Noticeable Bilslands
BILSLAND BROTHERS LIMITED 1872-1985
James Bilsland ran a small family bakery in Anderston Glasgow.In 1872,he was later joined by his brothers,William,Alexander and John.
William Bilsland had a flair for business and with him at the helm they soon acquired a number of bakeries around Glasgow.
In 1881 Bilsland Brothers became so prosperous they decided to build a factory to help them keep up with the demand. The bakery was completed in 1882 in Hydepark Street,Anderston,Glasgow.
William's main concern was the distribution of the family bread.He acquired 12 vans,as well as horse and carts. Bilslands bread was distributed all over Scotland. He later acquired other firms including Gray and Dunn biscuit manufacturers in 1912.
William Bilsland was a councilor for many years opening many new buildings including a Library in Anderston which was replaced with the Mitchell Library however you can still see a plaque dedicated to his memory.
William later became Lord Provost of Glasgow and was created a baronet in 1907. Sir William Bilsland remained busy helping the poorest parts of the city with houseing and promoting good healthy living with regular hospital check ups for the poor. He also added more parks and made the museums free, he died in 1921.
With the death of Sir William Bilsland in 1921 the bakery passed to his only surving son, Sir Alexander Steven Bilsland,who was educated at St Johns College Cambridge,England,where he studied law.
Along with running his family business he was also the director of many other firms.
He helped pave the way for many other factories and developments in and around Glasgow.
Sir Alexander Steven Bilsland was Knighted in 1955 to Baron Bilsland. He was later to become the director to the Bank of Scotland till 1966 he died in 1970.
Bilsland Brothers Limited lived on as part of Spillers who eventualy disolved the company and sold its smaller bakeries to Mothers Pride.
Bilslands Brothers Bakery was bought by MC Computer Technology who levelled the bakery side but kept the offices.You can still see the sign Bilslands' Bakery from Arygl street.
RUNNYMEADE CONVICT SHIP
William Billsland was sentenced in England to 15 years for burglary, he was sent to Austraila on the covict ship Runnymeade in 1856.
William Billsland drowned in a well in 1858.
PRIVATE JAMES BILSLAND
James Billsland a resident of Montgomery Co was mustered up in 1856.
He was awarded a Military medal for his part in quashing The Indian mutany in 1858.
DUMBARTON PRISON BOOK 1812-1824
Dumbarton prison book mentions a cell known as Bilsland's Hole that consisted of a large chain attached to the wall with apparatus to secure the legs of the occupants.
COVENTRY and BELLSLAND (Distillery)
Founded in 1834 it was renamed Whitevale before it was sold to James Guild in 1837.
Hector Henderson purchased it in 1847 and ran it until he had to liquidate in 1852.
A new owner Bulloch Lade and co managed to operate the distillery till 1920 when it was absorbed by DCL and closed later that year.
It was located in Glasgow on Camlachie Street, which was the country side in the founding days.But was heftly urbanised in the 1880's.
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