130 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
introduction of steam-vessels, was a serious obstacle to the growing commerce
of Glasgow. The bay of Ardrossan presented many natural advantages for an
extensive harbour, having at its entrance a depth of six fathoms at low water,
and five to three fathoms for more than one-half of its extent, with good
anchorage, wherein the largest frigates, as well as merchantmen, might ride in
safety ; while, by cutting a canal to Glasgow, a ready transit for commerce with
the west was anticipated, besides opening an internal communication through
the most populous and important districts of the country. The line of canal,
as well as the harbour and docks, were surveyed and estimated by the celebrated
Mr. Telford. According to the plan, the canal was to commence at Tradestown
in the suburbs of Glasgow ; thence stretching along by the manufacturing districts
of Paisley, Johnstone, etc., traversed one of the most remarkable seams
of coal, being from seventy to ninety feet in thickness. There were to be in
all thirty-one locks on the canal. In short, it was anticipated that Ardrossan
would become to Glasgow what Liverpool is to Manchester.
The Earl immediately set about the immense undertaking, by procuring two
Acts of Parliament-one for the harbour, and another for the canal ; and on the
31st July 1806, being the anniversary of the birth of his eldest son, Lord Montgomerie,
the foundation stone of the harbour was laid with more than usual
masonic ceremony, and amid a vast concourse of spectators.
“ On the summit of the rocks Lord Eglinton caused tents to be erected, in one of which were
tables for thret hundred persons ; there was also an elegant tent for the reception of the ladies.
The Freemasons of the ancient mother lodge, Kilwinning, with their Grand Master, William
Blair of Blair, Esq., and a party of the Saltcoats Volunteers, with the band of the Ayrshire
Rifle Battalion, proceeded from the town of Saltcoats along the shore to Ardrossan. Before the
procession arrived at the harbour, they were joined by the Earl of Eglinton, accompanied by a
number of the most respectable gentlemen of the country and neighbourhood -by Mr. Telford,
the engineer, etc. At the moment the procession, amidst crowds of spectators, arrived at the
pier, the Countess of Eglinton, attended by Lady Montgomerie, and above fifty ladies of the
first rank and distinction in the country, appeared on the point of an eminence near the old
Castle of Ardrossan, which overlooks the bay. At three o’clock the principal foundation stone,
at the point where the pier is connected with the shore, was laid by the Grand Master, with the
usual solemnities. The Earl of Eglinton then addressed the company in a very neat speech, in
which his lordship stated that though, in the course of nature, he could not expect to see these
works at the summit of their prosperity, he had no doubt that, long after he and many of those
who had given aid to the measure were gone, the country would reap the advantages of them,
and estimate their true value. Then, after a very impressive and suitable prayer waa given by
the Rev. Mr. Duncan, minister of Ardrossan, and immediately on a flag being hoisted in the
adjacent mason’s shed, where the stone had been prepared, a round was fired from eight fieldpieces
placed near the old Castle, and returned from two of his Majesty’s cutters, which were
stationed in the bay, with twenty-one guns. Two tables, each a hundred and twenty feet long,
were laid, and upwards of two hundred persons eat doxn to a splendid dinner, with choice
wines and every fruit of the season, provided by the Earl of Eglinton. After dinner several
loyal and appropriate toasts were given. About seven o’clock the Earl and his Countess proceeded
to Eglinton Castle, where a splendid ball concluded the evening‘; at Saltc:oats also
various parties spent the evening in dancing and festivity.”
The cost of the harbour of Ardrossan was originally estimated at S40,OOO ;
but the work was not long begun before it was evident, from unforeseen
obstructions, that that sum would not half complete it,, while the merchants of