1870’s Bothwell Castle

Incredibly, this scene is alleged to date to the 1870’s. Taken by pioneering early photographer J McGhie, is shows the bend in the River Clyde, Blantyre side on the left and Bothwell Castle in the background.

At over 140 years old, this was a time in Blantyre right at the start of the coal mining population explosion.

Visiting such places at weekends must have been a romantic, relaxing experience and a world away from sinking and drilling mines.