Stairlifts Coatbridge – Lanarkshire Stairlifts

 

Click here to find new and reconditioned stairlifts in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire 

Castle Comfort Stairlifts offers top brand stairlifts, keen prices and fast installs for all those seeking stairlifts in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire . And all work comes with our no-quibble guarantees and famous customer service satisfaction.

Give us a call today on 0141 278 3929  If however, you are looking for fascinating facts about the area then feel free to read on.


Stairlifts Coatbridge – Stairlifts Lanarkshire

Coatbridge is just 10 miles east of Glasgow and right next door to Airdrie.  The two towns make up the Monklands area of Greater Glasgow.

The area was first settled in the Stone Age, now Coatbridge is almost entirely populated by those of Irish descent.

The origin of the name Coatbridge has too many probabilities!  It is thought it might have taken its name from the old Scottish for cottage (cot) and bridge (brig).  Equally some think that it might refer to Middle English or old Welsh for cote or coed respectively, the first meaning cottage again and the second wood.

The third possibility is that it is named after the Colt family who owned much of the local land circa C13.  The Colts were sometimes referred to as Coats and places around their estate became known as Coatbridge, Coatdyke, Coathill and Coatbank.  We’ll leave you to decide!

One thing Castle Comfort Stair Lifts do know is that there are almost 8,000 retired folks in Coatbridge though none of them date back to the C13!  Something else we are sure of is that around 200 of this retired population already own stairlifts.  How do we know?  It’s simple, we keep count of every stairlift sold.  Take a look on our website where we have a minute by minute changing counter which records how many stairlifts have been installed.

So if you’re concerned about your ailing mobility and think it might be time to consider this mode of ‘transport’ in your own home, we’re your guys.  Give us a call at our local office on 0141 278 3929 so that we can advise on the type of stairlift you need – straight, curved or perch – and let us assess you so that we get it right.

We can supply from the wide range manufactured in the UK including our own-name brand.  What’s more once it’s all signed and sealed we can have it installed and working in your home within a few hours maximum.  We also have a great 24/7 after sales service so that you never find yourself stranded at the top or the bottom.

History
There is much evidence of occupation of the actual settlement at Coatbridge especially from Bronze Age times.  There is also an Iron-Age wood and thatch dwelling (crannog) which can still be seen at the loch in Drumpellier Park when the water is at a particular level.  Roman coins and the remains of a Roman road have also been found in the area.

The name for the bigger area, Monklands gained its name from Cistercian monks who founded New Batlle Abbey here with permission from King Malcolm IV.  The monks mined coal and farmed the land until the Reformation when all was taken from them.  At this time the parish of Monklands was divided into New Monkland which is modern day Airdrie and Old Monkland, Coatbridge.

Little Ireland
As we’ve mentioned Coatbridge’s population has an Irish heritage.  This is mainly due to a big influx of Irish workers who came over when iron ore was mined locally and blast furnaces were invented.  The production of pig iron was big in Coatbridge and it was much in demand for building railways here and in the Commonwealth, ship building, bridge buildings and construction generally.  The canal that ran through the town was used to transport it.

The population grew by 600% in the early 19th century turning the once rural Presbyterian area into a Roman Catholic town.  Most of the Irish immigrants came from County Donegal in Ulster.  The legacy through the 20th century was a host of Irish dance and language schools not to mention a Gaelic football team.

St Patrick’s Day
Anyone who knows the Irish, knows that they are fiercely patriotic so the other legacy was the celebration of St Patrick’s Day.



This year’s celebrations included a street party and an extensive programme of cultural events which included music, dancing and theatre productions.  There were also lectures and exhibitions and of course sporting events.

Big draws were a concert by JJ Gilmour and ‘An Evening with Father Ted’.  Add an Irish Quiz, Gaelic football and a family Ceili and you can see just how seriously they celebrate in Coatbridge.


Famous people connected to Coatbridge
·         Margaret Skinnider is listed as ‘a revolutionary and feminist’; she fought in the Dublin Easter Rising in 1916.  She was a sniper and was the only woman wounded in the fray

·         1980’s band Hue and Cry were brothers Pat and Greg Kane from Coatbridge


·         Footballer Mark Kerr was born here

·         Another footballer, Johnny Russell went to school in Coatbridge

·         Author and Orange prize winner, Anne Donavan comes from here

·         As does author Brian Conaghan (The Boy who Made it Rain 2011)


·         Another award winning author Des Dillon is also from here.  Plays have been written from two Dillon books about Coatbridge



·         Comic book series author Mark Millar hails from this town; a feature film from the comic book has been made with Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman

·         The film The Best of Friends was about the correspondence of Dame Laurentia McLachlan with George Bernard Shaw and Sydney Cockerell.  She was the Benedictine Abbess of the Stanbrook Community

·         Lead singer of The Marmalade – Thomas McAleese aka Dean Ford – came from Coatbridge


Getting mobile
Are you an old rocker or just off your rocker with frustration?  There’s no need to be, Castle Comfort Stair Lifts are here with all the knowledge and advice you need.  We can find the right stairlift for you.  If the cost is a concern, why not look into the possibility of a grant or maybe a 0% finance deal?  And don’t forget we have reconditioned stairlifts too.

What ever your concerns or questions, or if you just want to get a deal sorted, please call our local office on  0141 278 3929 . We’ll get onto it in no time.

Stairlifts Hamilton – Lanarkshire Stairlifts

 
Click here to find new and reconditioned stairlifts in Hamilton, Lanarkshire 

Castle Comfort Stairlifts offers top brand stairlifts, keen prices and fast installs for all those seeking stairlifts in Hamilton, Lanarkshire . And all work comes with our no-quibble guarantees and famous customer service satisfaction.



Give us a call today on 0141 278 3929  If however, you are looking for fascinating facts about the area then feel free to read on.


Stairlifts Hamilton – Stairlifts Lanarkshire

Just 12 miles south east of Glasgow you’ll find the town of Hamilton.  The town didn’t always have this name.  Originally it was known as Cadzow meaning beautiful castle.  Following the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century, Robert the Bruce handed the town over to Walter Fitz Gilbert, head of the Hamilton Family.  Since then it has been known as Hamilton.

