Ardrossan - On This Day In History

Published stories from each town's past.
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Re: Ardrossan - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
10 AUGUST 1885

SHIPPING CASUALTY

A telegram from Kearny, received via Portsferry, on Saturday, states that the schooner CECELIA from Ardrossan to Dundalk, with coal, is ashore on North Rock.
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Re: Ardrossan - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
10 AUGUST 1888

DEATH

BECKETT: Suddenly, on the 8th instant, at No. 3 Crescent, Ardrossan, MARGARET RUSSELL ANDERSON, wife of Hugh Beckett, of 7 Windsor Terrace, Kelvinside, Glasgow.
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Re: Ardrossan - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
10 AUGUST 1891

ARDROSSAN – ACCIDENT TO AN OLD WOMAN

On Saturday afternoon a woman advanced age, named Mrs. Macdonald, was resting on the sea wall at South Beach, opposite the new parish church, when she accidentally fell over and broke her leg. Doctor Robertson was in attendance, and the woman left by the 4.53 train. She was one of a party of excursionists from Rutherglen Paper Mills.
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George Ardrossan
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Re: Ardrossan - On This Day In History

Post by George Ardrossan »

10 AUGUST

ARDROSSAN DOCKERS OUT ON STRIKE

A dispute arising out of the question of Saturday afternoon and Sunday work resulted in the Ardrossan dockers coming out on strike yesterday. Representatives of the management met the men in the evening and the meeting continued until eleven o'clock. Although no definite settlement was reached, it is understood there is a possibility of the men resuming work today. Owing to the great popularity of the outdoor recreations at Ayr this season, the Town Council yesterday agreed to take into consideration a proposal to lay out at least two more tennis courts.
The Scotsman, 10 August 1937

George
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Re: Ardrossan - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
11 AUGUST 1806

Mr Printers,

HARBOUR OF ARDROSSAN

I cannot resist communicating to you the particulars of a scene with which, on Thursday last, I in common with thousands, was much delighted.

The harbour of Ardrossan, on the west coast of Ayrshire, calculated as a port for a canal which is to pass from thence through Paisley, to Glasgow, has I understand (as well as the canal) been brought forward entirely under the patronage of the Right Honourable the Earl of Eglinton.

It was with some degree of surprise I observed that the ceremony of laying a foundation stone was to take place after about 600 feet in length of the pier had already been executed; but, upon conversing with some friends, particularly well-acquainted with and much interested in this undertaking, I learned that this circumstance arose from the Earl of Eglinton having been unavoidably detained in London; and that, in order not to lose the most suitable portion of the season, the committee for conducting the works proceeded most vigorously with the undertaking, and reserved the principal foundation stone at the point where the pier is connected with the shore, to be laid with proper ceremony in the presence of the Noble Patron.

The 31st of July was fixed on account of it being the birth day of Lord Montgomerie; and having been determined on, it soon became generally known in the Country, and the Earl of Eglinton, with a munificence which is only equalled by his patriotic disposition, prepared on this occasion, a most splendid and beautiful entertainment.

The bay of Ardrossan, formed by an extension ridge of rocks, and an island of considerable size, is fronted on the south-east at some distance from the shore, by a bold and insulated range of rocky ground which is crowned with the venerable ruins of the ancient Castle of Ardrossan. From the summit adjacent to this castle is commanded the whole of the Bay of Ayr. The singular mountain or rock of Ailsa appears in the centre of the view. To the south-east an extensive and level coast exhibits a succession of thriving towns and villages, with a general rising amphitheatre of highly cultivated country behind – while the turrets of Eglinton Castle, rising from amidst extensive woods, mark the abode of the Baron.

Towards the west and north, the singularly romantic outline of the mountains of Arran and Argyllshire, contrasted with the smoothness of the lakes and harbours, and associated with the thriving country on the banks of the Clyde, form a picture truly magnificent; and are only equalled by the idea of silently conveying prosperity and wealth to a country, by means of an extensive harbour, and navigable canal, the outlines of both of which were sketched out immediately at the feet of the spectator.

It was amidst this scenery, and on the summit of these rocks, that Lord Eglinton caused tents to be erected, in one of which were tables sufficient for 300 persons; there was also an elegant tent for the reception of the ladies, and another for the servants in waiting.

At a small distance, under an archway of the old castle, tables were laid out for entertaining the workmen of various descriptions, who are engaged in the execution of the undertaking.

