What a fantastic photo this is from around 1905 or so. This is Blantyre Bowling Club, on their green, just off Stonefield Road.
From my own collection this photo has never been seen online until now with both the original version and a colourised version for a touch of realism. The roofs of Dixons Rows appear in the background.
This photo is a real who’s who of Blantyre. Although there’s no names, having done so much Blantyre research over the years, I recognise and can pick out Andrew McAnulty at the back with the flat cap, Celtic Director James Kelly fourth from the front left in a bowler hat, Dixons cashier Neil Douglas is the portly gentleman at the front in the white shirt with hands in pockets. Also there is Cllr AB Maxwell and Dr Cowan Wilson (who has an arch built after him, in the park). Arthur Blakely who owned the pub on Main Street is standing third from the front right with his hands at his side. Individuals who were often in the news for their bowling accomplishments.
I’m confident this green pictured is still in the same place today, one half of a plot called ‘Pilot Acre’, just off Stonefield Road. Many of these men were also on the Parish Council, having shaped education, welfare and infrastructure in Blantyre all those years ago. With thanks to Alex Bowie for sharing the pic.
