In December, i received an email from Ken Liddell, who asked, “Hi, I was visiting this fantastic site to gather some info on Auchentibber Gardens. Occurred to me that someone might have or have access to information on Blantyre grocers from around the pre-WWII era. These are both family connections going under the names of “William Liddell” and “J & S McCallum”. I’m interested in where the shops were and when they were trading in Blantyre. Thanks and regards, Ken.”

I was able to reply with:

McCallum (J&S) was on the northern end at the bottom of Stonefield Road. This photo from 1915, actually shows the shop name on the gable. It later in more modern times became Clyde Star Video shop, and is now sadly knocked down. McCallum had a strong connection to Blantyre as a grocer, but also held a spirits license for selling alcohol. I think this is the John McCallum you’re after, but should not be confused with a man of the exact same name who lived very near to this at 28 Calder Street in Dixon’s Rows at that same time. That John McCallum was a miner for Dixon’s collieries and is unlikely to have owned a shop.

William Liddell as a grocer, I’n still searching for. However, the building in the photo directly across from McCallums on the other side of the road is Clive Cottage (not the corner building). In 1895, several people lived in that small building, including a William Liddell, who is noted on the census of that year as being a miner. I’m not sure of the relationship between William and John McCallum, or indeed if there is any, but a co-incidence nonetheless, that part of their story can be told from this picture. In answer to your query, i would suggest the businesses were located at Stonefield. I hope this helps in some way.

On social media:

Tom Brown Paul I might be wrong but was Liddel the grocers not on Victoria street next to the pharmacy?

Gerry O’Donnelly Sure that was Littles . Cathy littles on victoria st

The Blantyre Project when was this though? The context of the story is going back to 1895 – 1915. Victoria Street was then called “The Clay Road” with nothing on it at all other than Hasties (Stonefield) Farm. I wonder if it was relations of Liddel at Stonefield Road who went on to form the grocers later at Victoria Street.

Elizabeth Weaver Cathy Little had a drapery shop in the 50s, opposite the then playpark. Her brother Adam Little (known as Adas/Adis) had the grocery shop next door, I think.

Elizabeth Weaver Actually, it wasn’t Cathy – it was Peggy Little – the old memory is letting me down tonight!

Elizabeth O’Donovan I am trying to work out from this photograph where Norris’s the grocer was? It was opposite Mc Callums and near McInally the cobbler

Liz Allan On the left there are 2 white doorways or Windows it was the shop after them.

Monica Whelan Wish Blantyre still looked like that

Rose Lee Paul the ‘Little’ family had several shops in Blantyre. Story (from my friend who is a Liddell) was each of the sisters Little were given a shop. One of the sisters married a Liddell; one of the descendants is Mina Liddell- your mum’s friend.

Sonya Little Great Aunts

Davy Starrs looks so clean and spacious