1945 Aerial Pic showing Park House
In September 2014, I was contacted by Robert Sullivan who wrote, “Hi Paul, I’m a resident of Westcraigs ( Berriedale path)
I grew up in hill house as a young lad and we used to go bird nesting up where west Craig’s now stands. There was a big house up here when I was a lad between the various gorges. I believe it was burned to the ground maybe in the 1980s or 1990s? I was wondering if you have any maps showing the exact location of this building as I think it maybe where my house now stands. Any ideas?”
Once I looked into things a little, I was able to write back, “There was indeed a house there in Westcraigs, I believe a residential house. However, it was close to Berriedale but is more where modern Duncansby Drive is nearby to you. Here is a map with the modern streets superimposed on an 1945 aerial photo. You entered the house along the road from Blantyre Park, directly off Sydes Brae. I can confirm the house is to the East of the burn, meaning, it was actually in Hamilton (it may also come as a surprise to you that much of Westcraigs is actually in Hamilton Parish!) although for postcode purposes, it served well to say Westcraigs is in Blantyre. The opposite is
1859 Map to Park Farm & Park House, Blantyre
true for the Hamilton Technology Park which is actually in Blantyre!”
I cannot find reference to the house burning down, but was able to see that Park House had stood there for a long time. It certainly was noted on 1859 maps and indeed an account of that same year describes it, “A superior dwelling having a garden & orchard, & some lands attached, occupied by the Proprietress , Mrs.Weir. It is approached from the Farms of “Blantyre Park” by an occupation Road, fenced, on both sides. There is no distinctive name or term used by the proprietors of these three properties. This is well known as “Blantyre Park”, & the others as ” Park”.”
The distinction should be made that this house, was not the farmhouse, which was actually situated nearby to the West and outwith this photo.
Alex Rochead told me his grandfather used to live at Park House. He sent over this fabulous photo, taken in the 1940s.
1940s Park House, near Park Farm shared by Alex Rochead
I began married life at Park Farm living with my inlaws in 1963 …I have a picture of the house somewhere which i need to look out
Does anyone have an old picture of Herbertson St. There used to be a lumber yard near.by. I left in 1953 but was there last month and the street is gone. I know there was a church near by and I thought it went in to the High st. Thanks.