From the Hamilton Herald 19th May 1888. Shared by Wilma Bolton.
“Much concern has been shown of late among the people over the statement that these works are about to be closed. During the last fortnight large numbers have been discharged, and it is to be expected that operations will cease entirely in a few weeks hence. “
It’s clear the dye works at Blantyre Mills was a large source of employment, as it had been for almost a hundred years before. As operations closed down, the arrival of new colliery pits in the same years throughout Blantyre must have seemed a godsend for these workers, well certainly the menfolk.
The derelict mills are shown in this photo from a decade or so later.
Three generations of my Fathers family worked in these Dye works. From my Great Grandfather back to my 3rd Great Grandfather. Their names were Robert Blackwood Hendry and John Hendry.