Down Memory Lane

War wards: This unique depiction of the building we know today as the Cartland Bridge Hotel dates back to 1944 when it was painted by one of the wounded soldiers being treated there during its time as a private hospital. The patient was an E.F. Brown and his picture was sent to us from Canada by Lois Smith. She found it when she inherited her mother-in-law Margaret’s house. She, in turn, was the daughter of Tom and Helen Davidson who lived and worked at the hospital until they emigrated to Canada in 1957. Lois recalls: “ Margaret told a few stories of that place. When she lived there, it was a private hospital. She said that injured soldiers stayed there during and after World War 2.” She said that she would like to know a lot more about the building - originally a private mansion called Baronald Castle - and of other works by the famous Victorian architect who designed it, Sir John James Burnett, `king’ of that period’s Scottish `baronial’ style. Anyone who can help, phone the Gazette on 01555 678793.

50 YEARS AGO

n Mrs Sarah Jefferson (65), of 18 Union Street, Carluke, was attacked and robbed of £9 from her shopping bag outside her home. She was thrown to the ground and sustained severe bruising to her forehead.

n A quantity of spirits and cigarettes was stolen during an early morning break-in at the Station Inn at Braidwood. Money was also taken from the till, after entry had been gained by forcing a side door.

n Lanark County Council’s Finance Committee had recommended a donation of over £5000 to the Freedom from Hunger Campaign.

n A Douglas Water miner was fined £10 at Lanark Sheriff Court for having a rifle without a licence. He had panicked after being spotted by two gamekeepers in a field in Douglas.

n Carluke Rovers were held to a 2-2 draw by Ardeer Recreation in a fourth round Scottish Junior Cup tie at Loch Park. Carluke goals came via a Paton penalty and a header by J Martin.

n Lanark CYC footballers lost for the first time in 13 matches when they crashed 2-1 at Douglas Water in the Lanarkshire Juveniles League.

100 YEARS AGO

n Two soldiers were fined 10 shillings each, plus 19 shillings of expenses each, at Lanark Sheriff Court. They had pleaded guilty to not turning up for Lanarkshire Territorial Force training at Lanark on June 1, 1912.

n Lanark’s John Morton, who had emigrated for Canada a year earlier, was promoted to Chief of the Collection Department on the district head office of the Canadian Bank of Commerce in Winnipeg.

n There was a large attendance at Braehead Church for a successful musical recital by the church choir which included anthems, solos, duets and quartettes.

n Fans of Lanark Celtic FC were bemoaning the loss of reliable right back T Gray who had just emigrated to Canada.

n The body of a dead man with a slit throat, found the previous week in a ditch between Forth and West Calder, was identified as miner John McCue who had been living at Harthill, Shotts.

n New and summer blouses at good value were available from Alexander Ross and Co, 15 Castlegate, Lanark.