Dunblane Hydro
Originally a Victorian health spa resort, Dunblane Hydro has become a very well known and loved landmark, in the Town of Dunblane Crieff and Bridge of Allan are two other local Spa Towns in the Stirling area. ‘Taking the waters’ was a popular pursuit in Victorian Britain, with rheumatism, alcoholic
Polmaise Castle, Jane Ann Wright (1842 – 1922)
Few now remember Polmaise Castle, but as the annual march of the Gillies which takes place this Sunday 25 June at 2pm passes near to the site, its history is worth revisiting. The Save Gillies Hill campaign was set up to protect the historic hill from quarrying. Last century, Murrayshall
John Duncan, Stirling’s Golfing Professional 1901-1935
This week’s image is an old photograph of a John Duncan taken in 1932 On first inspection it shows an elderly man standing at a workshop bench possibly a joiner to trade Looking more closely, it became clear that there was more to the actual picture, than I had first
The Stirling Seal
This display box of carved oak contains a wax copy of the seal of Stirling. It was found at auction by Friend of the Smith Dr Robin Campbell and is a recent purchase for the Stirling Smith courtesy of the Stirling Common Good Fund. The seal was appended to
Fintry Primary School – 1839-1961
This week’s image was included in a series of views taken around the village of Fintry On the front of the building a clock is clearly visible The building had been the local school Financed by a Mr John Stewart, a retired Fintry merchant, it was named after him –
Butt Well, Stirling
A well- known landmark, to locals at least, the Butt Well is unfortunately not on the “Bucket List” of most Tourists visiting Stirling Until I came across the image, while volunteering at The Smith, I am ashamed to say that it was a local landmark of which I had
The Stirling to Cowie Bus, Forsyth’s Motor Bus Services
Here is a modern tribute to Forsyth’s Motor Bus Services. The company was set up by Thomas Forsyth and his wife Margaret Dickson in 1922, with a fleet of six buses. By 1925-6, he had twelve driver and conductor licenses. The service was run from Plean-Bannockburn-St Ninians-Stirling. He owned a
Agricultural Traction Engine
Childhood has changed so much since the early 20th Century Today, electronic gadgets and games have replaced the fun of getting out into the fresh air, and experiencing life The boy and girl in this image, would appear to be having a great time playing on the steam traction engine,
Turning Point of History
This object from the Stirling Smith collections marked a literal turning point in the history of Scotland. The iron boot heel was highly prized in its time, and the purchaser paid 10 guineas for it, a sum of about £6,000 in today’s prices. The label is inscribed ‘Heel of the