Pictures of Baillies Causeway are rare and a couple of weeks ago I was contacted by a lady called Gillian who was able to send us this fantastic picture of the old Hamilton Street, Gillian told us:
“Some time ago, I remember seeing a post on your Facebook page mentioning Baillies Causeway. I can’t quite remember but I think someone was wondering if a photo was of the pub there.
Perhaps not, I’m not sure, but the pub was mentioned, as was speculation about where Baillies Causeway was and what happened to it and when. I would have replied to the post, but I couldn’t spot it. Not sure if it’s of interest now, but it was definitely towards the bottom end of where the present Regent shopping centre is now. Attached is a photo, which I came across tonight.
It’s not of the pub mind you, It’s Baillies Causeway Gospel Hall church that’s in the foreground. But I think that may be the pub in the background, looking at this old map seems to suggest the PH public house was just along from the hall.
My parents were members of this church, as were some well known local bakers in their time: Mssr Lightbody, Gilchrist & Gibson. It was built in 1872 and was there until the 1960s. It was in 1963 the official confirmation came from the town council that the street was being vacated to make way for the shopping centre.
The terms of compulsory purchase orders were negotiated with those in Baillies Causeway over the next year or so. The church moved out in April 1966 and over the next year or so built its new home in Selkirk Street, where it still is today”.
Gillian also told us that the original picture was taken by a man named Jim Hislop, who was an elder at the Church.
We would like to thank Gillian for sending this picture. Pictures of Baillies Causeway are really rare. If you have an old picture of Baillies Causeway, then please feel free to send it to us and we will share with everyone on the page.