The family had close connections to the Royal House of Stewart too.  In the 15th century James, the 1st Lord Hamilton was married to Princess Mary the daughter of James II of Scotland.  Next in line to the Scottish throne was their son, the Earl of Arran.  In fact the Isle of Arran became the eventual home of the Hamilton’s although the ‘seat’ of the Hamiltons was Hamilton Palace in Hamilton.  In 1921 there was considerable subsidence at the house due to the family’s mining activities nearby; sadly the house was demolished.  It had been one of the largest houses in Scotland.

The family head, the 3rd Duke of Hamilton moved to Dungavel House near Strathaven.  Dungavel was later sold and the family moved to and still live in Lennoxlove House in East Lothian.

Many of the town of Hamilton’s retired population probably feel like moving.  Moving to a home on one level if they are shaky on the stairs.  But there is no need as Castle Comfort Stair Lifts can kit you out with a stairlift so that your entire home is accessible again.

Almost 250 retired people in Hamilton already own a stairlift and if you feel one could help you, then please get in touch with us.  We can supply and fit stairlifts by all the UK’s manufacturers even our own brand.  We have them to fit straight staircases or curved ones; we can install a platform stairlift if you have difficulty actually sitting down.  We really try to match the stairlift to every person’s needs.

Take a look at our website to see just how many people in the UK are having stairlifts installed every minute.  Then give us a call on  0141 278 3929  and we’ll see what we can do for you.

Historical Buildings
The space where Hamilton Palace once stood is now Hamilton Palace Sports Grounds.  Most of the grounds are now the Strathclyde Country Park, a popular park with locals and visitors.  Cadzow Castle no longer exists either.

Hamilton Mausoleum
What you will find in the grounds is Hamilton Mausoleum.  The inside of this monument is very ornate and you can still see the original outer brass doors – now on the inside.  The original glass oculus was replaced by a Perspex one in the 1970’s; it was lowered into place by helicopter.  The oculus meaning eye in Latin is also known as the rain hole.  It is a common feature of classical architecture.

Source:Wikipedia User Supergolden

The Mausoleum has whispering walls.  You can stand opposite one another facing the circular walls and your whispered comments can be heard by the person opposite.  It has the longest echo – about 15 seconds – of any European building too.

Low Parks Museum
One of Hamilton’s oldest buildings can also be found in the park.  Back in the 16th century this museum was the old coaching inn where travellers going to Edinburgh or Glasgow stopped off.  Now it houses exhibits that show the history of Hamilton Palace and artefacts that once belonged to the Cameronian Scottish Rifles Regiment.

Hamilton Old Parish Church
Built by William Adam in 1734, it is the only church he designed.  Its Georgian architecture replaced a 15th century building.  Adam’s design was mainly circular.

Source:Flickr -Supergolden

The Edwardian Town Hall
This impressive building in Hamilton which houses the library, some council offices and a concert hall was originally built in three stages.  It was closed for a huge refurbishment in 2002 reopening 2 years later.  It is an A listed building.

Hamilton Academicals FC
Hamilton’s football club started out as the local school club back in the 1870s and is the only professional team in the UK to originate from a school team.  It is one of Scotland’s oldest clubs and is fondly referred to as ‘The Accies’ by fans and locals.

Famous sons and daughters
With Hamilton home to the oldest club it’s not surprising that it is also ‘home’ or at least birthplace to many professional footballers.  The first to get a mention is Jim Bett, a retired Scotland player, who comes from the town.

·         Craig Brown was also born here; this ex-player now manages Aberdeen

·         Davie Cooper who tragically died at the age of 39, had played for Rangers, Motherwell and Clydebank

·         Another Hamilton born player is Barry Ferguson who is currently playing for Blackpool

·         Steven Fletcher who plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers grew up in Hamilton

·         Paul Hartley plays and manages Alloa Athletics was born here

·         Bryan Hodge currently playing for Brechin City comes from Hamilton too

·         Paul McStay now retired played for Celtic all his career

·         Bobby Shearer was not only born in Hamilton but started his footballing career playing for The Accies.  He went on to play for Rangers and Queen of the South before his management career.  He died in 2006 aged 74


Hamilton also has some other known celebrities who aren’t footballers!

·         Actress Laurie Brett was born here; she is probably best known for her role as Jane Beale in Eastenders

·         Actor Ian Buchanan who has won two Emmy Awards hails from Hamilton

·         Mark McManus made a name for himself playing the popular Taggart in the TV series

·         His colleague James MacPherson is also from these parts; he played Detective Michael Jardine in the same series

·         Classical actor, the late Nicol Williamson came from Hamilton

·         The Entertainer Harry Lauder was born here; Sir Winston Churchill referred to him as ‘Scotland’s greatest ever Ambassador’

·         Politician Margo MacDonald and Raymond Robertson are both from Hamilton

·         Missionary David Livingstone lived in Hamilton for the last 10-11 years of his life

Source:Public domain

·         Boxers Walter McGowan and Robert Stewart both hailed from here

·         As does swimmer Helen Orr Gordon


What’s your claim to fame?
Is you’re only claim to fame that you are stuck downstairs – or upstairs?  Still pondering whether or not a stairlift will help?  We know it will.  Castle Comfort Stairlifts have 15 years experience and know from personal experience just how much difference a stairlift can make – though we can’t claim to make you famous!

If you want to regain your independence and travel up and down those stairs safely with ease, then this has to be the way.  Check out our stairlift prices and don’t forget we also have reconditioned ones.  If the outlay is scaring you, why not consider the possibility of a grant or 0% finance?  Just don’t let this cause you to delay making your life more comfortable.  Give our local office a call for more advice 0141 278 3929 .

Stairlifts Cumbernauld – Lanarkshire Stairlifts

 
Click here to find new and reconditioned stairlifts in Cumbernauld, Lanarkshire 


Castle Comfort Stairlifts offers top brand stairlifts, keen prices and fast installs for all those seeking stairlifts in Cumbernauld, Lanarkshire. And all work comes with our no-quibble guarantees and famous customer service satisfaction.

Give us a call today on 0141 278 3929  If however, you are looking for fascinating facts about the area then feel free to read on.


Stairlifts Cumbernauld – Stairlifts Lanarkshire

Cumbernauld in Lanarkshire is the third of five new towns designated after WWII when Glasgow’s overspill needed housing.  Like many new towns Cumbernauld isn’t known for its romantic chocolate box looks.  In fact it won a ‘Carbunkle Award’ twice for its soulless centre.

