Loanhead Oil Works

SHERIFF SMALL DEBT COURT

Important decision under the master and servants act. At this court, held yesterday, before Sheriff David Mitchell, J & E Robinson, Oil Manufacturers, Glentore Oil Works, sued David M'Auslane, labourer, for the sum of £5 in name of damages sustained by them in consequence of the desertion of service by the defender. Mr James Watt, solicitor, appeared for the pursuers. From the evidence it appeared that the defender had on the 21st of August last deserted the pursuers' service without giving any warning; and that the rules of the work – to which he had signed his mark – expressly stipulated that a fortnight's warning should be given and received before any workman left or was dismissed. It also proved that considerable loss had been sustained by pursuers in consequence of M'Auslane leaving his work. The Sheriff decerned for 10s 6d of damages, and 25s of expenses, -William M' Auslane, for a similar desertion of service from the same employers, was sentenced to pay 21s of damages and 25s of expenses.

Glasgow Herald, 4th September 1869

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Steam Boiler Explosion.

Yesterday week the steam boiler at Loanhead Oilworks, Drumgray, exploded, scattering bricks and debris all around, and inflicting much damage, the boiler being thrown considerable distance. Mr John Aitken, manager, and John Bulloch, labourer, were injured by being struck by the flying bricks on the head and legs.

Falkirk Herald, 2nd November 1871