Now refurbished, the “Dr Alexander Paterson Memorial Column and Clock” is a landmark on Henderson Street, where it has stood since 1898. It was erected in gratitude for the services given to the community by the local doctor from the 1850s until his death in 1898. Throughout that period he looked after the health not only of the local inhabitants but also of the burgeoning numbers of visitors who were flocking to the Spa.
It became a favoured meeting place, not least of all for members of the Armed Forces posted to Bridge of Allan for their ‘dates’ with local girls. These included my father, Douglas Haig McCreath of the 7th Cameronians, and my mother, Jenny Haggart.
The adjacent Westerton Arms was the watering hole favoured by my maternal grandfather, Duncan Haggart.