Just 13 miles north east of Glasgow, Cumbernauld does have same saving graces.  Did you know it is where Gregory’s Girl, an 80’s classic, was filmed?

Source:Wikimedia Commons

Did you know that Cumbernauld has a growing population of which almost 10,000 are retired?  With age come ailments and sometimes mobility problems, which mean Castle Comfort Stair Lifts can tell you that already 250 of Cumbernauld’s population own stairlifts.

As suppliers for all UK manufacturers and our own in-house brand we keep count!  We can also offer unbiased advice to any of you in Cumbernauld or with loved ones there for whom a stairlift might just be the miracle they are looking for.

With 15 years experience, we are the experts.  We are happy to advise you on which stairlift is best for you and install it so that you can get up and down those stairs again in no time.  Of course we give you time to consider all your options first and compare prices.

If you’d like more information or advice, please call our local office on  0141 278 3929 .

A bit of History
Cumbernauld, which means meeting of the waters, probably referring to the many tributaries which join the Clyde and the Forth in this part of the country.  There has been a settlement here since Roman times – it’s on the Antonine Wall, the most northern part of the Roman settlements.  This turf and stone ‘wall’ stretches across the country like Hadrian’s Wall does in northern England.  The Romans built forts all along it.

Source:Wikimedia Commons

In Norman times Cumberland Castle – a motte and bailey – was built here.  One of its most famous guests was Mary, Queen of Scots.  During her visit she planted a Yew tree at Castlecary Castle also on the Antonine Wall; the Yew tree is still growing there today.

In the 18th century Cumberland House was built on the site of Cumberland Castle incorporating some of the earlier brickwork.  It was designed by the leading architect of the day William Adams.  Part of the original motte can still be seen in the grounds.  Although Cumberland House is not in use currently it is a listed building.

Source:Wikimedia Commons

Cumbernauld has often hosted Royal parties who came to hunt the famous Scottish Ox in the local woods.  These were all that remained of Caledonian Forest which once covered a great deal of Scotland.

How times change
When the centre of the New Town of Cumbernauld was built, it was acknowledged as Britain’s first ever multi level covered town centre and the first shopping centre; it was also heralded as a tribute to Utopian engineering.  The new structure brought visiting architects, designers and students from around the world to see this it.

As time has gone on many design flaws have emerged.  Parts of this centre have now been demolished and a new one, The Antonine has been built.  The clock which also found fame in Gregory’s Girl, from St Enoch’s Station in Glasgow has been used in the new building.

Source:Wikimedia Commons

Fortunately the planners did get some things right.  Housing in the area remains below national average prices but is well planned and generally of a high standard.  Something for this town to be proud of.  Just a shame that much of the original planned housing when the new town was developed has never been built.

Famous folk of Cumbernauld
·         Music seems to resonate from Cumbernauld.  It is home to Jon Lawler and his family.  Jon is known for his involvement with bands The Fratellis and Codeine Velvet Club

·         Neil Primrose of Travis was born and raised here

·         The Dykeenies come from Cumbernauld

Source:Wikimedia Commons

·         Lyn Ferguson, the actress and writer best known for playing the voice of Mac in Chicken Run grew up here

·         Not surprisingly Craig Ferguson the comedian and writer did too – they are sister and brother

·         Paula Sage, actress and ambassador for Downs Syndrome Scotland also comes from Cumbernauld

·         Clare Grogan, once of Altered Images, played the girl Susan in Gregory’s Girl

·         The lead of Gregory in the same film was played by John Gordon Sinclair


Another famous addition
The Arria sculpture commemorates the mother of Roman Emperor Antonius who built the Antonine Wall.  His mother was Arria Fadilla.  This silver statue – 33 feet of galvanised steel - was created by famous Glaswegian sculpture Andy Scott and won the town Awards in the Beautiful Scotland Competition.  It sits next to the A80 and is passed everyday by 70,000 people.  It’s Cumbernauld’s ‘Angel of the North’ and is a tribute to Cumbernauld’s history and in stark contrast to the design of the original new town centre.


A stairlift won’t set you back nearly as much as this ‘angel’ which cost Cumbernauld £25K.  You’ll feel like a prize-winner once you get a stairlift and regain your independence!

If the cost is a problem take a look at our blog about applying for grants or check out the possibility of 0% finance.  Of course you could always invest in a reconditioned stairlift which will set you back considerably less than a brand new one.

Whichever route you choose, Castle Comfort Stairlifts are happy to help and advise.  Please give our local office a call to discuss any questions you might have and let us help you solve your immobility problems.  Call us on  0141 278 3929 .

Stairlifts East Kilbride – Lanarkshire Stairlifts

 
Click here to find new and reconditioned stairlifts in Lanarkshire, East Kilbride 

Castle Comfort Stairlifts offers top brand stairlifts, keen prices and fast installs for all those seeking stairlifts in Lanarkshire, East Kilbride. And all work comes with our no-quibble guarantees and famous customer service satisfaction.

Give us a call today on 0141 278 3929  If however, you are looking for fascinating facts about the area then feel free to read on.


Stairlifts East Kilbride – Stairlifts Lanarkshire

East Kilbride, just 10 miles south of Glasgow was Scotland’s first ‘new town’ (1947).  Although part of the larger ‘Greater Glasgow conurbation’, it is a town in its own right with a large population of almost 75,000.

Its retired population is well over 14,000 and with an older age often come the usual difficulties one of which is definitely mobility.  Here at Castle Comfort Stairlifts we are aware that this is really debilitating for anyone, let alone those of a ‘certain age’.  We have spent the last 15 years supplying and fitting stairlifts to alleviate this problem as best as possible.  Giving people back some independence is a great morale booster.  So far in East Kilbride about 375 people already own stairlifts.  We know because we keep an eye on these things – it’s all calculated and shows up on our home page with a minute by minute scrolling calculator keeping count.  Check it out for yourself here.

Has this got you thinking?  Could a stairlift help you?  If you think it could, then why not call our local office based in Glasgow on  0141 278 3929.

East Kilbridians
The people who come from East Kilbride earn themselves the title of East Kilbridians.  There are some very well known ones too.

Lorraine Kelly just about qualifies having moved to the town in her teens.  She worked as a journalist on the local East Kilbride News when she left school.  She has worked as a TV presenter on a number of shows including her own daily show ‘Lorraine’ which follows Daybreak every week day morning. Kelly now lives with her family in Dundee.

