In March 1892, during Glasgow Subway construction, workers unearthed a large underground cavity containing a fossilized canoe, indicating its connection to an ancient floodplain by the River Kelvin. The site also revealed encrinities, intriguing geologists, as these fossils were previously known only from Blantyre’s quarries, leading to significant media attention.
James Kelly 1865 – 1932
James Kelly (1865-1932) was a prominent Scottish footballer, renowned as Celtic’s first captain and pivotal in establishing the club’s legacy. He played for Renton and Scotland, winning the Scottish Cup multiple times. Post-retirement, he became a Celtic director, with his family maintaining ties to the club.
Exploring Bothwell Castle on the Clyde: Thomas Allom’s Illustrations
An intriguing post on the Lost Houses of the Clyde Valley page features an illustration of Bothwell Castle created by architect and illustrator Thomas Allom. The engravings are part of the Lost Houses collection, highlighting Allom’s contributions to architecture and art during the 19th century. He was a founding member of RIBA.
The Art of Violin Making, 1892
In April 1892, a pamphlet titled “The Art of Violin Making” was published in High Blantyre by local violin enthusiast Walter Watt. It detailed the technical aspects of violin construction and was promoted in local newspapers. At the same time, photographer David Ritchie captured a photo of an unknown violinist, possibly Watt.
Lanarkshire Evening Guide, 1892
In April 1892, the “Lanarkshire Evening Guide” was launched in Hamilton and distributed to Blantyre, marking a new addition to the local press. However, it was among several short-lived evening papers in late 19th century Scotland, unable to compete with established titles and likely ceased publication shortly after its debut.
The Abandoned Railway Station Plans in Blantyre
In April 1892, the Hamilton Herald newspaper told of new plans in Blantyre for a brand new railway station to be laid out. A third railway station for Blantyre, situated to the north of High Blantyre Station was to be built where the East Kilbride and Strathaven lines converged at Hunthill (where now is the […]
The Falls of Clyde – Powering Scotland’s Industrial Future
Long before hydro-electric dams and modern industry, the Falls of Clyde at New Lanark helped power one of Scotland’s most important industrial communities. In the late 1700s, the fast-flowing river drove the great cotton mills that transformed New Lanark into a world-famous centre of innovation. Water from the falls turned massive waterwheels day and night, […]







