The photograph, taken by David Ritchie around 1905, shows Crossbasket House, home to the Neilson family, who were prominent iron and coal magnates. During this period, they had tennis courts at the mansion, reflecting the sport’s popularity among the wealthy. The house and grounds were well-maintained, symbolizing their affluence.
In 1892, Glasgow based Early Electrical Contractors ‘Anderson & Munro’ were involved in several major installations of new electric lighting to grand houses. However two stood out in being somewhat unusual, for the lighting was not to be powered by steam machines, but by the power of water. In August 1892, they were working on […]
The photograph of Crossbasket Falls, taken in 1905, captures the timeless beauty of the site that was once a private residence. Now named Crossbasket Castle, the waterfalls have flowed unchanged for centuries, serving as a reminder of Blantyre’s enduring natural charm amidst evolving history and architecture.
Malcolm Dow recalls his family’s history, highlighting his grandfather’s railway work and farming in Bridge of Dee. His mother began working as a maid at twelve, while his father became a successful butcher after serving in World War I. Dow’s father was elected RWM of Lodge Blantyre Kilwinning in 1934.
Here’s a few news stories which were going on in Blantyre during August 1977. James Little CollegeA lecturer at High Blantyre’s James Little College for the handicapped made a strong plea in favour of the special school being kept open. College governors had recently announced that the facility at Crossbasket would have to close because […]
In Summer 1977, a fight was on to save the James Little College at Crossbasket, High Blantyre. It would be a battle not to be won. The governors of the college for handicapped people (using the terminology then) decided to launch a campaign to try to keep things open. It was really aimed at Strathclyde […]
I mentioned the other day about many couples during 1896 being married in the halls of public houses. Well, by stark contrast, was a high society wedding at High Blantyre, which following a church service, ended up back at Crossbasket House. This AI illustration, though struggling a little to recreate Crossbasket, from the article, gives […]