Though this photo is slightly outwith Blantyre in what is now Calderglen Country Park, it’s worth showing here. I recognise a couple of these men from Auchentibber and the photo dates from between 1905 – 1910. This is the horseshoe weir, part of Torrance estate and the structure still exists today. Back then, this would […]
Here’s a great photo. Previously unseen online, I believe this is Blantyre lassie, Lizzie Ritchie and if it is her, would have been taken around 1898 or so. Her father was David Ritchie, a master joiner and likely the person who took the photo given his keen interest in photography. Her mother was Mary Ann […]
No, these kids aren’t identical twins, though they ARE identical! They’re the same Blantyre person, Robert Ritchie of School Lane, High Blantyre. Photographed by his father David Ritchie, this photo uses a camera technique where the image exposure has been split. Each exposure joined together. A right prank with Robert carrying “himself” around in a […]
Blantyre Project has lost a friend and Blantyre itself, lost a true gent. Very sad news last night as we heard of the passing of well known Blantyre man, John Dunsmore. I’ll miss all his interesting comments and snippets of local information. I’ve learned a lot on this page from Wee Yanni over the years. […]
Robyn Prince sent me a message saying, “Hi Paul. I’m from Australia. I have a connection with Blantyre Farm. My ancestors lived and worked there. Their names are: John McTAGGART born c1794 who married in 1813 to Mary BAILLIE (born 1796). John was a gardener at Blantyre Farm. Are you able to find any more […]
The Evening Courant Newspaper dated 9 April 1868 tells of the tragic death of Blantyre woman, Elizabeth Brand on 6th April that year who met with an accident at the Blantyre Dyeworks. This is a story from 155 years ago. About 11 o’clock on Monday forenoon, Elizabeth Brand, aged 20, a dye worker of Blantyre […]
Another photograph from the turn of the 20th Century by Blantyre photographer, David Ritchie. Possibly 120 years old and previously unseen online until now. This time, David was photographing his wife. Sitting in the middle is Mary Ann Ritchie (nee Fleming) and the title of the photo suggests she is accompanied by two friends. Mary […]