Ardrossan - On This Day In History

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LAUNCH AT ARDROSSAN
4 JUNE 1920

THE EVELEEN

The steel screw steamer EVELEEN – 160 feet in length, 25 feet in breadth, and 9 feet in depth – built by Ardrossan Dry Dock & Shipbuilding Company Limited for J. Milligen & Company Limited, Belfast, was launched on the above date.

[Further details of this vessel are contained in the following link:-

https://www.clydeships.co.uk/view.php?y ... el=EVELEEN

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GLASGOW HERALD
4 JUNE 1924

LAUNCH AT ARDROSSAN

The steamer ANTHEA, built by the Ardrossan Dry Dock & Shipbuilding Company Limited for the Bowring Steamship Company, was launched yesterday.

The vessel, which is 386 feet in length, 53 feet in breadth moulded, 31 feet in depth moulded to upper deck, and of 8400 tons carrying capacity on a draft of 25 feet, will be propelled by triple expansion engines constructed by Messrs J. G. Kincaid & Company, of Greenock, at a speed of 10½ knots.

The naming ceremony was performed by Lady Wimble, wife of Sir John B. Wimble, a director of the owners’ company.

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GLASGOW HERALD
4 JUNE 1884

ARDROSSAN SCHOOL BOARD

The monthly meeting of this Board was held yesterday afternoon – the Rev. D. E. McNab presiding.

On the recommendation of the Ardrossan Committee it was unanimously agreed to appoint Provost Hogarth to the vacant seat in the Board, caused by the death of the late Provost Barr.

The Clerk intimated that Provost Hogarth had offered to continue the two medals given to Ardrossan Public School by the late Provost Barr, and the meeting resolved to accept the gift and thank Provost Hogarth for his generosity.

Mr Kirkhope submitted a motion as to the reduction of fees, and made a statement showing that the fees charged in Ardrossan were higher than those charged in neighbouring Boards, and this motion was seconded by the Rev. Mr Halden.

The Rev. J. D. McCall moved the previous question, on the ground that the motion had come upon them unexpectedly. He would prefer in the meantime a reduction in the rates. The motion was seconded by the Rev. Alexander Cross, and after some discussion Mr McCall’s motion was carried.

It was then agreed to ask the Parochial Board to provide a sum of £900 for the current year, as against £1200 last year.

The meeting then mentioned an overdraft of £500 on the bank account, as against £1000 last year.

[George Ardrossan]

4 JUNE

AYRSHIRE SOLICITOR’S DEATH
Mr Joseph Kirkland, a well-known Ayrshire solicitor, died yesterday at his residence, Auchenharvie House, Saltcoats. He was an Honorary Sheriff-Substitute for Ayrshire and was Fiscal for Saltcoats District Justice of the Peace Court, Burgh Prosecutor for Ardrossan and factor of the Auchenharvie Estate. He was seventy-five years of age.
The Scotsman, 4 June 1946

George

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LAUNCH AT ARDROSSAN
5 JUNE 1863

THE RED DEER

The wooden sailing vessel RED DEER – 160 feet in length, 32 feet in breadth, and 19 feet in depth – built by Barr & Shearer, Ardrossan, for Walker, London, was launched on the above date.

[Further details of this vessel are contained in the following link:-

https://www.clydeships.co.uk/view.php?y ... l=RED+DEER

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GLASGOW HERALD
5 JUNE 1882

DEATH

CLARK: At Railway Hotel, Ardrossan, on the 2nd instant, aged 7 years, ALEXANDER PROVAN CLARK, second son of James Clark; deeply regretted.

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GLASGOW HERALD
5 JUNE 1888

DEATH OF MISS BEATRICE CLUGSTON

Miss Beatrice Clugston, the famed founder of the Glasgow and Dunoon Convalescent Homes, and of the Broomhill House for incurables, Kirkintilloch, was found dead in bed at her temporary residence, 3 Arran Place, Ardrossan, yesterday morning.

She was left by her servant, and retired to rest about ten o’clock on Sunday night, apparently in her usual health. She was in her sixty-first year having, we believe, been born in 1828.

Doctor Wallace, of Newton Terrace, Glasgow, who had been Miss Clugston’s medical attendant for several years, is of the opinion that death resulted from heart disease.

