There was considerable shock on Hunthill Road, Blantyre on Sunday 22nd October 1916 when a young man accidentally ended his life.

Thomas Erskine (17) had been amusing himself and his young companions by shooting birds with a miniature rook rifle, when the gun accidentally went off. A charge of pellets launched themselves into his head. Help was quickly called for, but young Thomas sadly died within an hour.

His father was serving in the war at the time. Rest in Peace Thomas.