1938 Royal Visit at Hamilton Town Hall
In 1938, Glasgow was hosting an Empire Exhibition. A marvellous event designed to attract people from afar. The event was attended by various Royals, including a visit by Queen Elizabeth and George VI. The tour included various suburbs and a visit out to Hamilton Town Hall where massive crowds had to be held back by lines of Police holding hands on Tuesday 3rd May 1938.
On the way to Hamilton, the royal tour stopped briefly at Blantyre, where local girl Margaret McMahon
1938 Queen meets Margaret McMahon at Blantyre
received wishes and a smile from the Queen. Fifteen year old Margaret was seated in her wheeled chair and was still suffering from burns received three years earlier in 1935. The Queen spoke to her briefly and said, “I wish you luck and hope you get quite better soon.”
This was an unscheduled stop at Blantyre Hall occupational centre for the unemployed and it was reported that the King was so interested, he insisted on stopping and going inside the centre. The King had noticed a Mrs Baird standing outside the centre wearing three rows of medals and wished to return that respect.