Back in 1817, a fascinating legal battle unfolded in Blantyre, between two prominent landowners — Mr Steven and Mr Jackson. This court case centred on land ownership and boundaries, a common theme during the early 19th century, when Scotland was undergoing massive changes due to agricultural reform, estate expansion, and shifting land rights.
But what’s truly intriguing about this dispute is the rare list of place names it brought into the public record — names that now offer a tantalising glimpse into Blantyre’s historical geography.
I have to admit, I don’t know who Mr Steven would be? Taking each of the names in turn and with a little help from some notes:
Caffauldbrae near Coatshill
This name likely derives from “ca’-fauld brae” — meaning a slope beside a cattle fold or enclosure. It suggests pastoral land, possibly used for herding and seasonal grazing. The mention of Coatshill places it near the Northern or Eastern edges of Blantyre. There are a couple of enclosures marked at Coatshill on old maps, but I dont think this location will exist anymore.
Red Scar, Blantyre
“Scar” is an old Scots term for a cliff or rocky face, and the addition of “Red” may point to the reddish sandstone common in this area. This may have been a quarry site or a natural escarpment, potentially located near the banks of the River Clyde or Rotten Calder, where erosion often reveals such red rock features. Have to admit, no idea about the location which really could have been anywhere along the riversides.
Shott Brae
“Shott” or “Shotts” can denote a pass, field, or hollowed way in Scots language, and when paired with “Brae” (slope), it likely described a narrow road or track cutting up or down a slope — possibly a path between estates or farms. Its exact location is unclear but the name draws me to High Blantyre and perhaps to the road leading up to Greenhall itself?
Pattonholm Park
The name “Pattonholm” is an easier one I think. “holm” typically refers to flat, fertile riverside land, while “Patton” could be a surname or earlier estate name. This location suggests a low-lying meadow or parkland adjacent to the river, used for grazing or recreation. It does not appear in modern place names other than the house at the side of Bardykes Road, suggesting it was absorbed into later developments or renamed and the association with the Jacksons hasn’t gone unnoticed.