The day proving favourable, it was delightful to observe the crowding trains of people as they approached from every quarter to be present at the ceremony, and to enjoy the novelty of the scene.

About 2 o’clock, the Free Masons of the ancient Mother Lodge, Kilwinning, with their Grand Master, William Blair of Blair, Esquire, and a party of the Saltcoats Volunteers, with the band of the Ayrshire Rifle Battalion, proceeded from the town of Saltcoats, along the shore to Ardrossan.

Before the procession arrived at the harbour, they were joined by the Earl of Eglinton, accompanied by a number of the most respectable gentlemen of the county and neighbourhood, by Mr Telford the engineer, &c.

At the moment the procession, amidst crowds of spectators, arrived at the pier, the Countess of Eglinton, attended by Lady Jane Montgomerie, and above 50 ladies of the first rank of distinction in the county, appeared on the point of an eminence, near the old castle of Ardrossan, which overlooks the bay.

At three o’clock, the principal foundation stone, at the point where the pier is connected with the shore, was laid by the Grand Master, with the usual solemnities.

In this stone were deposited, one bottle containing coins of his present Majesty, also another bottle, containing a list of the names of the subscribers to the undertaking, with copies of the Acts of Parliament under which it is to be executed, and a copy of the following inscription, written upon vellum. This inscription was likewise inscripted on a plate which covers the cavity in which the bottles are deposited.

INSCRIPTION

In the reign of the most Gracious Majesty
GEORGE III.
The Right. Hon. Hugh, twelfth Earl of Eglinton,
Lord Montgomerie and Kilwinning,
Baron Ardrossan,
Lord Lieutenant of the County of Ayr,

first suggested the formation of a harbour and wet docks at this place, to be connected with a canal to Paisley and Glasgow, and afterwards, under the patronage and patriotic exertions of his Lordship, two Acts of Parliament have been passed, for carrying into execution of these works, so well calculated for the improvement and prosperity of the Country, on plans by Thomas Telford, Esquire, Engineer.

William Blair, Esquire, of Blair, Grand Master Mason, of the Ancient Mother Lodge, Kilwinning, laid the foundation stone of these works, on the 31st day of July, 1806, and the æra of masonry 5806.

May almighty God, grand architect of the universe, bless and prosper the undertaking, and protect to the latest ages the name of MONTGOMERIE.

The inscription being read, the stone was laid, and the Earl addressed the company present in a very neat and appropriate speech, the only part of which I could distinctly hear, being at too great a distance, was the conclusion, in which his Lordship stated, “that though in the course of nature he could not expect to see these works at the summit of their prosperity, he had no doubt that long after he and many of those who had given aid to the measure were gone, the Country would reap the advantages of them, and estimate their true value.”

Thereafter a very impressive and suitable prayer was given by the Rev. Mr. Duncan, minister of Ardrossan, and immediately on a flag being hoisted in the adjacent mason’s shed, where the stone had been prepared, a round was fired from eight field pieces, placed near the old castle, and returned from two of his Majesty’s cutters which were stationed in the bay, with 21 guns.

The scene at this moment was particularly interesting. The pier, the adjacent plain, the summit of the castle, the ridge of rocks, and every eminence, were crowded with well-dressed people; who, in the intervals of firing, expressed their applause on the commencement of a work which promises so much to promote the general good. The flags which were displayed upon the old castle, by the ships in the harbour of Saltcoats, on Mr. Brown’s signal post, and the town of Sea Bank, also added much to the scene.

Two tables each 120 feet long were laid, and at four o’clock upwards of 200 persons sat down to a splendid dinner, with choice wines, and every fruit of the season, provided by the Earl, and so plentiful, that more than three-fourths was left unconsumed; every thing was conducted with the utmost regularity.

After the dinner the following toasts were given:-

The King,
The Queen,
The Prince of Wales,
The rest of the Royal Family,
The Duke of York and the Army,
Lord Howick and the Navy,
The health of the Day,
The Grand Master proposed “The Health of the Earl of Eglinton, and may his patriotic exertions be crowned with success,” which was drunk with three times three.

Then,

The United Kingdom,
The Militia of the United Kingdom,
The Yeomanry and Volunteers of the United Kingdom,
Success to the Agriculture, Trade, Commerce, and Manufacturers of the United Kingdom,
The County of Ayr,
Success to the Harbour and Town of Ardrossan.
The Royal Boroughs of the district,
The Town of Paisley, and success to it,
The City of Glasgow, prosperity to it, and may it soon see its interests in promoting the speedy execution of the present undertakings.
The subscribers and well-wishers to the undertaking.
The health of those who have been instrumental in promoting the undertaking, particularly Messrs Moodie and Love, of Paisley, and Messrs Brown, Dow, and Erskine, of Saltcoats, for their uncommon activity and exertions in every matter which regards these undertakings.

