It was with much sadness, I heard that well known printer, John R Reid recently passed away. John Robertson Reid passed away on 30 May 2026, aged 78. As with many prominent individuals who helped shape Blantyre and this community, here’s some words about his life and left here as a lasting legacy to his […]
Stonefield Park Orchard
A plentiful first bounty for the new apple trees in Stonefield Public Park this summer! Look at this lot! Red, juicy apples on many of the trees in Low Blantyre Park, after a record hot summer. It’s wonderful to see fruit growing in the wild and available to all. These young trees had a difficult […]
Crossbasket Cabins – holiday accommodation
There’s new holiday accommodation in High Blantyre being built. Crossbasket Cabins introduce a new way to experience the estate, where contemporary sophistication meets raw natural beauty. Twelve luxurious timber cabins nestled along the banks of the River Calder offer private, self-contained retreats designed for pure escapism, right here on Blantyre’s doorstep. Situated at Crossbasket grounds, […]
Unknown Boxer – Recognise him?
Reader Ros Goulding sent me this message saying, “Hi I’m trying to find out who this boxer is please. The photo was found at my grandmothers after she died. Her name was Jane or Jeanie Gillan (was Duffy) born 25th September 1898. I believe in the Blantyre area. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.” […]
More Dirty Roads, Blantyre 1891
In 1891, a disgruntled resident of Blantyre complained about a massive mud bank along the footpath, illustrating the poor condition of local roads. Highlighting longstanding sanitation issues, the letter reflects frustrations over inadequate infrastructure maintenance. This historical account connects past grievances with contemporary complaints about road conditions in Blantyre.
Blantyre’s Dirty Roads, 1891
A letter sent into the Hamilton Advertiser in November 1891 by a Blantyre Resident in Stonefield. “Sir,—I am pleased to see in your last Saturday’s issue “I would respectfully ask the railway officials what has become of their promise made six or seven years ago to build a new station? I would also draw the […]







