Housebuilder helps Kirkintilloch group commemorate historic figure

THE Kirkintilloch branch of a female advocacy movement has unveiled a memorial to local charity worker and philanthropist, Beatrice Clugston, thanks to funding from Cala Homes (West).

The housebuilder, whose Beatrice Meadows development is named after the founder of the Glasgow Dorcas Society, gifted the Soroptimists of Kirkintilloch and District £500 to fund a plaque to commemorate Miss Clugston as well as providing and planting a tree on the development itself in her memory.

The Soroptimists – a branch of the international movement which seeks to transform the lives of women and girls through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities – have campaigned for the restoration of Miss Clugston’s original memorial gravestone in the Auld Aisle Cemetery.

Thanks to funding and assistance from Cala Homes (West), the group has unveiled a new memorial on the development which sits on the site of the former Broomhill Hospital – one of the causes Beatrice Clugston dedicated her philanthropic efforts to in the 1800s.

Members and supporters of the group recently gathered at Beatrice Meadows to mark the unveiling of the plaque and tree planting.

Margaret Tomlinson, of the Soroptimists of Kirkintilloch and District, said, “For some time Kirkintilloch Soroptimists have campaigned for recognition of local humanitarian Beatrice Clugston. Beatrice fought throughout her life to improve care and conditions for the sick and dying. We were delighted when Cala Homes chose the name Beatrice Meadows for the housing developments in the grounds of Broomhill Hospital, one of Beatrice’s great achievements.

“We are very grateful to Cala Homes and Archibald Young Ltd. for facilitating the presentation of this tree and plaque to commemorate a remarkable unsung hero, Beatrice Clugston.”

Jim Clinton, site manager at Beatrice Meadows for Cala Homes (West), added, “We’re delighted to help a local group that is part of such an important international movement advocating for human rights and gender equality – particularly with honouring such an important local, historical figure. When deciding on the final name for the development, Beatrice Clugston’s story really stood out, especially with it being built on the grounds of the former Broomhill Hospital – a cause she tirelessly fundraised on behalf of – it seemed only fitting that we help the Soroptimists to honour her memory.

“We’re proud to have a tree planted in Miss Clugston’s honour, as well as the memorial plaque, at Beatrice Meadows and we are delighted to welcome the Soroptimists to our site to officially mark the unveiling.”