As you may be aware, I’ve been passed many wonderful old photos from Alex Bowie, some with Blantyre connections given they were taken by Blantyre joiner and photographer, David Ritchie. I’ve not rushed into posting these, determined to slowly but surely find out more about each before posting. This is one previously unseen photo, which I think I’ve now found the background information for.
Whilst looking through Hamilton Advertiser Records, I found a Blantyre Joiners Excursion to the relatively new Forth Rail Bridge and I immediately thought of this photo, which I didn’t have a date or details for. The report in the paper suggests this is indeed a picture of Blantyre Joiners out on an excursion in 1895.
On Saturday 15th June 1895, an excursion of Blantyre joiners took place to Edinburgh area and in particular to visit Queensferry and the Forth Rail Bridge, which had only been opened 5 years earlier. Considered a marvel of the Victorian age, it was a popular tourist attraction and the Blantyre men looked forward to seeing what could be accomplished with metal, rather than wood.
So on that morning around 8am at High Blantyre Station, a gathering of the various joinery businesses assembled. ‘Clans’ from the High Blantyre Saw Mills at the north and from Messrs Warnock and Walker on the South. For the accommodation and travel for the whole company, the Caledonian Railway Company put on one of their best saloon carriages besides 2 other carriages and allowed the train to “run though” meaning no changes at Hamilton or Holytown.
The destination was Edinburgh, “the modern Athens of the north” and sight seeing was the order of the day. Whilst some remained in the Capital, a large party intent on visiting Queensferry boarded “the Flying Scotsman” including some lucky children brought along on the excursion in tow.
The route lay via the Bridge of Dean and Crammond, the former being in the papers only a few days before for being a common place notorious for suicide. However, these were not the thoughts that day. Alighting and boarding a “four in hand” (vehicle pulled by 4 horses), great merriment was created from the cabbie’s official horn.
Before reaching Queensferry, the northern entrance to Dalmeny Park was reached and the driver explained this was where the Prince of Wales had opened the Forth Rail Bridge 5 years earlier on 4th March 1890.
At length the Forth Bridge majestic view appeared, the towers glistening in their newness. Refreshments were taken at the Hawes Inn and a photograph was committed to, taken by one of the joiners themselves.[1] [1] PV adds, now this is interesting. This photo was taken in front of the Hawes Inn, South Queensferry we know it’s amongst a Blantyre collection from 1890 – 1915 and that the photographer was Mr David Ritchie. Now the interesting part, David’s employer as a joiner….Messrs Warnock and Walker, which he would later become a partner of. I am therefore 99% sure this photo was taken by David and features the Blantyre joiners of High Blantyre. To reinforce the reporters story, there are a couple of children in the picture, no women. Back to the report…..
The water on the Firth was somewhat breezy, but this did not deter from some of the party embarking on a sail round the south Cantilever (pictured) in a small boat in order to have a close up inspection of the gigantic structure, which was known to have cost lives in its construction.
The journey back was made by boat to Leith, then by train. Princes Street Station was departed from at 8.20pm with great regret that they were leaving with still so much to see and do. Several songs were sung on the train going home and High Blantyre station once again reached late in the evening, but thankfully with only a hop, step and jump back to homes.
On Social Media, the following comments were received on Facebook:
Robert Daley Crossed the Bridge many times also sailed under it when I was based at Rosyth.
John Ronald Superb reading
Mary Dawson A wonderful story. I always enjoy a trip to see the magnificent Forth Road Bridge. Makes you proud to be part of Scottish History.
Morag Burns Great piece of research.
John Newman What a great piece of history! My wife is the current manager of the Hawes Inn and we have a lot of visitors interested in the history of the bridge and surrounding area. Last week STV were interviewing relatives of those poor souls who were lost in the construction of the bridge in our bar. We are lucky enough to enjoy the bridge every day, but you have to wonder what those skilled tradesmen thought of it back then when it was still a modern marvel
Gerry Walker Your comment on the “Bridge of Dean” (now known locally as the Dean Bridge), sadly is still a place where suicides happen. The Hawes Inn is still a thriving establishment and recommended to any daytrippers.
Christine Anderson I am lead to believe the stones from the foundations of this bridge were quarried in Auchintibber
Isabel McCabe Most men in the photo are wearing bowler hats, only a few bunnets
Margo Clayton What a good piece of detective work Paul. Must have been so exciting for these Blantyre joiners to visit the new rail bridge. So pleased that you’re able to work out where most of these photos, taken by my great grandfather, were taken. Thanks Paul.