Gathering at the Sir William Arrol Exhibition in the Carnegie Library, Ayr
The programme of commemorative events to mark the passing of Sir William Arrol 100 years ago this day started off at 11am with a gathering of Friends of Seafield House and their supporters at the Centenary Exhibition in the foyer of Carnegie Library in Ayr.
The exhibition mounted by the Friends of Seafield House focuses on Sir William Arrol’s life at Seafield House in Doonfoot Road, Ayr; his engineering & contracting achievements, which include the construction of iconic structures including the Forth Rail Bridge & London Tower Bridge; & his public service as Liberal Member of Parliament (MP) for South Ayrshire from 1895 to 1906.
For those who haven’t been along to see the Exhibition yet, it’s not too late. as it will remain in the Carnegie Library for another couple of days until 23 February 2013. Follow this link to find further information about the Exhibition.
Wreath Laying at the Arrol Grave at Woodside Cemetery, Paisley
While members of the Friends of Seafield House committee were making their way from Ayr to Paisley, flowers were laid in memory of Sir William Arrol on the steps of Seafield House at 1.50pm, the time that he passed away 100 years ago.
Meanwhile, arriving in Paisley at 2pm the FoSH committee members were delighted to be joined by two great nieces of Sir William Arrol who helped to lay the wreath at the foot of his grave at Woodside Cemetery in Paisley. Ina and Annette Arrol are grandaughters of James Arrol, who gave up his career as a marine engineer to go into business with his brother, Sir William Arrol, in the Engineering Works.
Debate in the Scottish Parliament
At 5pm FoSH members gathered in the public gallery in the debating chamber of the Scottish Parliament to listen to the debate on Chic Brodie MSP’s motion S4M-05003 on Scotland’s Historic Buildings. The plight of Seafield House featured in the debate an FoSH will be following up on the suggestions that the Cabinet Secretary for Culture & External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop, made in her response to the debate.
A recording of the debate can be viewed in the Parliament TV members debate page.
A transcript of the debate can also be read in accessible web page of the Official Report or as a PDF of the Official Report as published.