Famous Airdrie Folk

Nancy Riach was perhaps the most famous of a long line of swimming stars who belonged to the Motherwell Amateur Swimming and Water Polo Club of the 1930s and 1940s (Walker, 1994). As well as Riach the club included other Scottish record holders like Cathie Gibson and Margaret Bolton. In 1946, one year before the tragic death of Nancy Riach, the local paper claimed that "the steel town had no equal at the aquatic sport in Great Britain today." (Motherwell Times, 27 December 1947:12). That year the club participated in 120 galas, and its roll call of success comprised of twenty-one new records, thirty-eight championships, three water polo leagues and one water polo cup. Nancy Riach never swam for Scotland although she broke many national records

Ian Bannen was born 6/29/28 in Airdrie. After an early career with the Royal Shakespeare Company (1951–54) and several critically acclaimed appearances in plays by Eugene O'Neill, Bannen turned his focus toward film roles. Since the mid-1950s, he has appeared in numerous British and American films, most notably, The Flight of the Phoenix (1965) for which he received an Oscar nomination, Gandhi (1981), Damage (1992), Braveheart (1995), and Waking Ned Devine (1998). He was killed in a car crash near Loch Ness, Scotland on 11/3/99. Read a article on the actor - click here

David Watt Torrance M.D., O.B.E.  A famous medical missionary for the Church of Scotland at the end of the 1800's and early 1900's. A book was written about him "The Galilee Doctor" by W.P. Livingstone. His father was Thomas Torrance M.D. of Airdrie and his grandfather was Rev. Robert Torrance, who was the first minister of the Auld Licht congregation. The family lived on Graham Street, Airdrie. Visit the webpage

Archie McGregor. A well known local around Airdrie for many years sadly passed away in January. Archie was born in 1917 and was severely injured during WWII. He was a self-taught musician playing accordion and dulcimer for many years at weddings in the area. Our thoughts are with the family at this time.

The Rt Hon John Smith was Labour leader briefly before his untimely death in 1994. More...

Helen Liddell. The Rt Hon Helen Liddell MP was appointed Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions on 17 May 1999. For resume click here. The MP was brought up in Chapelhall, although now resides in Dumbartonshire.

One of the Lisbon Lions who played with Glasgow Celtic in 1960's and won the European Cup with Celtic in 1967.Peter Grant. Another Celtic hero who recently moved South of the border to play in the English League. Played for Celtic and Scotland.

Wee Harry Roy, a tiny wee man, used to push an enormous barrow around the streets of Airdrie and was credited with many humorous quips. One that I remember well was Harry's response to some well intentioned onlooker as he struggled to climb South Bridge Street with his barrow. The onlooker said "where there's a will, there's a way", to which Harry replied "Aye, and where there's a hill, there's a brae". (GM - New Zealand)

Jimmie O'Niell. The singer with The Silencers, he used to have chart success in the 80s in the band Fingerprintz and wrote a UK no1 hit in the 80s for Lena Lovitch called 'My Lucky Number's 1'

John Giblin. Was the bass player in the rock group 'Simple Minds' - a very successful Scottish rock group in the late seventies and eighties. He also worked with Peter Gabriel as a session player.

Brian McClair. Brian was one of the main contributors in the success of Manchester United for many years and has recently retired. Brought up in Chapelhall (or disputedly, Craigneuk!), he was a major influence in the team and having played for Celtic among others has had an illustrious career in football. (Web Info)

"Wee" Wullie Henderson. The wizard winger of the 1960's - 70's for Glasgow Rangers. Wullie was born in Airdrie and soon found his true talent in football. He also gained several caps for Scotland.

Pinty Queen - a friend and peer of Dunky Donaldson!!
When Dunky turned against the influence of alchohol--Pinty was heartbroken!
It is alleged that Pinty called at Dunky's house one morning to go for a 'refreshment' with him.  Dunky declined and told Pinty that he had seen the error of his ways, had heard the word of God and had now turned away from the call of the demon drink.  He therefore could not join Pinty in the pub but invited him to join the drive against the demon drink.
Pinty burst into tears!!
'Aw, Jesus!!' Pinty cried!! (Had Dunky's words had an affect?)
'Aw Jesus!! Aw Dunky!!!
Ah liked ye better the other way!!'

Duncie Donaldson. Duncie was a major figure in the town for many years - all for the wrong reasons. He spent most of the early part of his life under the influence of alcohol and caused mayhem in pubs across the town. Latterly, he decided to give up the booze and turn his life to religion appearing at "speakers corner" at the bottom cross in Airdrie to orate the word of God. He died some years ago.

Dunky Donaldson became a well respected figure in the town....having already been well know for other reasons!!  He was indeed a character to go into the annals of history!!  So was Pinty...in his own way!! (DK-Airdrie)