The evening 13th March 1896, and various prominent men from the Parish headed to Hillside Cottage at the bottom of Sydes Brae to visit Neil Douglas at his home. Amongst them were Mr Craig a neighbour at Bellsfield, Mr Adam of Shott, Menzies & Stewart of Eastbank and Dr Grant. In the name of themselves and many of Neil’s friends, they presented him with a gold lever watch.
The watch carried the inscription, “Presented to Mr Neil Douglas, along with a purse of sovereigns, by his many friends as a mark of esteem, and in recognition of his valuable public service. Blantyre 13th March 1896”
Dr Grant in making the presentation said on behalf of every resident, no matter their religion, wished Neil well after he had battled a long and serious illness and how the time was now right to make such a presentation on account of him being one of the chosen representatives of the new Parish Council, and as chairman of the School Board. Neil also was congratulated on his performance and efforts in Blantyre Curling and Blantyre Bowling Clubs, for the previous 21 years. Above all, his genial disposition and large heartedness made him a favourite with every class in the community. Mrs Stewart then presented Mrs Douglas with a gold bangle and commented on what a long association the Blackley family had in Blantyre (Neil’s second wife was a Blackley)
Mr Douglas on accepting the gifts spoke in feeling terms and did not know how to thank his friends in words for their sentiment. The watch, he said would be his constant companion and the sovereigns in the beautiful purse, would NOT be cashed in, unless he joked “the Poorhouse loomed in the distance”, which he hoped, would not be in the near future!
Neil must have been very proud of his watch. I suspect its the one is was often pictured with. In this photo of Blantyre Bowling Club in 1905, Neil is pictured with white shirt sleeves and hands in pockets at the front middle.
Actually, I have a little correction to make about the year of Neil’s death. I’d previously thought it was 1912, (and written so), on the basis that Strothers Directory 1912 told of his death that year. However, I’ve subsequently from out from Neil’s family that he passed away in 1910. Checking the death certificate, he did indeed pass away on 25th November 1910. So Strothers Directory got it wrong. I’ve since updated my articles online to ensure the error isn’t carried forward.
Neil, who once lived in Hillside Cottage at the bottom of Sydes Brae, was held so highly in regard in Blantyre, that Douglas Street is named after him, being so close not only to his former home, but the colliery he worked at as cashier.