Source:Wikimedia Commons

Another famous journalist and broadcaster from the town is Muriel Gray.  She studied at Glasgow’s famous School of Art and has regularly broadcast in ‘art shows’ and fashion series.  She took over John Peel’s Radio 1 slot after his death and has featured on a number of radio and TV programmes. She regularly writes columns for Time Out, Sunday Correspondent and the Sunday Herald.

East Kilbridian Kirsty Young presents Crime Watch and Desert Island Discs following a career as a newsreader for ITV News and Five News.  She is married to millionaire club owner Nick Jones who owns the Soho House Club and Babington House.

Theatre and film actor John Hannah also has a right to this name.  He was born in East Kilbride; was educated there and was part of the reparatory theatre in the town.  Since then he has made a name for himself in many Shakespeare productions and two notable films, Four Weddings and a Funeral and Sliding Doors.  He is also a partner in the production company Clerkenwell Films.

And more:
·         MP Dr Liam Fox was also born and raised in East Kilbride

·         Singer song-writer Roddy Frame of Aztec Camera is from East Kilbride too

·         Brothers Jim and William Reid formed the band Jesus and Mary chain here

·         Iain Harvie of band, Del Amitri lived in the town

·         Ally McCoist, ex-football player, broadcaster and current manager of Rangers FC was brought up here

·         Holder of the Scottish 60 hurdle record, Allan Scott was also raised in East Kilbride

·         As was professional golfer Marc Warren

·         Scottish darts player Ross Montgomery lives here

·         Scottish playwright James Bridie lived in East Kilbride’s oldest building, the 17th century Rose Mount, before moving to the Isle of Bute

·         Author George Orwell wrote part of his famous novel 1984 here whilst suffering from tuberculosis at Hairmyres Hospital

·         John Hunter was responsible for revolutionising dentistry and giving it a scientific foundation

·         His brother William Hunter – both born in the area – was responsible for pioneering obstetrics.  A museum Hunter House Museum shows exhibits relating to their early pioneering work


A little bit of history
The name East Kilbride comes from an Irish Saint, St Bride or St Brigid.  She founded a monastery for monks and nuns in Kildare in Ireland and her order was introduced to Scotland by Irish monks.  Kil meaning church derives from the Gaelic cill.

Source:Wikimedia Commons

The location of the original parish church of East Kilbride was on that of a sacred well which dates back before Christianity.  This is probably the association with St Brigid.  With the oystercatcher bird in the town’s coat of arms there is another link; the bird was considered sacred to St Brigid and her ancestors.  Of course it was also associated with a locally connected family, the Lindseys.  Like many historical references where there isn’t hard evidence, there are always differing explanations.

Roman coins and footwear have been discovered in the area suggesting early occupation by the Romans.  By last century it was growing partly due to the earlier industrial period.  By the end of the Second World War it was designated as a new town to take overspill from the over-crowded and war damaged Glasgow.  East Kilbride was the first of 5 ‘new towns’ which included Glenrothes, Cumbernauld, Livingston and Irvine.

Much, much earlier Robert the Bruce gave Kilbride as it was known then to his daughter as her dowry when she married Walter Stewart.  Walter later handed the village over to the Lindsey family.  Their line died out due to poverty in the 17th century.

The old coaching inn the Montgomerie Arms still stands in the town.  It dates from the 17th century.  Outside can be found the Loupin on stane – the stone which helped people to alight from horses and carriages.
You may not need help alighting from your carriage or horse nowadays but if those stairs are impossible, Castle Comfort stairlifts can certainly help.


We have a number of options depending on you and your staircase.  You may need a straight stairlift or a curved one.  We also have platform lifts.  Don’t let the expense put you off; we know a canny Scot needs to check this out very carefully!  We also have reconditioned versions or you may qualify for a grant and there is always a 0% finance option which costs you no more than face value.

As we supply and fit chairlifts made by all UK manufacturers, it is worth checking out which suits you best; of course we are also happy to advise.

We can organise for your stairlift to be fitted in your home in less than half a day; if it’s a straight stairlift, it can be installed and working in less than an hour.  We also offer a 24/7 after sales service too so that you don’t find yourself stranded up or downstairs.

If you’re tempted to find out more, please give us a call and let us assess which stairlift is right for you:  0141 278 3929.

Stairlifts Musselburgh – Lothian Stairlifts

 
Click here to find new and reconditioned stairlifts in Musselburgh, Lothian



Castle Comfort Stairlifts offers top brand stairlifts, keen prices and fast installs for all those seeking stairlifts in Musselburgh, Lothian . And all work comes with our no-quibble guarantees and famous customer service satisfaction.

Give us a call today on 0131 242 0046  If however, you are looking for fascinating facts about the area then feel free to read on.


Stairlifts Musselburgh – Stairlifts Lothian

Whether you live north or south of the border, when it comes to losing your mobility none of us want to shout about it!  Castle Comfort Stairlifts, a family run firm who have 15 years experience in the business of supplying stairlifts know just how important regaining some control is!

If you live or have loved ones who live in the Musselburgh area we are happy to help.  We can assess which stairlift works best for you and your staircase so that you can regain your mobility safely again.

Take a look at prices and stairlift possibilities on our site and also the possibilities of grants or 0% finance to fund a stairlift.  If you still have questions, give our local office a call on  0131 242 0046 .

All about Musselburgh
Just take the A1 east out of Edinburgh and you’ll find yourself in Musselburgh in less than 6 miles.
Musselburgh which is in East Lothian is the largest town in the area.  It is located on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth and is close to several other water-fronted towns and villages.  In fact Musselburgh gets its name from the massive mussel beds along that stretch of the shoreline.

Traditions
The town is known as ‘The Honest Toun’ following an act of kindness – or duty – when the townsfolk cared for the sick Regent of Scotland, Randolph the Earl of Moray who later died back in the 14th century.  Nowadays to honour this name they celebrate every year by electing an ‘honest lad and lass’ during the annual Honest Toun Festival.

Every 21 years, the Riding of the Marches occurs.  This tradition involves a band of local men riding to check the 12 boundary points of the burgh or town.  They are led by one of the band dressed in full armour.  This ceremony dates from the 17th century when rival land owners often encroached on one another’s land.  The Lairds in the area conscripted local men to protect their boundaries.

