Down Memory Lane

HAUNTED HOUSE: That’s certainly what the makers of a new programme would like you to believe about Birkwood House (see P7 of this week’s Gazette for more). In fact, the house has a far less supernatural history, being built in 1858 by the vastly rich McKirdy family as their lavish home but, by 1923, a financial albatross around their necks and sold off to become a mental hospital. The huge edifice has lain empty for a decade.

50 YEARS AGO

n Fusilier Arthur Mooney, of Carluke, was taking part in an expedition to explore part of the Libyan desert and taking part in exercises in the mountains to the north of Lake Chad.

n It was panto time in Lanark as the Memorial Hall played host to Dick Whittington. All the money raised during the three-day show was going to Stanmore School Children’s Home.

n A woman from Glasgow plunged to her death when she slipped on a path when walking with her husband near Cartland Bridge.

n As part of a constituency tour, local MP Judith Hart visited Meikle’s Factory in Kirkfieldbank and attended an open meeting in Douglas.

n Rev RC White was set to preach his farewell sermon in Law before departing to a church in Edinburgh.

n Carluke Rovers centre forward John Thomson was granted a transfer. He came to Loch Park at the start of the season but had only managed four appearances.

n Lanark Rugby Club faced Hamilton Academy FP but the game ended in a 14-8 defeat. Lanark’s try came from McLarty.

100 YEARS AGO

n An engineer, of no fixed residence, pleaded guilty to fighting at Lanark Cross. He was fined 10s.

n A 19-year-old from Lanark pleaded guilty to obstructing the police as they were about to arrest two men. He was fined £1 with the alternative of 10 days imprisonment.

n At a meeting of the Upperward District Committee it was announced that Mr JD Scott was to resign from the committee as he was to take up a new post on the Board of Agriculture.

n An advert appeared in the Gazette looking for 80 moulders to work in Canada. The same advert also stated that up to 150 ground workers were also required.

n Lady Newlands handed over a portrait of her husband to St John’s Masonic Lodge in Carluke. The painting was to occupy a place in the new temple.

n The Law Tent of Rechabites was busy preparing for its upcoming social evening in which Miss Tina Roylet would star.

n Carluke Milton Rovers were beaten 1-0 by Earnock Rovers in the second round of the Lanarkshire Junior Cup.