And many other loyal and patriotic toasts.

About 7 o’clock, the Earl and his Countess, whose polite and kind attention left a lasting impression on the mind of every individual present, proceeded to Eglinton Castle, where a splendid ball concluded the evening; At Saltcoats, also, various parties spent the evening in dancing and festivity.

Thus passed a day upon which was laid the foundation of what will probably become a great commercial city, and prove a splendid monument to the memory of its patriotic and noble founder.

The situation appears to be well calculated for business, health, and pleasure. In a rich, extensive, and very populous country, a safe and extensive harbour, connected by a navigable canal with Glasgow, Paisley, and a country rich in coal, lime, and iron-stone, and open to the west of England, Scotland, of Ireland, and America, affords a certain prospect of commerce and manufactures; while the manner in which I was informed the Earl intends laying out the new town, will afford accommodation in one quarter, to those who are engaged in business, and in another, to those whose leading objects are retreats from business.

I understand his Lordship means to retain the eminence upon which the castle stands, also the adjacent ridge of rocks, in order to adorn and render them ornamental, by building trees, walks, &c., on the plains connected with the harbour and canal, the streets for commercial men and tradesmen, while on the east side of the castle and ridge, along the bottom of the rocks, a crescent of about a mile in length, fronting the bay of Ayr, and enjoying the other magnificent surrounding scenery, is to be disposed of for separate villas. How these will succeed near a canal upon which a family can, in one day, pass to and from Glasgow and Paisley, may be estimated from the concourse of people at present at bathing quarters in Saltcoats, which I am credibly informed exceeds 1500.

I trust the importance of these undertakings, for the prosperity of the country, and the happiness of mankind will be a sufficient apology for the minuteness of this description.

I am &c.
A WELLWISHER to every improvement of my country.
Ardrossan, 4 August, 1806.
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Re: Ardrossan - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
12 AUGUST 1885

SHIPPING CASUALTY

A telegram from Belfast states that the CECELIA, reported ashore on the North Rock, Cloughey, got off on the 9th instant, and proceeded, making very little water.
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Re: Ardrossan - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
12 AUGUST 1935

FATAL ACCIDENT

HERBERT SCOTT, (38), labourer, 15 Low Road, Whittlets, Ayr, died in Kilmarnock Infirmary yesterday morning from injuries received in an accident on Saturday at Chapelton, a mile from Seamill on the main Ardrossan-Largs road.

Scott, who was going home from his work at Thirdpart Farm, West Kilbride, was riding a motor cycle which came into collision with a motor car. He received severe head injuries.
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Re: Ardrossan - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
13 AUGUST 1913

MOUNTAIN AND SEA

Ardrossan, Tuesday:
Throughout last week the brilliant weather continued without interruption. Although some towns in the neighbourhood are suffering from a scarcity of water, Ardrossan has even now a normal supply for over 200 days in store.

Passenger traffic at the harbour has been well above average, English and American tourists being much in evidence. A large influx of Paisley people is expected this week, most of the available accommodation having been booked.

Tonight the barometer shows a downward tendency and the sky is overcast.
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Re: Ardrossan - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
13 AUGUST 1884

MARRIAGE

McGILL – ALLISON: At Bank Buildings, Ardrossan, on the 7th instant, by the Rev. John Stewart, JAMES McGill, of Liverpool, to MARION, daughter of Mr. John Allison.
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Re: Ardrossan - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
13 AUGUST 1889

DEATH

CARSON; At 131 Glasgow Street, Ardrossan, the residence of his sister, PETER FLECK CARSON, fifth son of the late Robert Carson.
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Re: Ardrossan - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
14 AUGUST 1889

DEATH

ADAM: At 16 Montgomerie Street, Ardrossan, on the 11th instant, JANE WILSON, relict of JOHN ADAM.
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Re: Ardrossan - On This Day In History

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GLASGOW HERALD
14 AUGUST 1886

DEATH

SLOAN: At Crawford Lodge, Ardrossan, on the 11th instant, aged 75 years and 7 months, MARGARET LOVE, widow of John Sloan, New Street, Dalry.
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