Author Archives: jahunteruk

Death at Ardgare

Strathearn Herald, 30th December 1911 ESTATE FALLS TO THE UNITED FREE CHURCH Miss Kerr, the last member of a well-known family, died at her residence, Ardgare, Shandon, on Wednesday night, at the age of 85. Her father, an Ayrshire man made a fortune as a tobacco merchant in Virginia and on his return to ScotlandContinue reading “Death at Ardgare”

Shandon in July 1884

Dear blog reader, Welcome to part 1 of an occasional series focusing on what happened in Shandon in a particular week in the past. This week, let’s explore what happened in Shandon in the last week of July 1884. Helensburgh News 31st July 1884 Shandon The Regatta After a good deal of bantering between theContinue reading “Shandon in July 1884”

Near Drowning Opposite Shandon Church

Glasgow Herald 2 August 1884 Narrow escape from drowning in the Gareloch Yesterday at midday Donald McLeod, 72 years of age, residing in Helensburgh, narrowly escaped being drowned in the Gareloch. McLeod, who is an old soldier, left Helensburgh for Garelochhead about half-past ten in a lug-sail boat belonging to Mr Campbell. All went wellContinue reading “Near Drowning Opposite Shandon Church”

Motor accident involving Mr Brown of Summerhill

Dundee Evening Post 9 September 1901 Pathetic Glasgow fatality A distressing motor fatality has occurred near Bearsden, Glasgow. A little boy named Archie Gillen, aged about 5 years, son of John Gillen, Garscadden, was, along with some other children, running along the road when he got right in front of a motor driven by MrContinue reading “Motor accident involving Mr Brown of Summerhill”

Aldonaig – a fire and an advertisement

The Scotsman 10 July 1899 Fire on Garelochside Yesterday afternoon the roof of Aldonaig House, situated between Row and Shandon, occupied by Miss Dundas, was discovered to be on fire, and the Helensburgh fire brigade was summoned. Before the arrival of the brigade, however Mr F C Buchanan and a number of Row people gotContinue reading “Aldonaig – a fire and an advertisement”

World War 1 and the sons of Reverend Hugh Miller

Daily Record 1 October 1915 Shandon officer killed It has been officially reported by the War Office that Lieut. Ian M Miller, 2nd Argylls, and younger son of the Rev Hugh Miller, MA, Shandon, UF Church, has been killed in action n Belgium. Lieut. Miller was educated at Larchfield and Merchiston Castle Schools. He joinedContinue reading “World War 1 and the sons of Reverend Hugh Miller”

Shandon Hydro in Winter

Fife Herald 18 December 1879 Shandon hydropathic establishment unrivalled winter residence. Sheltered from north and east winds. Extensive private pleasure grounds with large conservatory, vineries, gardens etc. Turkish vapour, salt and fresh water baths, including large swimming bath, heated. Terms from 55s. Prospectus on application. Address – the manager, West Shandon, by Helensburgh.

Professor William Swan – Ardchapel

William Swan was born in Edinburgh in 1818 to David Swan, an engineer,and Janet Smith. When David Swan died in 1821, William became his mother’s chief focus and Janet Smith was acquainted with Thomas Carlyle the philosopher. William’s maternal uncle was Robert Stevenson, the lighthouse engineer. William was educated privately in Edinburgh, became a scienceContinue reading “Professor William Swan – Ardchapel”

John Jamieson of Shandon House

Glasgow Herald 13 October 1871 The late Mr John Jamieson of Shandon This well-known citizen was buried yesterday in the Necropolis. The funeral services were conducted at his residence on the Gareloch, and it was apparent from the numerous and deeply interested companies of mourners both at Shandon and Glasgow that there are very manyContinue reading “John Jamieson of Shandon House”