It was intended to reproduce the article from the Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser in a one piece readable size but it proved impossible due to the constraints of MSN groups pages. That is regretable as it is always far more authentic to view something in its original state, however the article is loaded below as separate pieces for readable image reproduction reasons but it is an almost accurate reflection of the layout of the article in the pages of the Advertiser of 21st.July, 1951.
In addition to the highly respected Dr.Thomson's review baillieston.net will be adding some comment both on the book and Thomson's opinion of it.
The final version of this page should appear within a few days.
Its not for me to question the experience and undoubted knowledge of George Thomson as a local and indeed county historian but as someone who has conducted much research and gathered a signinficant cache of historical infromation on the district over the past 3 years, my initial comments would be that his opinion of the book was rather harsh. He seems to have judged it as a work of professional historians - when it plainly wasn't. Yes the authors wandered off the track somewhat by mentioning places far flung from the district and apparently neglecting such a locally significant place as Baillieston House and its connection to the village that took its name but they probably found it difficult to obtain much information about that estate as the owner was at that time very ill, had been for some years and was within months of death.
Yes there were errors, some listed by Thomson above - and others he was unable to because of a lack of an intimate knowledge of the locality. The authors - to their credit honestly admitted that it would be a miracle if there weren't mistakes contained within the pages of their work.
The value of this book has been of inestimate worth as it was the first. Every book and article written since has been based on and has taken its bearings from what Archie Leitch and Jim Wotherspoon wrote down in 1951.
I think it important to repeat this from the Preface:
"In presenting this short history of Baillieston and District, we do so, not with the conviction that the last word has been said on it; it is a skeleton at best scantilly clothed and we leave it to others who may be sufficiently impressed by its bareness to complete the dressing."
Just about says it all!
Robert Murray, April, 2006
These online images are the copyright of baillieston.net © 2006. The original article is presumably the copyright of the Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser.