[George Ardrossan]

5 JUNE

RETIREMENT OF ARDROSSAN STATIONMASTER
Mr James Becket, stationmaster Ardrossan, finishes his railway career to-day in the sixtieth year of his service. He was previously stationmaster at Beith, Stevenston and Largs.
The Scotsman, 5 June 1937

ARDROSSAN CELTIC 2 – VALE OF GARNOCK STROLLERS 1
The interest taken in juvenile football seems to be as keen as ever in this district judging from the turnout of spectators at Celtic Park, Ardrossan last Saturday (30 May 1903). Of course, the teams to do duty that day - Vale of Garnock Strollers and Celtic - have been warm rivals this season and the fact that the latter had succumbed to the former the previous week by only one goal to nil in an unfinished Ayrshire Cup tie at Stevenston, no doubt contributed to draw out the supporters of each team in full force. In this respect, the Vale team had doubtless the larger number of followers, several hundred accompanying them on their mission of warfare and the result was the largest crowd seen at Celtic Park this season. Something bordering on a thousand spectators viewed the game which took the form of a return fixture in the fourth round of the Irvine and District Cup competition. The Vale had a lead of three goals to begin with, having won the initial game at Glengarnock by four to one so that Celtic had an uphill fight from the start. Owing to the late arrival of the Vale, the game was started after the advertised hour and when the kick-off was made, rain began to fall. Added to this was an easterly breeze and against these elements, Celtic contended in the first half, the rain eventually ceasing. As was expected, Vale had the best of matters in the first half but Celtic’s defence proved a barrier against success. Now and again, the home forwards broke away but when coming to close quarters, were always baffled in their few attempts to find an opening. It was at the other end of the field, however, that damage was most likely to occur and as the outcome of an attack, the Vale was awarded a penalty-kick. By this advantage, it was half-expected that the Vale lad entrusted with the kick would do the trick but no. Steed, who remained in goal, saved his trust amidst some cheering on the part of his admirers. Time slipped away without either side accomplishing anything definite and on the Vale's side, one or two of their players, for certain reasons, were not seen at their best. Celtic occasionally had a look-in but only to have their efforts nipped in the bud while, on the other hand, the Vale, though the current continued to run best with them, were likewise unrewarded until near the call of halftime, when they registered the first goal of the match. On resuming the second period, Celtic's position was worse than when they had started as they were now four goals down on the tie. This was a heavy handicap and one which the most ardent Celtic supporter could not expect them to carry on to victory. With the wind in their favour, they however made the pace hot for the Vale defence and so persistent were the attacks of the ground lads that one was led to believe they would yet score. For a time, however, the visitors' defence proved equal to every occasion but the Celtic were not to be denied and so success eventually came their way in the scoring of their first goal. This reverse wakened up the Vale a bit and play was transferred to home territory but on this and several later occasions, they could make no impression on the home citadel. Every time, they were forced back empty-handed and now we could hear one of the Vale's aged supporters offer two to one that his pets would win the tie. Celtic were having a monopoly of the play but with time fast drawing to a close and no further scoring, Celtic's exit from the competition looked more pronounced than ever. As time advanced, however, they again cheered the hearts of their supporters by registering a second point. There was little hope in Celtic drawing the tie now, being still a couple of goals in arrears but in the closing minutes, they made a combined attempt to notch a third point and were somewhat unlucky in not doing so at the post. On the other hand, the Vale's citadel at this stage had a miraculous escape and as the outcome of the attack, Kerr of the visitors unfortunately met with an injury to one of his knees and he had to be carried from the field. This accident occurred in the last minute of the game which terminated in favour of the Celtic by two goals to one. Over the two games, however, the Vale win the tie by five to three and thus qualify for the fifth stage of the competition.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 June 1903


The above photo of Ardrossan Celtic was taken on 20 April 1901 by Mr W J Scott, a local photographer.

GASWORK NEARING COMPLETION
By all appearances, the brickwork at the new gaswork is completed but the new gasholder rears not yet its inaesthetic bulk.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 June 1903


The cylindrical tank in the background of the photo above was part of the gas works. The photo was taken by Tom McGrattan during the building of Alpine Stores in 1974.

ARDROSSAN AND BELFAST DAYLIGHT SERVICE
With the approach of the summer season, the general public on both sides of the Channel look forward with pleasure to the advent of Messrs Burns’ excellent daylight service conducted by their favourite RMS Adder and in this respect, it will be seen from our advertising columns that this service is now in operation. This popular steamer provides the tourist or businessman with a most convenient and comfortable means of crossing the Channel in a few hours and has made available to the tourist the picturesque coast scenes of the west of Scotland and north of Ireland. No more pleasant and healthy trip could be imagined than to sail along the Scottish and Irish coasts amid invigorating breezes and scenes of unequalled grandeur. The train connections and hours of sailing will be practically the same as in former years. Passengers leave Glasgow Central at 9.05am, Ardrossan at 10am and reach Belfast at 2pm. About two hours are allowed ashore and on the return journey, the hour of departure is 4 pm and passengers reach Ardrossan at 8.30pm, Glasgow at 9.3 pm and Edinburgh at 10.55pm. Suitable train connections have, as in former years, been arranged from and to the principal Ayrshire towns.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 June 1903

