A rare, aerial photo from 1980, some 43 years ago and a time before drone photography. This sky view is of the Nairoo, down the Cawther, on land owned by Hugh Smith. There were many people staying there at the time and for previous decades. The photo was sent in recently by Samantha Docherty, whose […]
The area of Barnhill in Blantyre has in recent weeks undergone a most amazing environmental transformation. A brand new pond has been formed at the former Niaroo site, midway down the Pech brae (just down from the Hoolets). In a relatively secluded riverside field once occupied by the Smith family until 1971, then later by […]
Steve Smith and I have been conversing these last few evenings. Steve told me, “I visited Blantyre many times to see my Aunt Mary , Uncle Willie and regularly went to Niaroo to visit my Uncle Hughie along with my Dad James Smith. Joe Smith, (the father of John, Hugh, Joe, William, James, Terence, Daniel, […]
Pictured here in 1999 is the Niaroo, a rare photo still with the travellers camp there. The area is located mid way down the Pech Brae, down the hill from Barnhill. The Niaroo sign and posts have fallen down, indeed one of the poles is still there today laying on the ground. I went back […]