Musselburgh has a traditional song which celebrates its existence and longevity – ‘Musselburgh was a burgh when Edinburgh was nane, and Musselburgh will be a burgh when Edinburgh is gane’.

Local delicacy
A local delicacy is almost a tradition too, S Luca ice-cream.  The S stands for Scappaticcio the original family name!  The company has been making ice cream and selling it for more than 100 years.  The company is still family owned and it is now mainly the third generation which are continuing the tradition with their great Italian ice cream and signature ice-cream cakes. They still have ice cream vans servicing the surrounding areas including the seaside town of North Berwick.

Source:Wikimedia Commons

And history
Newhailes House, a 17th century building was built by architect James Smith in the Palladian style.  It was sold to Sir David Dalrymple when Smith got into financial troubles some years later.  Dalrymple made extensive changes to the building, which remained the family home until recently when it was bought by the National Trust for Scotland.

Visitors will find the house has a ‘lived in’ feel – not everything is pristine.  You can still find Chinese wallpaper in the dressing room and china in the china cabinet; the library is now devoid of books though there are some books piled in other rooms.  The dining room is still impressive.

The parklands that surround the house fill up much of the land between Edinburgh and Musselburgh.  There are great walks through the woodlands and superb views across the Firth of Forth.

Musselburgh Racecourse
The racecourse at Musselburgh was known as Edinburgh Racecourse until the 1990’s.  Back before 1816, the very first races were held on the sands at Leith but moved over to Musselburgh after that.

It’s a small racecourse with a length of about 2 miles hosting around 24 fixtures each year.  Amongst these are a number of seasonal favourites including a New Year’s Day event, the Easter Festival, Edinburgh Cup Day and a Ladies Day sponsored by Jenners and Frasers, two Edinburgh retailers.

Already this year the racecourse has been awarded the BetView Award for Racecourse of the Year, awarded for providing the best experience for both the ‘betting and the racing public’; last year it notched up two awards, the Racecourse Association Award for ‘Operational Excellence’ and the Neil Wyatt Groundstaff of the Year Award for the best dual purpose racecourse.

Famous names with Musselburgh connections
Footballers seem to flourish in Scotland!  Kenny Miller now playing for Cardiff City grew up here; as did Colin Nish (Hartlepool United) and Jason Holt; Kris Renton was born here and played for the local team until earlier this year; the late John white (Tottenham Hotspurs) was also born here.

Athlete Yvonne Murray was born here.

Comedian Rhona Cameron grew up in Musselburgh; actor James Martin (Still Game) was born here.
The late sculptor Alexander Carrick was born here.  Many of his works can be seen in Edinburgh: Sir William Wallace at the Castle; ‘Security’ on the Caledonian Insurance building; ‘Geology’ on Kings Building at Edinburgh University.

Fisherrow
The original fishing village of Musselburgh’s harbour is Fisherrow on the banks of the River Esk.  Fishing has happened here as long ago as Roman times.  The current harbour (18th century) is close to the original Roman harbour which was close to Inveresk Roman Fort, which is no longer there.

Source:Wikimedia Commons

The typical catch of the large fishing fleet at Fisherrow was initially herring and later, white fish, prawns and sprats.  Fishing stopped when the Firth of Forth became a strategic base for the military services in 1939.  Nowadays, it is mainly pleasure boats that populate the harbour.  Between the harbour and the mouth of the River Esk is Fisherrow Sands.

Inveresk
Just south of Musselburgh you will fink Inveresk, now a conservation area.  As we mentioned above this was the location for a Roman fort on the elevated ground.  Although the fort is no longer there, 17th & 18th century houses can be seen in one street.  Inveresk Lodge Garden is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland so that they can be enjoyed by all, though the lodge itself remains privately owned.

Fishing villages
You’ll find another small fishing village along the Firth of Forth at Cockenzie and Port Seton, once two small villages that are now combined.  There is still a small fishing fleet here, mainly fishing for prawns.

Familiar names
Mary, the Crown Princess of Denmark’s origins are in Port Seton; her father John Dalgleish Donaldson was born here in 1941; Sir Walter Scott’s publisher Robert Cadell lived here and the artist John Bellany was born here.



A seaside town
Further east is North Berwick a traditional seaside town.  One of the nearby islands Fidra is thought to be Robert Louis Stevenson’s inspiration for Treasure Island.  Robert spent many family holidays in the area.  It was the family home of another author, William Dalrymple; his father is the current 10th Baronet of North Berwick.  Golfers Willie Anderson, Ben Sayers, David Huish and Catriona Matthews all have their roots in North Berwick.

Whatever your roots in this part of the world, if getting up and down those stairs is a problem, Castle Comfort Stair Lifts can help.

Which ever stairlift suits your purposes best – straight, curved, platform – we can supply and install in next to no time.  We can even help with commercial platform lifts or for those of you of bigger proportions we can help with a bariatric lift.  Where there’s a will there’s a way!

If like those who’ve already found a stairlift to be a blessing and there are at least 100 in the area, you feel the need, please give us a call on  0131 242 0046  so that we can help sooner rather than later.

Stairlifts Livingston – West Lothian Stairlifts

 
Click here to find new and reconditioned stairlifts in Livingston, West Lothian


Castle Comfort Stairlifts offers top brand stairlifts, keen prices and fast installs for all those seeking stairlifts in Livingston, West Lothian. And all work comes with our no-quibble guarantees and famous customer service satisfaction.

Give us a call today on 0131 242 0046  If however, you are looking for fascinating facts about the area then feel free to read on.


Stairlifts Livingston – Stairlifts West Lothian

Livingston in West Lothian is less than 17 miles west of Edinburgh and just over 33 east of Glasgow.  It’s no accident that Livingston – a new town – is at such close proximity to these two big cities.  It was originally built as an overspill town for Glasgow’s ever increasing population in the early 1960’s.  Prior to that all that was here was a collection of villages.

Livingston Village was at the centre but the new conurbation also included Bellsquarry and Livingston Station.  The development of the new town has brought several ‘districts’ including Craigshill, the first region of the new building, Howden, Ladywell, Deans etc.  Livingston was the fourth of five new towns to be built.  The others are East Kilbride, Glenrothes, Cumbernauld and Irvine.

