Cornton – Our Story

Archibald Forrest was Provost of Stirling from 1897 – 1900.

Archibald Forrest seems to have been a man with a will to succeed. He and his brother had their fingers in quite a few pies in the latter half of the 19th Century.

The 1895 Valuation Roll lists a “Manufactory” at the Old Bridge Stirling as being owned by Archibald Forrest and William Forrest, Cabinetmakers, Stirling. The listing continues with six individual records of “House, Forth Bridge, Stirling” all in the ownership of Archibald and William. It is not difficult to leap to the conclusion that these are the six flats at number 3 Bridgehaugh although they are not identified as such. They are however occupied by: –

1. Henry Hogg, Millworker.

2. William Burden, (No Occupation).

3. Archibald Forrest, cabinetmaker.

4. James Sneddon, wool sorter.

5. James Ogilvie, engine keeper.

6. John McFarlane, warehouseman.

The brothers (for we must assume they are), ten years earlier, had also owned property in 75 Kings Street in Stirling which consisted of an Office and five houses. In the 1885 Valuation Roll the proprietors are recorded as Archibald and William Forrest, 19 St John Street. The Office is occupied by John G. Aitken, Shipowner and one of the five houses is listed as having Archibald Forrest as occupier, while, in the same valuation year William is recorded as one of five occupants of 13 St. John Street and the brothers jointly have ownership of a workshop at the same address. At the same time Archibald is on record as proprietor of “House and Garden, Chartershall, Stirling” which at the time is “Empty”.

Archibald Forrest had not only served as Provost of Stirling (1897 – 1900) but is central to the development of Bridgehaugh Industry. He owned a Cabinetmaking Factory which was on the space currently occupied by Brighae. After the demise of that particular venture he went on to lease the premises to a Confectionery Business which was totally destroyed by fire in 1911.