EVENING CRUISES TO ARRAN
The Glasgow and South-Western Railway steamer commences its Saturday evening cruises from Ardrossan to Arran tomorrow.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 June 1903

KILMARNOCK VISITS ARDROSSAN
Kilmarnock seemed to have slightly overflowed itself into Ardrossan on Wednesday (3 June 1903). That day was a holiday in Killie.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 June 1903

FOREIGN CARGO OF IRON ORE
Another unusually small vessel has brought a cargo of iron ore to Ardrossan from foreign ports. She is the Elaine of Sunderland with slightly upwards of 700 tons.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 June 1903

FOUNDRY WORKERS GO TO MILLPORT
The Ardrossan Foundry workers are going to invade Millport on Saturday (6 June 1903) and for once, in a way, John Brown’s body will not be ‘mouldering’ in the dust.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 June 1903

VICTORY FOR WICK
The fish-trade steamer Victory which was lately built in the Ardrossan yard, sailed on Wednesday (3 June 1903) for Wick, her home, with Captain Archibald Murchie of the Greville Vernon in charge.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 June 1903

NEW RAILWAY ENGINES
The Glasgow and South-Western Railway Company have invested in a few new engines. One of them with a big, powerful boiler and tube-case and a tiny, squat funnel, was at Ardrossan the other day.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 June 1903

HERALD TRIP
Tomorrow (6 June 1903), the employees in the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald office trip to the Falls of Clyde. The very ‘devils’ will be there and for their convenience, as well as for the others, a special saloon carriage has been engaged.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 June 1903

BELFAST MAN IMPRISONED
At the Ardrossan Police Court on Monday (1 June 1903), a Belfast man was sent to prison for ten days for having committed a breach of the peace. He had climbed up on to a crane at the harbour and behaved in a disorderly manner. On being asked to explain the cause of his action, he stated that two men wanted to kill him. His general behaviour was altogether peculiar.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 June 1903

GLASGOW AND SOUTH-WESTERN RAILWAY POSTCARDS
A new series of coloured postcards has been issued by the Glasgow and South-Western Railway Company. There are twelve in all and the series includes such favourites resorts as Kyles of Bute, Largs, Troon, Arran, Rothesay, Dunoon and as far south as Dumfries. Ardrossan is one of the twelve but evidently Saltcoats, though the more popular summer resort, does not lend itself to postcard reproduction.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 June 1903

ARDROSSAN SCHOOL BOARD
The monthly meeting of Ardrossan School Board was held on Wednesday afternoon (3 June 1903), the Reverend W McGilchrist presiding. The other members were the Reverend Rossie Brown, Provost Guthrie and Messrs Locke, Ritchie and Shearer. A letter of apology for absence was read from Mr Robertson. Mr Ritchie drew attention to the fact that the minutes bore no reference to the motion passed at the last meeting that they advertise for a teacher for the Academy at a salary of £120 yearly. The Clerk said that only a suggestion to that effect had been made was it was departed from ultimately.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 June 1903

