If you’re ever visiting the David Livingstone Birthplace, you may wonder what the small plaque is on the gable of Shuttle Row. Not the prominent one at ground level telling for the 1929 opening, nor the one on the North Gable telling the story of the bell. Instead, looking upwards on the South side, just […]
Category: Blantyre Business
Blantyre Amateur Dramatic Club
Formed in 1896 under the management of Mr Walter Gowans of Hamilton. The Club made steady progress in terms of membership and awareness in their initial years since their first performance tackling the Scottish drama of “Rob Roy”. In 1897, during their second year, their selection for the season’s opening was the exciting Irish Drama, […]
Miss Muir’s Dancing Classes
A little forgotten piece of Blantyre history which I hope to bring back to attention again here. In March, April and May 1898, Miss Muir of High Blantyre formed juvenile and adult dancing classes at the Masonic Hall on Main Street. Three whole months of dance classes came to a close on Friday 13th May […]
David Maxwell’s Restaurant, 1898
I’ve recently found some information relating to a former restaurant at High Blantyre. David Maxwell’s Restaurant was situated in the Spiers Laun building, and the establishment later became more known as “The Station Cafe”. In June 1898, Mr David Maxwell of Kirkton applied for and was granted the transfer of License at High Blantyre from […]
Parish Council Dinner, 1898
On Tuesday 15th November 1898, the members of the Blantyre Parish Council met at Arthur Blackey’s Hall at High Blantyre. However, in this instance that particular evening, it wasn’t to discuss the present Parish matters, but instead it was in social capacity, reflecting on their accomplishments to date. Mr Neil Douglas presided and Mr Thomas […]
Little’s Bakers Ink Stamp
1899 Failed Inspection
Back in time now, 124 years ago. In April 1899, Blantyre flesher (butcher) Joseph Scott found himself in trouble with the law and the sanitary inspector of the County. Before Sheriff Davidson at Hamilton Sheriff Court, Joseph was charged with having a diseased carcus in his slaughter house at Springwell, Blantyre. The animal in question […]