The rapid extension of the railway network in the late 1840s and early 1850s brought forth the works excursion. For the first time it was possible for an employer to close a works for the day and for the operators, en masse, to board a train and steamer connection for a few hours respite from the daily toil. Refreshed by sea breezes and healthy fare, the workers returned with feelings of gratitude to provide another year of service to the generous employer.
Dalmonach Works in 1851
Such was the situation in the Vale of Leven where the railway connection between Balloch and Bowling on the Clyde opened in 1851, the year of the Great Exhibition at Crystal Palace. The Dalmonach Works of James Black & Co. had created a stir at the Exhibition and their order book was full. They began to organize an annual trip, making use of the railway. The annual trip in 1853 was on Saturday August 13th. The destination was Campbeltown and it was a great event, marred by one accident with fatal consequences.
DALMONACH AND FERRYFIELD TRIP
a melancholy accident
“On Saturday last the workers in the employment of Messrs. James Black & Co., at Dalmonach and Ferryfield, held their annual trip down the Clyde. The pibroch’s shrill notes began to arouse the sleepers shortly after three o’clock, and by five a large number had collected in the works, from whence they proceeded in procession through the principal streets of Alexandria, with banners and devices in great variety. On arriving at the railway station, where a monster train was waiting to receive them, the party, numbering 900 or thereby, were speedily in their places, and the train proceeded on its journey exactly at six o’clock, amidst the cheering of an immense crowd of spectators.
the majestic steamer Thistle
“On arriving at Bowling, the majestic steamer Thistle, which was hired for the occasion, was seen moving through the haze, every minute becoming more distinct, until she was safely moored alongside the wharf, and the multitude soon began to crowd her decks. On leaving the wharf, three hearty cheers were given, and a salute fired from the vessel: while she steamed away in gallant style, there was firing of guns as she passed the various towns along the shore. The original intention of visiting Rothesay was dispensed with, the captain finding that his time would not permit, and the vessel steered her course round the island of Arran, arriving at Campbeltown about half-past 12 o’clock. Here the company landed, with an hour and a half allotted them to visit the town and neighbourhood, the good folks of which were quite astonished at the vast number of strangers so abruptly introduced among them. None of the distilleries was working at the time of our visit, but we were kindly shown through one of the largest by a gentleman in the place, and had the pleasure of tasting genuine ‘Campbeltown’ for once in our lives.
the signal to return
“At 2 o’clock the guns of the vessel announced the signal to return, and shortly afterwards all were again safely on board. To vary the scene, the Captain took us through by Kilbrannan Sound and the Kyles of Bute. On arriving opposite Castle Toward, the engines were stopped, and several salutes fired in honour of Thomas Auchterlonie, Esq., the head of the firm of James Black & Co. Accompanied by his lady, he made his appearance on the top of the hill, and acknowledged the compliment amidst great cheering, by those on board. The vessel then proceeded on her journey homewards, and when she was within a short distance from Bowling, the melancholy accident occurred which is recorded in another part of the paper, and which produced universal grief on board.
only one misfortune to detract from the day’s pleasure
“Altogether, the day was everything that could be desired, if we except the haze which precluded the land from being seen at any great distance. To Captain Buchanan, the party feel the greatest gratitude for his kind attention during the whole of the day, and but for the catastrophe which occurred, they would not have left his vessel without a practical testimony of their esteem.
“Two capable bands of violinists along with two pipers, had a hard day’s work, supplying music to the dancing, which was kept up with great spirit during the entire day; and we congratulate the committee on the success of their labours to promote the comfort and pleasure of so large a number. The company arrived at Alexandria shortly after 9 o’clock, when they dispersed orderly and quietly, with only one misfortune to detract from the day’s pleasure.
“We cannot close this notice without complimenting the manager and the various stationmasters of the railway for the very excellent arrangements made to facilitate the ingress and egress of so large a number.”
The event was commemorated a year or so later in a poem published in the local paper, the Dumbarton Herald.
The melancholy incident is not mentioned directly but can be found elsewhere. A young man had apparently indulged in some of the spirits of Campbeltown and on the return journey fell asleep on the paddle box of the steamer. As the steamer approach Bowling, the man’s mother went to wake him but, startled and confused, he fell into the water in front of the paddle and had his scull cleaved.
The steamer Thistle was built by Robert Napier at Govan in 1848 and was owned by the Glasgow and Londonderry Steam Packet Co. on their Londonderry service and would be familiar with a call at Campbeltown. She had a record of mishaps and had run aground the year prior to the excursion on Sheep Island near the Giant’s Causeway. On that occasion watertight bulwarks prevented her sinking. The forward and aft compartments filled with water but the engine compartment in the centre remained dry. In this condition she sailed the 70 or so miles to Greenock where she was repaired.
Laird steamer Thistle in the condition she reached Greenock in 1852 after being holed.
Broomielaw Bridge in the 1850s with a steamer on the far quay (Frith)
On the same day as the Vale excursion, a company from the Springfield Iron Works in McNeil Street in the East of Glasgow made their way to the Broomielaw, accompanied by a band, to join the steamer Reindeer for Arrochar. The Reindeer was a fairly new steamer, built by Blackwood and Gordon in 1852, and the journey was completed without mishap. Again the event is recorded in song in the Poet’s Box.
Arrochar around 1860 (Becket)
Hurlet in Renfrewshire was not connected to the railway until 1905 or so but the neighbouring town of Nitshill was provided with a service from 1848. The Hurlet Chemical Works of John Wilson and Sons had an excursion in August 1854. The company joined the train at Nitshill and traveled to the terminus at Bridge Street Station where they got out and made their way across the Bridge to the Broomielaw to join the steamer. The destination is not given but it is likely to Arrochar, a favourite at the time.
The final excursion was also to Arrochar, this time from the town of Kirkintilloch on Saturday, August 23, 1856. What began in fine anticipation, ended in a drunken spectacle that was an affront to the burgh.
While music and dancing on board provided much of the entertainment, the tendency of the crowd to indulge in alcohol is a stark reminder of the crusading against the evils of drinking that were a sign of these times.