JUBILEE OF THE HERALD
By way of celebrating the jubilee of the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, the employees in the office organised a social meeting which took place in the Town Hall, Ardrossan, on Friday evening last (29 May 1903). Mr John Lawson, foreman compositor, occupied the chair. Amongst those present were Mr and Mrs Guthrie and the Misses Guthrie, Tigh-na-mara; Mr George Guthrie, Roselle; Miss Guthrie, Stanley Bank; Provost and Mrs Guthrie, Coningsby and Mr Davidson, Glasgow. An apology for absence was received from Provost Young. After an enjoyable tea, purveyed by the Ardrossan Co-operative Society, the chairman made a fitting and eloquent speech consisting mostly of reminiscences. At a later stage in the proceedings, Mr John Glen, the oldest employee in the office, after proposing the toast of The Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, presented to the firm in the name of his fellow employees, a beautiful illuminated address, the terms of which are here reproduced.
Address presented to Messrs Arthur Guthrie and Sons, Publishers, Ardrossan on the occasion of the Jubilee of The Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald
Gentlemen – In view of the interesting circumstances in which historically you find yourselves at this time, we, the undersigned, as representing your employees in their several departments, have deemed it fitting to take the opportunity of respectfully offering our unanimous and hearty congratulations. To us, as necessarily to yourselves, it is a pleasing thought that the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald has arrived at its fiftieth birthday with a popularity and a value and an importance so much greater than at first. These attributes of the Herald have increased with its years and we are well aware the enhancement in each respect has been mainly due to the wisdom and the foresight and the liberal-mindedness with which the Herald, throughout its whole history, has been conducted firstly, and for six and forty years by its much respected founder, the late Mr Arthur Guthrie and during these few years by you, the present members of the firm. It need hardly be said that we are proud of our connection with the Herald. It is to us a pleasure to think of it as the pioneer of the penny weekly press in Scotland and as today, the best of provincial weekly publications and our satisfaction in being associated with the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald is the keener and the more enduring because of the consistently pleasant relationship between you and us. We appreciate most cordially the fairness and the generosity which have always characterised your dealings with us as they have been characteristic of your whole business policy. It is our hope and it is our belief that the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald will advance in the future as it has advanced in the past and that it will maintain the enviable reputation which it has come to enjoy amongst the many units of the provincial weekly press.
For Reporting Staff – Manson Gibson
For Composing Staff – John Lawson
For machine Room Staff – John Glen
In the course of his accompanying remarks, which were of a most interesting character, Mr Glen spoke in feeling terms of the late Mr Guthrie and then went on to state with what worthiness the late Mr Guthrie’s mantle was being worn by those who had succeeded him. In acknowledging the presentation, Mr Guthrie expressed the firm’s appreciation of the sentiments inscribed on the address, making especial reference to the personal interest which so many of the employees took in the paper and the work connected with it. Mr George Guthrie occasioned not a little surprise of an agreeable kind by presenting to five of the employees who had been in the office for upward of thirty years, valuable gifts in recognition of their long and valued service. To Mr John Glen and Mr John Lawson handsome marble timepieces were presented and to Miss Jeanie Templeton, Mr Robert Brown and Mr Adam Skeoch, each dainty watches. The gratitude with which the gifts were received was the greater as they had been quite unexpected. Later in the evening, Provost Guthrie proposed the toast of Other Journals and Mr W D Cockburn replied. The Town and Trade of Ardrossan was proposed by Mr Davidson and responded to by Councillor Guthrie. Throughout the evening, songs and recitation were given by the Misses Currie, McKinnon, Storrie, L McKinnon, Logan, Griffin, Walker and Adams and by Messrs Bradley, Green, Ross and Woodburn. Miss McLeish executed a very pretty skirt dance and Mr Blyth gave pianoforte selections. Votes of thanks were accorded to those who had taken part in the programme and to the chairman. Thereafter, dancing was started and kept up till the small hours of the morning. The illuminated address, which is handsomely framed, is the work of Messrs Maclure and Macdonald, Glasgow. The timepieces and watches were supplied by Mr R Gilchrist, Ardrossan.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 June 1903

LAWN TENNIS
On Saturday (30 May 1903), an inter-club match was played between Ardrossan and Johnstone on the courts of the former with the following result.
H Hogarth junior and Miss Leask lost to A Cameron and Miss Johnson 2-6, 4-6, 3-6.
H J Sillars and Mrs Sillars beat J Cameron and Miss Younghusband 6-1, 6-3, 4-6.
A Leask and Miss Fulton beat T Barr and Miss Barr 8-6, 6-4, 3-6.
J Fulton and Miss Mordue beat J Richardson and Miss Nairn 7-5, 6-2, 3-6.
Ardrossan won by three matches to one, 50 games to 57 and six sets to six.
Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald, 5 June 1903

George

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LAUNCH AT ARDROSSAN
6 JUNE 1845

THE LORD MONTGOMERIE

The wooden brig LORD MONTGOMERIE – 76 feet in length, 21 feet in breadth, and 12 feet in depth – built by Barr & Shearer, Ardrossan, for John Kelso and Adam Wilkie, Saltcoats, was launched on the above date.

[Further details of this vessel are contained in the following link:-

https://www.clydeships.co.uk/view.php?y ... ONTGOMERIE

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GLASGOW HERALD
6 JUNE 1884

VOLUNTEERS INSPECTION AT ARDROSSAN

The annual inspection of the 5th Battery 1st Ayr and Galloway Artillery Volunteers took place at Ardrossan Battery on Wednesday night.

There was a good turn-out of the corps, about 70 being present, including officers.

The inspecting officers were Colonel Farrell and Major and Adjutant Rudge, Royal Artillery, with Major Sturrock, 1st A and G Volunteers.

The men were put through a variety of movements, all of which were satisfactorily accomplished to the satisfaction of the inspecting officers.

[George Ardrossan]

6 JUNE

NEW MINISTER FOR ARDROSSAN
The congregation of Saint John’s Church of Scotland, Ardrossan (shown below in 1913), have elected as minister the Reverend David O Galbraith, B D, now acting as locum tenens in Saint Mark’s, Greenock.
The Scotsman, 6 June 1941

George

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GLASGOW HERALD
7 JUNE 1880

DEATH

BALFOUR: At Bath Cottage, Ardrossan, on the 4th instant, in her 81st year, SARAH KENNEDY, relict of John Balfour, Esquire.