlines of the Ancient History of Medicine.

During the serious cholera epidemic in 1832, unlike many of his colleagues, he remained in the town to treat his patients and wrote extensively on the treatment of the disease.

He died in 1851 in Dumfries and his body was returned to Musselburgh, where he was given a civic funeral in recognition of his epidemic work.

His statue, which was paid for by public subscription, is testament to the high regard in which he was held.

Kenny McKenzie, president of the Old Musselburgh Club, paid a short tribute to Dr Moir.

A wreath was laid at the memorial and a bouquet was presented to Marion Moir by Kathryn McKenzie, the president’s wife, on behalf of the club.