Page celebrates Castlemilk's rich history

Nov 14 2012 by Douglas Dickie, Rutherglen Reformer

A Facebook pagecelebrating the rich history of Castlemilk has reached 1000 ‘likes’.

Castlemilk History has collected nearly 3000pictures and has become a favourite with people from the area looking to find out a bit more about its heritage.

The images range from paintings of the oldCastlemilk House to street photos, aerial views and school photos with information and background about each.

The page was started last August by amateur historian, Susan Casey (53).

Susan lived in Castlemilk for 36 years and was part of the Castlemilk History Group back in the late 80s.

But she admits to being astounded at the reception the page has received.

She said: “I really wasn’t expecting it to be sosuccessful. It’s been great, we even have people sending in their own photos as well.

“The Castlemilk History Group started in 1989 but had to be disbanded after seven years because we couldn’t get funding. I had a lot of archives still in the house and thought Facebook was a good option to get it out there.”

Susan, who is in touch with the great-grandson of William Stirling Stuart, the last Laird of Castlemilk, now lives in the Gorbals butretains an active interest in the place she grew up.

And she admits to having been left speechless at some of the photos and items she has unearthed

Susan said: “There was one photo from Jimmy Stuart that has his great-grandfather, the final Laird, and his great-great grandfather and their family in front of Castlemilk House in 1858.

“Obviously Castlemilk is totally different now. I grew up in Ballantay so the pond area was my playground when I was a wee girl and I still remember Castlemilk House when it was achildren’s home.”

The page is proving to be a real hit with Facebookusers, with some people even using it to reconnect with old friends.

One user said: “Congrats to CH for achieving over 1000 likes! I’m sure I speak for everyone in saying what a great job CH is doing and hope that you continue well into the future.”

Many of the most popular photos are recent ones of the housing scheme and Susan admits she has gaps to fill.

She said: “We would like more information during the war years of 1939-1945, and also more children’s stories from the children’s home period, which are possibly as early as the 1940s until it closed in 1969.”

To connect with the Castlemilk History page, go to www.facebook.com/pages/Castlemilk-History/116432021792052.