Heritage Centre

Cuthbert Spencer of Tighnabruaich

Gardener, Photographer and Lad o’Pairts

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by Geoff Newton

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Anyone who spent holidays in Tighnabruaich during the first half of the C20th would have been familiar with the photographic postcards sold in the shops to send home to friends and relatives. There were local views, some including houses and people could say, ‘This is where we stayed’; many were of steamers in which visitors might have sailed. There were also photographs of local Regattas and notable yachts.

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PS Talisman in the West Kyle. The card is unused and is numbered Spencer 32. The back of the card is identical to no. 57. The photograph pre-dates 1934, when Talisman was broken up.

PS Jupiter steaming down the West Kyle. The card is numbered Spencer 62; this vessel was launched in 1937 so if the numbering is sequential, there must be a gap of at least three or four years between these two photographs. The card is unused and the back is identical to nos. 32 & 57.

View of the East Bay, Rhubaan and Buttock Point with the moorings. SY Iolaire, right, was owned by William Birtwistle, a Lancashire cotton magnate and skippered by Captain John Turner of Tighnabruaich.

PS Talisman in the West Kyle. The card is unused and is numbered Spencer 32. The back of the card is identical to no. 57. The photograph pre-dates 1934, when Talisman was broken up.

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