Robert Fleming Articles

On a recent visit with Frank and Ruby Donnelly, our conversation turned to Sir Alexander Fleming and his ties to Darvel. I had been researching Fleming’s character and personality, and Frank, being the only person I know who actually met the great man in person, seemed the perfect source for firsthand insights. Although their meeting took place many decades ago, I was confident he would remember something of significance—and I wasn’t disappointed. Frank was able to confirm several details and impressions I had gathered from books and other historical accounts.

As we talked, Ruby quietly disappeared upstairs. A short while later, she returned clutching a set of old, yellowed newspaper articles written by Robert Fleming, Alexander’s younger brother. To my delight, these articles—published by the Kilmarnock Standard in 1962—were largely a memoir of their time at Loudounmoor School and their boyhood adventures at Lochfield Farm. They offer a fascinating window into life in and around Darvel in the late 19th century.

The Donnellys shared the intriguing story of how these papers came into their possession. Many years ago, a woman from Strathaven unexpectedly knocked on their door, asking if they would be interested in them. Recognizing their historical value, they have carefully preserved them ever since.

DART is deeply grateful to Frank and Ruby for safeguarding this invaluable piece of local history and allowing us to add it to our growing on-line library. To ensure these accounts endure for future generations, I have now digitized the articles, presented below. The originals remain in the Donnellys’ careful stewardship, where they belong.

Steve Gillies, DART Trustee & Treasurer