SAW039014 SCOTLAND (1951). M and C Switchgear Ltd. Kelvinside Works, Kirkintilloch. An oblique aerial photograph taken facing north. This image has been produced from a crop marked negative.

J. & D. Lawson Ltd Worked as Funeral Directors since the 19th century. The firm was established and named after my great-grandfather David Lawson in the late 1800's and based at the Black Bull Stables in Kirkintilloch. At first, like most undertakers of the time Funeral Directing was a side line, a service to a small community which worked alongside the carriage hire and public transport part of David Lawson's business. A horse drawn hearse would have been tucked away in the corner of the stable and dusted down when required. Funerals were quite different then and the role of Funeral Directors has grown since those early days. The firm moved with the times and was quick to develop from horse drawn carriages to the early motor car and buses, always in partnership with Funeral Directing. As the next generation became involved, new ideas were introduced. Long distance bus touring became fashionable (Lawson's Land Cruises) along with lorry deliveries and house removals. Now named Lawson Brothers, these industrious fellows were successful in their day and the firm grew quickly and became a sizeable local employer. The firm was acquired by W. Alexander & Sons Ltd (Coachbuilders) in 1936