Champion of her town

“I was interested to see the wedding party photograph and previous mention of Mrs Annabella Greig, or ‘Granny Greig’,” emails Grant Birse.

“Mrs Greig was married on January 3 1921 at St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Arbroath, to William Greig, of Forfar, who had purchased the lands of Seaton and Tarrie from the Bruce family in 1918.

He had previously owned Magungie, near Letham Grange.

“Included in the wedding group are the best man, Mr JC Dewar, solicitor; bridesmaids Miss Barbara Mann and Miss Eileen Kelly; and train-bearer Miss Sheena Hunter. The reception was held at her parents’ home, Springfield House, Arbroath.

“Annabella’s father was James Smith, a ropemaker, who had premises at East Links; now the Victoria Park; Ladyloan and at the West Links in Arbroath. Like his daughter, he was a generous benefactor to the town.

“After the wedding Annabella’s parents moved in with them at Seaton House, and in 1929 the 26-acre Springfield estate was sold to the Town Council who developed it as a public park. The amenities included a rest garden, a children’s play area and a camera obscura.

“A footpath was laid out along the ‘Braeheads’ towards the cliffs and the large stairway linking Springfield to Victoria Park. The old mansion-house, which held an enviable site overlooking the town above Boulzie Hill, was demolished in January 1932.

“My late father recalled Mr and Mrs Greig going round the various district schools distributing tea to the children. Mr Greig died at Seaton House in 1945.

“Mrs Greig was a great champion of her home town, giving generously throughout her life. In 1928 she donated a pavilion to Victoria Park, and also gave to Arbroath Infirmary.

“In later life she was remembered for her erratic driving and her assortment of animals who roamed freely through the Seaton grounds. She was an accomplished pianist, poet and writer.

“Mrs Greig died in 1974, aged 86, and is buried in the town’s Western Cemetery.”