The Rev Stevenson (1790) suggested it was a combination of Gaelic words meaning ‘A warm retreat’. The Rev Wright (1885) also claimed it was Gaelic, but that it meant ‘Field of the Holymen’. A sixth Century Missionary Monk named Blaan / Blane has also been suggested as a source. A Blaan / Blane – Tir […]
Another 80’s night, another year. This time, these photos are from 2019. Held at Stonefield Public Park, this was a great night to remember and loads of fun. As you can see almost everybody got into the spirit of things and dressed up. 6 months before the pandemic, none of us had any idea what […]
Looking through my computer the other day, I found 66 photos from Blantyre 80’s Party in the Park from 2018. That was such a fun day for people of all ages and in certainly simpler, less worrying times. Now over 4 years ago, it’s probably about time we had another one of these excellent outdoor […]
Here’s a little known story you may not have heard about. On Saturday 17th July 1880, some 142 years ago, a railway accident of alarming character happened near High Blantyre Station on the Strathaven branch of the Caledonian Railway. The train was timed to leave Hamilton Central at 1.55pm for Strathaven and at that time […]
With the Covid Pandemic still recently and currently on our minds, it’s easy to find some parallels where certain members of the public, for whatever reason are intent on NOT following the masses and abstaining from being vaccinated. Such was the case too in 1905 in Central Scotland, when Smallpox vaccinations were being rolled out. […]
As darker nights approached in October 1905, the Blantyre Gas Company at Stonefield Road (where Lethams Garage would later be), took opportunity to showcase a new type of gas light. A solitary, column around 20 feet high was erected on the pavement outside the gas works, which was attracting attention at night. The new Lucas […]
In 1905, many residents in Blantyre had a rather novel way of cleaning their chimneys themselves, to avoid paying somebody to do it. The orthodox way, simply being to set fire to it! About 8pm on Thursday 12th October 1905, the air above Stonefield was filled with an all too familiar obnoxious smell and thick […]