February 1930  (Wed. 5th.Feb.)Extract from the Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald

Golden Wedding:

Mr. & Mrs Hamilton, St. Quivox, Whiting Bay

Born at Torlinn Manse Mr.Hamilton commenced his career as many another good man has done, in a humble way, and he tells with amusement, half-seriously of his recollection of herding cows at the wage of £1. for six months.    

He also tells of the days when, at the age of 13, he did a man’s full work at Clachaig Farm, following a pair of horses for 10 hours a day and for 6 days a week for which he received a penny an hour (5/- per week.

At the age of 17 being strong, hardy and keen to push ahead, he left home with the proverbial half – crown, to seek his fortune among strangers.

Of his wanderings much could be written which would be of interest and encouragement to those coming after him, but it is enough to say that after years of steady progress he returned to Arran being one of the first passengers to land on Whiting Bay pier, on it being opened.

At this time fueing had been started in Arran and Mr. Hamilton with his usual thoroughness at once proceeded to build a handsome house, shop and store etc. and commenced another uphill fight.         

It was the custom of visitors in those days to bring with them their own goods and provisions, but by his constant personal supervision of detail and routine, and by selling only the very best article at city prices he soon established the first-class business which is now being carried on by his son Oswald D. Hamilton.

Mr Hamilton owed not a little of his successful business career to his wife; the only daughter of Mr. James Dewar Game keeper, Dippen. Mr. & Mrs. Hamilton had a family of seven, the youngest of whom is the wife of Mr. Robert Campbell, agent, Bank of Scotland, Blackwaterfoot.

Mr. Hamilton retired in 1914 but continued to take an active part in Island life, among which, he was a J.P. William Hamilton died 1933. agе 84, Mrs Hamilton (nee Dewas) died 1932 age 84,They married in 1860.

Transcript. by Grace Small Arran Heritage Museum. Images. Whiting Bay Memories