Access all floors
The retired population of Livingston is just over 10,000 and a small percentage of this group – about 275 – own stairlifts.  As suppliers of stairlifts for about 15 years, Castle Comfort Stair Lifts know that there is nothing worse than losing your mobility and of course, your independence.  A stairlift means that you can retain it and make your journeys up and down the stairs at home not only easier but also safer.

We can advise on the best stairlift for you – straight, curved or platform – from all UK manufacturers and offer them at fair and unbiased prices.  If you would like more information, why not called our local office on

0131 242 0046 .

Shale Oil
Livingston Village is now close to the heart of the new town of Livingston.  Originally the village was at the centre of the shale oil industry in the area.  It was the first oil boom in the world in the 1840’s!  The oil was extracted from the shale, a mixture of mud and clay minerals including quartz and calzite.  The oil was produced by converting the shale by several processes to form a synthetic oil; its main uses were as a fuel and as lamp oil.

Whilst the production of this oil thrived during the 19th century, as liquid oil reserves were discovered around the world, its production was reduced.

All that remains of the original village are a few houses, two churches, a school and the bings – hills of the spoils of the shale mining.

Industry in Livingston now is mainly from technology including BSkyB, Motorola, NEC and pharmaceutical companies moving there.

Livingston FC
One thing Livingston can boast is a professional football team.  Livingston FC affectionately known as ‘Livi’, ‘the Black and Ambers’ and ‘The Lions’ were formed as late as 1995.  Currently there are three ‘local’ lads playing in their first team – Darren Jamieson, Callum Fordyce and Marc McNulty.  Another five are almost local, coming from Edinburgh – Andrew McNeil, Craig, Barr, Paul Watson, Jack Beaumont and Liam Fox.  They play at Almondvale Stadium.

Linlithgow Palace
Less than 10 miles north of Livingston is Linlithgow Palace, the royal Palace of the Stewarts.  Today it is in ruins but its original elegance was a stopping off point between Edinburgh and Stirling Castles for travelling royalty.

Source:Wikipedia Stefan2901

Today visitors can still see some of its original beauty in its carvings on the tiered ‘wedding cake’ fountain at the centre of the courtyard.  Also the carved angel musicians in the chapel and the Oriels or windows that project from what was once the royal bedchambers.  The Great Hall and its large fireplace are still mostly intact too.

Annet House, Linlithgow
Annet House houses a museum which has lots of information about Linlithgow’s connections with Scottish Royalty and the town’s history.  In the garden there is a statue of Mary, Queen of Scots who was born in Linlithgow Palace.

The museum tells of the many trades found in the town in the past, linen, leather-working, shoemaking and distilling.

Source:Tom Sargent-Geograph.org.uk

A strange exhibit is the life story of Canadian actor James Doohan.  He played Scotty in the Startrek adventures; his character will be born in the town in 2222!

House of Binns
Nearby you’ll find the House of Binns, the family home of one of the oldest Scottish families, the Dalyells.  They have lived here for almost 400 years.  The house itself has many treasures amongst its furniture and decoration.  If your take a woodland walk in the grounds, you come to an amazing panoramic view of the Firth of Forth.

Source:Flickr.com

Bathgate
The town of Bathgate just 7 or so miles north west of Livingston is home to the Bennie Museum.  The museum tells the story of the town right back to the 12th century including the Stewart Dynasty, the first man knighted for services to medicine, Sir James Young Simpson and James Young who found Shale oil in the mid 19th century.  He became known as James ‘Paraffin’ Young.

Source:BennieMuseum

Did you know?
Robert Taylor working for Livingston Development Council claimed to have seen a UFO in a forest clearing.  He became unconscious as two small ‘spheres’ tried to lift and move him.  When he woke up he couldn’t speak and the UFO was gone.  The incident was reported to the police but the nature of the ‘attack’ was never solved.

Famous people from the area
Livingston must have the right air to breed footballers.  As well as those mentioned above, it is the birthplace of Paul Dickov, player manager at Oldham Athletic and Gary Wales (Raith Rovers).  Also Scot Arfield (Huddersfield Town), Danny Wilson (Liverpool), retired player and manager Jimmy Scoular.  Tommy Walker who was the most successful hearts Manager and David Robertson (St Johnstone).  Also Mark Burchill who grew up in Livingston.

Source:Steindy

·         David Tennant who played the 10th Dr Who was born in nearby Bathgate



·         Actor, author, stuntman, journalist Ian Colquhoun was born in Livingston.  He lost both legs in an arson attack in Ireland in 2002.  He wears prosthetic legs and often lectures to physiotherapy students about his condition in a voluntary capacity

·         Robin Cook was MP for Livingston until his death in 2005

·         Robert II of Scotland was the first King in the Stewart line whose home was in Linlithgow Palace; he was the son of Walter Stewart and Mary Bruce, daughter of Robert the Bruce

·         Mary Queen of Scots was born at Linlithgow; Mary’s son James VI also became James I of England


You might not be famous but we’re sure you’d like to be assured of your safety when climbing the stairs.  We can assess you and your staircase for the most suitable kind of stairlift.  We even offer reconditioned ones.  Once the most suitable lift is identified, we can have it installed in your home in less than half a day.  We also offer 24/7 after sales care too so that you are never left stranded!

If we can be of more help, please give us a call on 0131 242 0046 .

Stairlifts Edinburgh – Stairlifts Lothian, Scotland

 
Click here to find new and reconditioned stairlifts in Edinburgh, Scotland. 



Castle Comfort Stairlifts offers top brand stairlifts, keen prices and fast installs for all those seeking stairlifts in Edinburgh, Scotland . And all work comes with our no-quibble guarantees and famous customer service satisfaction.

Give us a call today on 0131 242 0046  If however, you are looking for fascinating facts about the area then feel free to read on.


Stairlifts Edinburgh

Edinburgh in Lothian is Scotland’s capital and their seat of parliament.  The city’s skyline is dominated by its Castle which sits at one end of The Royal Mile.  At the opposite end is Holyrood Palace, the official seat of the Royal Family in Scotland.  The Queen takes up residence here for one week every year at the beginning of summer to carry out a number of official duties.


Holyrood Palace was founded by the Scottish King David I in the 12th century and it has remained the Royal residence of the monarchy of Scotland since that time.



