In April 1892, a pamphlet titled “The Art of Violin Making” was published in High Blantyre by local violin enthusiast Walter Watt. It detailed the technical aspects of violin construction and was promoted in local newspapers. At the same time, photographer David Ritchie captured a photo of an unknown violinist, possibly Watt.
Lanarkshire Evening Guide, 1892
In April 1892, the “Lanarkshire Evening Guide” was launched in Hamilton and distributed to Blantyre, marking a new addition to the local press. However, it was among several short-lived evening papers in late 19th century Scotland, unable to compete with established titles and likely ceased publication shortly after its debut.
The Abandoned Railway Station Plans in Blantyre
In April 1892, the Hamilton Herald newspaper told of new plans in Blantyre for a brand new railway station to be laid out. A third railway station for Blantyre, situated to the north of High Blantyre Station was to be built where the East Kilbride and Strathaven lines converged at Hunthill (where now is the […]
The Falls of Clyde – Powering Scotland’s Industrial Future
Long before hydro-electric dams and modern industry, the Falls of Clyde at New Lanark helped power one of Scotland’s most important industrial communities. In the late 1700s, the fast-flowing river drove the great cotton mills that transformed New Lanark into a world-famous centre of innovation. Water from the falls turned massive waterwheels day and night, […]
The Battle of Bothwell Brig – Covenanters Defeated on the Clyde
On 22 June 1679, the fields beside Bothwell Bridge became the scene of one of Scotland’s most important religious battles. Thousands of Covenanters gathered to resist royal control over the Scottish Church—but they were poorly organised and divided in leadership. Government troops crossed the narrow bridge after fierce fighting and quickly overwhelmed the defenders. Many […]
New Station Road, 1892
In April 1892, surveyors began measuring for a new road in Blantyre, named New Station Road, to connect Blantyre Station to Glasgow Road. This road, aimed at easing pedestrian travel in a growing area, was renamed John Street following John Clark Forrest’s death in 1893. It appeared on the 1899 map.
Rowdy Conduct against Church Goers, 1892
A letter sent into the Hamilton Advertiser in May 1892. “Sir,— Tired of reading on Sunday afternoon last, I, at the advice of my landlady, prepared to go to worship. On the way, a ludicrous scene almost made me forget my sacred errand. “ “On the Blantyre pavement, beside a richly-painted public-house, were nine boys […]







