Craigends of the 20th Century a Renfrewshire estate remembered

In the years following World War II the grandeur of Craigends estate had faded from what it was in the early part of the century, but the ettiquettes and respect for social status were still maintained. At Craigends Mrs Cuninghame was like royalty.

Tommy Findlay (estate factor from c.1947 to 1950) and his wife

Estate factors

? — 1947: Mr MacKillop the estate factor lived here. He was also a lawyer (one half of Holmes & MacKillop).

1947 — 1950: Tommy Findlay (pictured right) He brought his wife Jenny and his 2 year old daughter Margaret came to stay. A couple of years later they had another son, Scott.

Chauffeurs

1945 — 1951:Robert Montgomery (pictured right) his wife Minnie and their children Robert and Shirley.

Gamekeepers

Peter Thorburn and his wife.

Head gardeners

David Moir (head gardener) and wife.

Under gardeners

Donald Gillespie (under gardener) and his mother.

Butlers

Mr Bowie (butler) from Wales.

Mansion house servants

Mrs McGeorge (cook)

Marie a young French lady (serving maid).

Mrs Wallace her son Robert and her daughter.

Estate workers / handymen

Robert Montgomery Snr (carter) wife Peggy and son David.

Jimmy Blair (gardener/handyman)z lived above the stables, with his wife (she cleaned in the house).

Jimmy Philips (estate worker) and his wife Mary and their three daughters - Margaret, Nancy and May.