Castle Comfort Stairlifts
You might not be royalty but you still deserve a carriage.  One to get you up and down those stairs that is.  Castle Comfort Stairlifts know that there are already well over 2,000 Edinburgh citizens who own one of these ‘carriages’ to make stairs safer and easier.

We can advise and supply stairlifts from all UK manufacturers.  It’s all a matter of the one that suits you and your staircase best.  Straight, curved and even platform can make that trip upstairs much easier.

If you’d like to know more about which one is right for you then please give our local office a call on  0131 242 0046 .

Compare prices on our website and consider your options.  We can advise on grants or 0% finance too.

Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle sits on top of a volcanic rock and has a long history which dates back to at least the 9th century.  It has been involved in many conflicts over the centuries and still has a military presence.  It is now owned by Historic Scotland and probably best known for hosting Edinburgh’s annual Military Tattoo since 1950.  This colourful event is performed every evening and twice on Saturdays throughout August.

Source:Kim Traynor

Edinburgh Castle is the most visited paid for attraction in Scotland; it had 1.3 million visitors last year.  The oldest surviving building in Edinburgh is St Margaret’s Chapel within the Castle which dates back to the 12th century.  The Castle also houses Scotland’s National War Museum and various regimental museums.

The Royal Mile – a Scottish mile by all accounts – joins these two great historic buildings.  It is actually a series of streets, many of them cobbled, which run through the centre of Edinburgh’s Old Town.  Part way down is Parliament Square which was in front of the old Parliament buildings and law courts and St Giles Cathedral.



Edinburgh has 4,500 listed buildings and 40 conservation areas accounting for 23% of the buildings in the town and the same percentage of the population.  These are the highest ratios for any town in the UK.

New Town
Edinburgh’s New Town was planned and built in the 18th century.  The young architect James Craig won a competition with his plans for the New Town which was needed as the Medieval Edinburgh of Old Town was over crowded.  The new ordered grid system of roads and buildings perfectly fitted the period of Enlightenment.  The main street of New Town was George Street which runs parallel to Princes Street – now the main shopping street in Edinburgh - and Queen Street.  There are two squares which link these streets that still look very grand; the squares are St Andrew and Charlotte.  Famous architect Robert Adam designed Charlotte Square and his design influenced the architecture well into the 19th century.

Both Old and New Town are recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage sites.

Enlightened
In the 18th century Edinburgh became known as the ‘Athens of the North’.  It was right at the heart of The Enlightenment a movement led by the University of Edinburgh and its many well known scholars of the period.

The Edinburgh Festival
Every end of July to the beginning of September Edinburgh hosts the Edinburgh International Festival of which the Edinburgh Military Tattoo is part.

It attracts productions from around the world.  Also other festivals which happen during the same period and make Edinburgh’s streets buzz with visitors, performers and buskers.  In fact a trip down the Royal Mile during this time gives an interesting preview of many of the smaller shows.

It has spawned many other festivals including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which permeates the city with productions by a huge amount of companies and performers in all sorts of venues.  There is also the Edinburgh Comedy Festival and the Book Festival.  Edinburgh also has an Art Festival, a Television Festival, a Music Festival, one focused on Jazz, a Children’s Theatre Festival and one on Science.  There is a Film Festival (now moved to June) too.

Hogmanay
Edinburgh is also known for its famous ‘street party’ on Princes Street and the Royal Mile every Hogmanay when people come from all over the world to ‘see in the New Year’ Scots’ style.  This celebration lasts around 4 days with processions, fireworks and live bands and is a ‘ticket only’ event.

Sporting Edinburgh
Edinburgh is also home to two professional football clubs: Hibernian and Heart of Midlothian.  Locals call the teams Hibs and Hearts.

It is also the home to the Murrayfield Stadium, the home of Scotland’s National Rugby Union team.  The stadium is owned by Scottish Rugby Union.  Edinburgh’s team play at Murrayfield too.  It has the largest capacity of any stadium in Scotland, seating 67,000.

Famous people linked to Edinburgh
As with any capital city the list of famous people connected to Edinburgh is almost endless.  We thought we’d just mention a few.

First of all a couple from fiction:
·         Miss Jean Brodie lived in Morningside and Muriel Spark the author was also born in Edinburgh

·         Ian Rankin’s Inspector Rebus lives in Marchmont and worked in the Edinburgh district of St Leonards

·         Kate Atkinson’s Jackson Brodie is also from Edinburgh


·         J K Rowling started writing Harry Potter in an Edinburgh coffee shop

Source: Daniel Ogren

Other authors with connections include:
Sit Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Homes), Adam Smith (The Wealth of Nations), Rob Roy (Ivanhoe), Robert Louis Stephenson (Treasure Island), Kenneth Grahame (Wind in the Willows) and Irvine Welsh (Trainspotting)

Many scientists hail from or have connections with Edinburgh including:
James Clerk Maxwell (electromagnetism), Alexander Graham Bell (engineer and inventor of the telephone), Max Born (physicist and Nobel winner), Charles Darwin (Origin of the Species), David Hume (philosopher), the inventors of Dolly the sheep – Colin Maclaurin and Ian Wilmut

Actors and media personalities:
Sean Connery, Ronnie Corbett, Brian Cox, Kirsty Gallacher, Hannah Gordon, Ian Richardson and Ewen Bremner

Last but not least Greyfriars Bobby; this terrier showed complete devotion, guarding his master’s grave for 14 years in the 19th century.

Stairlifts for everyone
Remember if you are having difficulty with the stairs in your Edinburgh pile, let us help give you back your independence.  Once the stairlift that suits you and your home best is agreed, it can be supplied and fitted in half a day at most.  Then you’ll have the freedom of your home back.

We have a 24/7 after sales service too, so that you can rest assured that we can fix any breakdowns or problems in record time.

If you still have questions or would like to arrange for a stairlift to be fitted, please call our Edinburgh office on 0131 242 0046 .

Stairlifts Peebles – Stairlifts Scottish Borders

   
Click here to find new and reconditioned stairlifts in Peebles, Scottish Borders



Castle Comfort Stairlifts offers top brand stairlifts, keen prices and fast installs for all those seeking stairlifts in Peebles, Scottish Borders . And all work comes with our no-quibble guarantees and famous customer service satisfaction.

Give us a call today on 0131 242 0046  If however, you are looking for fascinating facts about the area then feel free to read on.


