Ramsay’s coming of age celebrated with dinners and a ball, but his life ended tragically later that year.
When his father died in 1850, Ramsay gained the family estates at Barnton and Sauchie. His coming of age was celebrated with a public dinner at The Golden Lion in Stirling on Wednesday and a ball at Barnton House, his home near Edinburgh.
Another party honored his Sauchie estate workers, declaring it a holiday for all. The men enjoyed a dinner at Pirnhall Cottage, a gesture made possible by Ramsay’s generosity.
The men gathered at Old Sauchie around 2 PM, where flags adorned the tower. They then marched to Pirnhall Cottage, using a new road built by his father. Piper Donald Bain, a war hero, attended the celebration. The Whins of Milton Brass Band provided music.
The group arrived at Pirnhall Cottage at 3 PM, where an archway stood above the cottage door. David Blair, the estate forester, had also built an arch at Sauchie Tower. Mr. Paterson erected another arch at his house, a huge display adorned with fruit.
The dining room featured evergreen decorations. Mrs. Thomson, the landlady, prepared the meal. After dinner, Blair gave a speech, speaking of Ramsay’s father and expressing hope that Ramsay would be a good leader.
The celebration lasted very late, with everyone seeming to enjoy the night. They lit a big bonfire on the estate’s highest point, which could be seen from far away.
Later that year, tragedy struck. Ramsay was on an omnibus to Lanark when the driver lost his way in the dark. The omnibus crashed into trees, and Ramsay hurt his leg. He died at Barnton House on December 30th.