Uncategorized – Broken Columns

Remembering Thomas Brown

Cadder Cemetery lies north of Bishopbriggs. The Cemetery is located adjacent to the large and expanding Strathkelvin Retail Park. Although a small road physically separates them, the symbolic contrast between the two could not be starker. The juxtaposition between the silent solemnity of remembrance and the intoxicating allure of consumerism is intense. Thomas rests inContinue reading “Remembering Thomas Brown”

Remembering John and Charles Smith

Opened in 1901, Grandsable Cemetery overlooks the BP Refinery at Grangemouth, one of Scotland’s few remaining heavy industrial sites. Juxtaposed against the ornate Edwardian headstones, the landscape is electrifying. The memorial for Janet Smith and her sons may seem unremarkable at first glance, but it holds a profound significance that is easy to overlook. ThomasContinue reading “Remembering John and Charles Smith”

Remembering Matthew McKenzie

Every life lost in a pandemic is a tragedy, regardless of the victim’s age. However, the death of a young person is a particularly devastating loss. The Spanish flu pandemic is infamous for causing fatal illness in young people, and unfortunately, fifteen-year-old Matthew McKenzie was one of the victims. Matthew’s grave is situated in PolmontContinue reading “Remembering Matthew McKenzie”

Remembering Winifred Wood

Yesterday evening I paid my first visit to Balgray Cemetery in the west of Dundee. Here I encountered the grave of Winifred Wood. She died on the 10th of November (the day before the Armistice) at home at 12 Rosebery Street of influenza and cardiac failure aged only sixteen. She rests with her sister andContinue reading “Remembering Winifred Wood”

Remembering Julia Rintoul Campbell

Julia succumbed to influenza and bronchitis on the 23rd of December 1918 at Ravenswood, Causewayhead, Stirling aged thirty-three. Her grave is located in the nearby Churchyard of Logie Old Kirk. She rests in a familial lair which includes her paternal grandparents, parents and some of her siblings. Julia was born in Stirling on the 29thContinue reading “Remembering Julia Rintoul Campbell”

Broken Columns available in Dunblane Library

This evening I handed a copy of my book ‘Broken Columns – The Spanish flu dead of rural South Perthshire 1918-1919 into Dunblane Library. Though the geographical scope of the book is within the boundaries of Perth and Kinross, in 1918, Dunblane was officially part of Perthshire. John Laidlaw who lies in Ford Road Cemetery,Continue reading “Broken Columns available in Dunblane Library”

Broken Columns – The Spanish flu dead of Rural South Perthshire 1918-1919

Last month I published the findings of my search for Spanish flu graves in rural South Perthshire. The Kindle edition is available to purchase from Amazon via the following link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Broken-Columns-Spanish-Perthshire-1918-1919-ebook/dp/B0BZM31PT2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1SOUNQ19NKWSF&keywords=Broken+Columns&qid=1681049018&sprefix=broken+col%2Caps%2C1065&sr=8-1 If you would like a paper copy please contact me.