28/08/2026
This was originally a large villa called Broomhill. Prominently sited on Kilsyth Road on the outskirts of Kirkintilloch, the villa boasted panoramic views towards the Campsie Hills whilst still being easily accessible to the town. Broomhill was a classical villa set within extensive grounds. Its lodge still sits behind the formal entrance gates and leads to a long tree-lined drive running north toward the house. The villa, as well as overlooking the hills, also had a panoramic view of the River Kelvin, wooded policies, pasture area and a walled garden (some of which still survive today).
A local philanthropist, Beatrice Clugston formed the `Scottish National Institution for the relief of patients with incurable diseases in 1874. She pledged to raise money for the purpose of providing a facility for the patients. A bazaar raised in excess of £14,000, which was used to buy the Broomhill Estate (the house and 80 acres) from Robert Bartholomew. It was inaugurated by Lord Shaftsbury on the 6th October 1875 and officially opened by Lord Provost Bain of Glasgow on August 30th 1876.
Originally, the house could support 49 adult and 12 children suffering from TB, chronic illnesses such as cancer and other incurable conditions. Paupers were not admitted to the facility. The architectural practice of James Salmon and Son were commissioned to design extensions to the original villa. Within 10 years of the home opening, it was extended to provide another 39 beds. By 1886, further alterations saw the building house 114 beds in total.