Stairlifts Peebles – Stairlifts Scottish Borders

The town of Peebles in the Scottish Borders sits by the River Tweed, or more correctly between the River Tweed and Eddlestone Water in the triangle formed where the two rivers meet.  It’s an area of outstanding beauty on a river renowned for its salmon fishing.  In fact a famous motto linked to Peebles is ‘against the stream they multiply’.

Source:Wikimedia Commons

Peebles has been a market town since the reign of David I of Scotland in the 12th century.  It played a key part in the Scottish Borders’ woollen industry for many years right up until the 1960’s.  Today just one woollen mill remains.

Although the woollen industry used to employ many of the people of Peebles, today most of them commute to nearby Edinburgh for work.

Tourism
Peebles is also a popular destination for tourists keen to fish the river, see the natural beauty of the area and Peebles’ many historic buildings.  In the 19th century it was tourists of a different kind who frequented Peebles – health tourists who visited for the ‘waters’.  One of the survivors of this period is the Peebles Hydro Hotel.

Historic Peebles
The oldest building in the town is St Andrew’s Church tower also known as Peebles Parish Church.  The church dated 1195 was caught in the destruction of abbeys and priories in Henry VIII’s reformation after his quarrel with the Catholic Church and only the tower survived.

Henry VIII and stairlifts
Of course Henry VIII is claimed by David Starkey to be the inventor of the stairlift.  His servants had to move him in a sort of block and tackle contraption to manoeuvre stairs after he damaged his leg and became obese.

Fortunately stairlifts are more refined these days and you can sit on a chair and be electronically ferried to the top of your stairs and down again in comfort and safety.  Castle Comfort Stair Lifts have been supplying stairlifts in the area for 15 years and can advise you on the best stairlift for you and your staircase.  We supply all the major makes so can truly offer you an unbiased opinion.

Call us for appointment to see how we can help you on  0131 242 0046 .

More about historic Peebles
Neidpath Castle can be found about 1 mile out of Peebles on a bend in the River Tweed.  The current castle was built by the Hay family in the 14th century although ownership passed to the Douglas family, specifically the 1st Duke of Queensbury, in the 17th century.  Later in the 19th century the castle became the family home of the Earl of Wemyss and it is still home to his descendants.



James VI stayed here; it held out against Cromwell for the longest period of any south of the River Forth; William Wordsworth and Sir Walter Scott visited the Castle.

Source:Wikimedia Commons

The castle is said to be haunted by the daughter of the William Douglas, Earl of March.  Her name is Jean Douglas who Sir Walter Scott referred to as ‘the Maid of Neidpath’ in a poem.
Mercat Cross - This is the market cross that can be found in Eastgate; symbolically it marks the centre of town.  It was where Royal proclamations were announced and where criminals were punished.  Now a traditional market day is held every Tuesday as well as several annual fairs.


Cross Keys Hotel was built in the 17th century as the town house of Walter Williamson of Cardrona.  Later when it became the Cleikum Inn it was another favourite of Sir Walter Scott.  Two later hotels, the County (18th century) and the Tontine (19th century) have made their marks on Peebles.  The façade of County Hotel hides an older interior with a thick walled barrel-vaulted room or bastel house.  This was originally used as a refuge.

The Tontine Hotel was financed on the ‘tontine principle’; this is an early form of life annuity leaving the last living person of the original subscribers as sole heir.  It is well known for its musician’s gallery around the dining room, a large bow window overlooking the Tweed and an Adams fireplace.

Chambers Institution was built in the 16th century.  Originally as it belonged to the Church it was the Dean’s house but later became the property of the Douglas family.  It became known as the Queensbury Lodging and was the birthplace of the 4th Duke of Queensbury.

After much modernisation Dr William Chambers gave the building to the town although no mention of how he acquired it is documented.  It became the town library – a fitting association with its gifter – until such time as it became the civic centre and town council meeting place.  Now a ‘secret room’ is on show exhibiting a 16 metre long plaster reproduction of the Elgin Marbles and a copy of the Triumph of Alexander by Danish sculptor Bertil Thorvaldsen all donated by William Chambers.

The 19th century Sherriff Court House was originally the Country Rooms for the town’s prison.  The old cells are still part of the house which was built on a steep mound.

The River Tweed is one of Scotland’s major salmon fishing rivers.  A catch of approximately 10,000 fish are line caught on the 90+ miles of the Tweed every year.

Tweed Bridge was originally built in stone in the 14th century although a wooden bridge had stood prior to this.  It was an important road in the 17 – 19 centuries leading to the Highlands in the north and as far south as the Midlands.

The Beltane Festival and Common Riding
This annual fair originally celebrated the return of summer with lighting fires to burn winter bedding and flooring!  Now it has amalgamated with a Common Riding, similar to the one in Hawick.  Town’s folk ride through the town on horseback to commemorate when local men risked their lives to save the town.  The Beltane Queen is also crowned at this festival and The Cornet appointed who will represent the town for a year; the Beltane Festival is held in June every year.

Notable folk from Peebles
Traditionally, a person born in Peebles was called a gutterbluid.
·         1st Baron Tweedsmuir better known as author John Buchan was born in nearby Broughton.  Although Buchan penned more than 100 books, his most famous was The Thirty Nine Steps.  He also served as Governor General of Canada.

Source:Wikimedia Commons

·         William and Robert Chambers were born in Peebles; they later founded the Chambers publishing firm in Edinburgh still famous for their dictionaries.  The house where they were born can still be seen in Biggiesknowe in the town.
·         Poet and philosopher John Veitch was also born in Peebles.
·         Folk singer and songwriter Eric Bogle was born in Peebles.  He now lives and works mainly in Australia.
·         Record producer Callum James Greens grew up here.

Stairlifts for Peebles
Despite all the ancient monuments and peoples from yesteryear connected with Peebles, Castle Comfort Stairlifts are keen that today’s residents should have any necessary help with mobility.

The choice of stairlift or recommendation may differ to meet your particular needs, budget and of course your staircase.  We can advise and get you quotes to compare so that you make an informed decision.  These prices will vary depending on the type of stairlift chosen i.e. straight, curved or platform or of course reconditioned.

See what some of our customers have said and check out financial help on our blog about grants and 0% finance.

If you’re still undecided you can see what other customers have said and of course call us to talk things through on  0131 242 0046 .