Man killed after horse took flight

It wasn’t only the continuing death toll in the war that brought about great sadness in Balfron 100 years ago this week.

Villagers were in mourning following a tragic accident in which Alexander Mackay, Clayfaulds, was killed.

He had been harrowing in a haugh on the banks of the Endrick and around 4pm on the day of the accident unyoked his horses and proceeded home.

On his way there, he stopped at the premises of Messrs Duncan McKinnon & Sons, contractors, yoked one of the horses to a cart and continued on his way.

The horse, a “spirited animal”, took fright and ran along the Spoker’s Loan with Mr Mackay holding on to one of the reins attached to the bridle. He was, however, unable to control the animal and fell from the cart.

It was thought the near wheel passed over him “with fatal results,”said the Observer.

There were no blinkers on the horse and it was thought this had caused it to bolt.

Mr MacKay was the only son of the late Mr Duncan Mackay, Clayfaulds, and Mrs Mackay who survived him.

He worked as a clerk for the British Linen Bank but was keen to work in agriculture and became an assistant to Mr David Imrie, veterinary surgeon, Bishopbriggs.

He joined the Army Veterinary Corp, stationed in Stirling but in spring, 1918, was“released”to work on the land.

The 24-year-old was described as of“vigorous constitution and obliging disposition”and always willing to help those requiring vet’ skills.

At his funeral, his coffin was borne by representatives from the Army Veterinary Corp.