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Blantyre Trams 1903

Clark St.- Looking East

Here you see a Tram coming from Hamilton, Trams were introduced to Blantyre in 1903 when this photo was taken.

The Wellington Bar - Glasgow Road at Clark Street. A pub often frequented by the Lithuanian people of Blantyre and Burnbank, noted for its famous Dark Light Beer.

Various Bld, Shops,The Livingstonian Bar - Glasgow Road at Forrest Street. Owned by McLachlan the Brewers. Also referred to as The Tap Shoap.

1st Masonic Temple, Dr Jope's Surgery, Chemist, Tempelton Grocery, Clarkston Newsagent, Wee Don's (Valerio) Ice Cream, Marshalls shoe shop, Butchers,

The Wellington Bar - Glasgow Road at Clark Street.

Blantyre Trams 1903

In 1888 the main form of public conveyance in Blantyre was the wagonette and horses, with not even a bus service available until 1894. However, in 1900 the Tramways Bill authorised a tram route from Blantyre to Wishaw as part of the new development through Motherwell and Hamilton. The five pence service started running in 1903, the same year this photograph was taken, with over 30,000 passengers turning up along the route on opening day.

 

Both sides of this section of Glasgow Road have now been completely redeveloped. The tenements on the left have been replaced by a low level housing development, also affecting John Street and Forrest Street. On the opposite side of the road there is now an assortment of modern buildings including industrial units, housing and a shopping centre.

First Day of Blantyre Trams

You can imagine the excitement on this great day. The local inhabitants could now freely visit Hamilton, Motherwell and Wishaw.

These are the first trams leaving from Motherwell Cross on 6th October, 1903.

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