James Anderson was born at Livingston, near Bathgate on 20th June 1785 where his father William, was a farmer. Educated at the Edinburgh University, he graduated M.A. on 17th April 1813; was licensed by the Presbytery of Dunblane on 6th February 1816 and having been presented by the tutor of Charles, Lord Blantyre on 30th March 1832 he […]
In March 1934, a most unusual situation arose over the appointment of a new minister for Blantyre (Old) Parish Church. By 203 votes to 53 the congregation openly rejected the candidate selected as sole nominee by the vacancy committee. The situation was most unusual as the congregation had experienced 2 sermons by the stand-in, trial minister. […]
On the 17th June 1939, shortly before the outbreak of WW2, a motor car accident happened on Glasgow Road, Blantyre. Two cars collided, resulting in injuries of three men. When the police were called, it was found that, Lanarkshire minister, John Black Allan of Rutherglen was under the influence of drink! He was charged at […]
Blantyre Old Parish Church has recently received a new minister. Sarah was welcomed to the Parish in recent weeks. This reminded me of an old Church newsletter that i still had. Passed to me from my mother, (as i was only 5 at the time), the newsletter features a picture of the Church in 1976, […]
Most Blantyre residents are aware of the old stone pillars that remain of the Craighead Viaduct (pictured here in 2010). They once belonged to the North British Railway. In the early 1900’s the viaduct was a busy thoroughfare, allowing not only rail, but pedestrian crossing too. Located behind the current Whistleberry Estate, in a North […]