This is my first report so feel free to let me know if there is anything I can improve on and I’ll take it on board.
The Sailors' Orphan Society of Scotland was established in 1889 by three of Glasgow's leading shipowners: Richard Hubbard Hunter, Alexander Allan and George Smith. Its object was 'to feed, educate or otherwise provide for the orphans or fatherless children of sea-faring men throughout Scotland, who have been left in destitute circumstances'. Funded by voluntary subscriptions and donations, it initially provided financial support to widows, allowing children to stay with their mothers. It also began to provide residential accommodation for orphans, occupying several properties in or near Glasgow
In 1897, a gift of £10,000 by Charles William Cayzer, MP for Barrow in Furness and wealthy owner of a shipping company based in Glasgow enabled the Society to build its own permanent establishment at Balrossie, near Kilmacolm (or Kilmalcolm), Renfrewshire, which opened in 1899.
The architect of the building is given in a Glasgow Advertiser article as H and D Barclay, but as Hugh Barclay died in 1892, this is probably the sole work of his younger brother David. The Barclay brothers specialised in school design, and were responsible for a large number of schools in and around Glasgow, including Glasgow Academy; their most prominent building, however, was Greenock Municipal Buildings.
The orphanage was designed to house 82 boys and 32 girls. The principle building contained accommodation for 50 boys in the left wing and 32 boys in the right wing, each wing forming a separate house with its own dormitories, dining room, playshed and other accommodation. The central tower contained administrative offices, with stores on the ground floor and a water tank at the top. The large gabled section that runs through the centre of the block contained a large hall for assemblies, services, teaching, and other similar activities. Girls were housed separately in the villa to the North.
In May, 1918, the large central building was gutted by a fire. In 1931, the boys' section of the Home was closed, This was said to be due to relatives of the boys, who had previously wanted nothing to do with them, now withdrawing the boys in order to receive a 7s. 6d. per week government allowance for each child. The few remaining boys were transferred to Quarriers Homes in Bridge of Weir. The girls' section of the Home continued in operation until 1934. The property was then acquired by the Boys' Brigade for use as an outdoor training centre. During the Second World War, it became the headquarters for anti-aircraft activities.
In the early 1950s, plans were discussed to convert the premises for use by St Mungo’s Approved School in Mauchline. After the closure of St Mungo's in 1956, however, the Kilmalcolm site was sold to Glasgow City Council who established a new Approved School on the Kilmacolm site, known as Balrossie School
Following the 1968 Social Work (Scotland) Act, Balrossie was redesignated as a List D School. Since its closure in around 1998, the building has remained empty and increasingly derelict.
The explore itself was a great, relatively stress-free few hours without having to dodge security guys or meet dog walkers wondering what we were up to. It was good to be able to take our time and have a really good look around. We found lots of objects which had been left behind and reminded us of what the building had been used for. Lots of quite poignant reminders of childhood fun and games which were totally at odds with the dreadful state of the place. It was pretty horrendous condition inside. Quite dangerous with many floors completely collapsed and some kind of weird plants growing through the ceiling. Just added to the charm!!
It’s also worthwhile going for a walk around the grounds as we found a play park complete with see-saw and roundabout plus a basketball court. There is also what I think is an old water tower round the back with a beautiful wooden door which is worth a look too.
The Sailors' Orphan Society of Scotland was established in 1889 by three of Glasgow's leading shipowners: Richard Hubbard Hunter, Alexander Allan and George Smith. Its object was 'to feed, educate or otherwise provide for the orphans or fatherless children of sea-faring men throughout Scotland, who have been left in destitute circumstances'. Funded by voluntary subscriptions and donations, it initially provided financial support to widows, allowing children to stay with their mothers. It also began to provide residential accommodation for orphans, occupying several properties in or near Glasgow
In 1897, a gift of £10,000 by Charles William Cayzer, MP for Barrow in Furness and wealthy owner of a shipping company based in Glasgow enabled the Society to build its own permanent establishment at Balrossie, near Kilmacolm (or Kilmalcolm), Renfrewshire, which opened in 1899.
The architect of the building is given in a Glasgow Advertiser article as H and D Barclay, but as Hugh Barclay died in 1892, this is probably the sole work of his younger brother David. The Barclay brothers specialised in school design, and were responsible for a large number of schools in and around Glasgow, including Glasgow Academy; their most prominent building, however, was Greenock Municipal Buildings.
The orphanage was designed to house 82 boys and 32 girls. The principle building contained accommodation for 50 boys in the left wing and 32 boys in the right wing, each wing forming a separate house with its own dormitories, dining room, playshed and other accommodation. The central tower contained administrative offices, with stores on the ground floor and a water tank at the top. The large gabled section that runs through the centre of the block contained a large hall for assemblies, services, teaching, and other similar activities. Girls were housed separately in the villa to the North.
In May, 1918, the large central building was gutted by a fire. In 1931, the boys' section of the Home was closed, This was said to be due to relatives of the boys, who had previously wanted nothing to do with them, now withdrawing the boys in order to receive a 7s. 6d. per week government allowance for each child. The few remaining boys were transferred to Quarriers Homes in Bridge of Weir. The girls' section of the Home continued in operation until 1934. The property was then acquired by the Boys' Brigade for use as an outdoor training centre. During the Second World War, it became the headquarters for anti-aircraft activities.
In the early 1950s, plans were discussed to convert the premises for use by St Mungo’s Approved School in Mauchline. After the closure of St Mungo's in 1956, however, the Kilmalcolm site was sold to Glasgow City Council who established a new Approved School on the Kilmacolm site, known as Balrossie School
Following the 1968 Social Work (Scotland) Act, Balrossie was redesignated as a List D School. Since its closure in around 1998, the building has remained empty and increasingly derelict.
The explore itself was a great, relatively stress-free few hours without having to dodge security guys or meet dog walkers wondering what we were up to. It was good to be able to take our time and have a really good look around. We found lots of objects which had been left behind and reminded us of what the building had been used for. Lots of quite poignant reminders of childhood fun and games which were totally at odds with the dreadful state of the place. It was pretty horrendous condition inside. Quite dangerous with many floors completely collapsed and some kind of weird plants growing through the ceiling. Just added to the charm!!
It’s also worthwhile going for a walk around the grounds as we found a play park complete with see-saw and roundabout plus a basketball court. There is also what I think is an old water tower round the back with a beautiful wooden door which is worth a look too.
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