The Kintyre Forum

In 1842, my g-g-grandfather, John Darroch, went from Clachan "to Glasgow to learn the trade of blacksmithing." I am curious to know how he would have made the journey.

An 1881 letter by Mary Currie describes the reverse route (Glasgow to Clachan). She wrote of taking a steamer from Glasgow, through the Kyles of Bute to Tarbert, then via coach to Clachan. She also states, that "...travelling is now a very different thing, from what it was 30 years ago." Is she implying that this route might not have existed in 1842?

If not, would the journey have been the long circuitous route by land (e.g.: similar to today's A83)?

PS: The quotations above are taken from Frank Darroch's book A Darroch Family in Scotland and in Canada (pp 62 & 74).

Doug Robertson
Saskatoon, Canada

Hi Doug…

I’m afraid I can’t help. However, there are many on this Forum that do not like genealogy so never visit this page.
Perhaps if you transfer your post to ‘Local History and Discussion,’ someone just might read it.

Good luck…, Iain.

If that doesn't work, try... https://www.rootschat.com/forum/argyllshire/

Thank you Iain, for both your ideas. I will try them.

hi there and a very happy new year to yersel an all forum folk. He wid hav sailed on the steamship "Duke of Cornwall" frae Cameltoon tae Glesga.

Thank you! The clues and insights you and others have given are perfect.

Not sure if the steamer stopped at Tarbert en route to Glasgow , but Ardrishaig had a regular steamer sailing to and from Glasgow from 1819.

Re Darroch family:There was a Glendarroch distillery on the banks of the Crinan Canal at Ardrishaig;the Darroch being the burn/river flowing down from the hills and through the glen.The proprietor's residence was Glengilp House,but don't know his name.