Blantyre

Scott Andrew BirdScott Andrew Bird
October 31, 2005



Having moved last month to Cambuslang, on the outskirts of Glasgow, I've been gradually amassing information on the history of this wonderful area. Holding the distinction of the 'largest village in Scotland' with a growing population already in excess of 20,000, Cambuslang and its surrounds is an intriguing mix of old and new; farms and urban areas. This morning's brief exploration took me to the neighbouring village of Blantyre; about 5 miles east of Cambuslang.

Wandering through the small area known as Cairns (now devoid of anything that might have prompted the name) I headed down the hill to Hamilton Road via Woodland Crescent. Near the base of this hill are several blocks of Council housing, partly demolished and now serving little function other than destroying what was once presumably a wonderful view. Currently the remaining blocks are awaiting demolition (most likely this weekend - although they've been waiting for the past 3 years), with the slight inconvenience being that three of the flats are still tenanted.

I have not been able to find any explanation for the demolition, and from the outside at least the buildings appear to have been in reasonable repair; having only been constructed in 1956. The destruction of buildings only half a century old seems a little odd. Of course, the buildings now awaiting demolition were built on the site of a former mansion and accompanying buildings, notably a gardener's lodge which stood just behind the gateposts which still stand next to the bus stop as the Crescent meets Hamilton Road.

Leaving the buildings to their ultimate demise, and curious as to their replacement (my current thinking is that we'll soon see one of the major supermarkets on the site), I turned right on Hamilton Road and headed toward Blantyre. Hamilton Road shows us glimpses of the past amid the modernity. For much of its life it was surrounded by various aspects of mining life - including the homes, factories and of course the mines themselves. In many cases the modern housing along this road has been constructed on areas that were simply filled in once the more valuable materials had been removed from the ground.

Balancing this modern housing are large farms, looking slightly out-of-place beside what is now a major road; but remaining nonetheless. Walking alongside these it is extremely easy to forget just how close to Glasgow we are.

Passing the area of Flemington (which retains much of its industrial character - at least to the north of Hamilton Road) I pause at what is probably the smallest Tesco I've ever seen. Considering the amount of housing development in the area, no doubt there is a larger companion store on the way.

Just past the road to Hallside (the great sounding - if not altogether accurate) Hallside Boulevard sit the Dechmont Cottages, in an area once known as Dychmont (or Dechmont). Dechmont Hill, to the south of Hamilton Road, could once be seen from several miles up the Clyde toward the city; now it is bordered by an odd mix of housing, woodland and a rifle range.

A little further along Hamilton Road stands the Hallside Manse, currently well hidden by trees. Even the Manse Brae, just past the Manse, has a thick coating of Autumn leaves.

Next up, past Spittal Farm, a sign marks the edge of the Clyde Calders (or at least the point where it crosses Glasgow Road). This area of undeveloped green provides a tantalising glimpse into the appearance of the area for much of the past few centuries.

The name change from Hamilton Road to Glasgow Road also marks the entrance to Blantyre; perhaps best known as the birthplace of Dr David Livingston (he of African explorer and missionary fame). Throughout Blantyre there are monuments to the great man; on churches, footpaths and even an unusual modern piece by the station.

Blantyre has the feel of a small village which continued to grow over a long period of time, without realising that the small gathering of churches, pubs and shops should also grow. Yet the area has an odd appeal, and undoubtedly much more to offer than half an hour could provide. I'll certainly be back there.

With the morning's superb weather looking ready for replacement by the more usual conditions for this time of year (grey skies and a refreshing dose of rain) I elected to head back to Cambuslang in comfort. Blantyre Station was only a few streets away.