1920 School Lane, Blantyre (?)
I’ve been told on several occasions that these photos are of School Lane, Kirkton, High Blantyre in the 1920’s. I have to say firstly, they are AMAZING photos capturing kids playing and 1920’s everyday life. They depict a very natural, fun Scottish street scene. The photo was on the wall in Carrigan’s Pub, High Blantyre next to School lane for a couple of decades. The recent Cornerstone pub now has it’s own decor, so these were taken down in 2014.
However, I have some serious doubts about this photo being of Blantyre at all. I have put the photo in context with the 1910 map, which actually from a certain angle, lends itself very well to fitting into School Lane.
1910 School Lane map
The width of the lane, the configuration of the shops and the vantage point from a wall, all fit in very well to the map, as does the bend on the lane, leading back out to Main Street. The fact there are shops here fits well too, as nearby Spiers Laun was quite the commercial hub.
Yet, the photo doesn’t still sit well with me. Mainly for one reason. The large buildings in the very background. On the left SHOULD be Station cafe, yet the building looks one storey. On the right SHOULD be Logan’s (now Cornerstone) at the back, yet this building looks very much larger. I am left absolutely split, not being able to agree if it is School Lane, yet not being able to say absolutely not too! Why was the picture titled “School Lane”? Why was it on a pub wall nearby for decades along with other confirmed photos of Blantyre? What is the actual source of the picture? Perhaps one of the Carrigan family can confirm and solve this mystery once and for all. I would say this, if it is proven that these ARE School Lane, these will instantly become my favourite pictures of Blantyre.
Update: I can now close this story as of 29/10/14. Chris Ladds has messaged me on social media to say the print is a commonly found print online of a street scene in London! Looks like people of Blantyre have been had, for a few decades! I was pretty sure it wasnt school lane, but hopeful that somebody could prove to me it was. The story is archived, but left here, so if it crops up again anywhere, i can point people to this article.
