East Dunbartonshire Council is set to restore a memorial to a local philanthropist who worked tirelessly to help sick and incurable patients in the 19th century.
Beatrice Clugston (1827-1888) was best known for her charity work in setting up several facilities for terminally ill patients from Glasgow and surrounding areas, which many consider the forerunner of modern hospices.
One of those she helped set up was Broomhill House, close to the River Kelvin near Kirkintilloch. The facility, which was opened in September 1876 by the Lord Provost of Glasgow, Sir James Bain, had beds for 49 adults, 12 children and took care of patients suffering from various illnesses including tuberculosis, cancer and chronic rheumatism.
Beatrice died in 1888 and was buried in the Auld Aisle Cemetery, Kirkintilloch and a memorial was built to commemorate the work that she had undertaken during her lifetime.
Regrettably, the memorial deteriorated over time and a plaque was stolen from it. Despite numerous attempts, the Council was unable to contact a living relative to ascertain if there is any family member willing to take on the ownership and maintenance of it.
At a meeting of the Council last week it was agreed that the local authority would pay to restore the memorial.
Joint Council Leader Andrew Polson said, "This restoration project is a fitting way to recognise the life of Beatrice Clugston and honour the work she undertook to improve the lives of the sick and incurable patients in the 19th century.
"We are the custodians for future generations and it is our responsibility to keep the memorial in a good order so they can learn of Beatrice's deeds."
Joint Council Leader Vaughan Moody added, "The memorial is of historical importance to the area and the Council is delighted to restore the memorial and replace the stolen plaque.
"Beatrice Clugston made a significant charitable contribution during her life and I look forward to seeing the finished work when it her memorial is restored to its former glory."
The restoration work on the memorial will include the removal of all weeds, moss and an initial clean of the stone. The loose mortar and joints will be repaired with the older fixings removed and replaced and a new reproduction plaque will be commissioned with a suitable interpretation board highlighting the historical significance of Beatrice Clugston.
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