A bit of a scandal

This solemn, and somewhat unprepossessing building, is part of Belmont House School in Newton Mearns. It was built in the 1830s, however, probably it’s biggest claim to fame is that it was where Ethel Margaret Whigham was born in 1912. 

You may not know who she is, however, she is probably better known as Margaret, Duchess of Argyll. The Duchess is associated with much scandal and chaos during her lifetime, starting off with David Niven, the actor, getting her pregnant, while she was underage. She also had youth full dalliances with Prince Aly Khan, millionaire aviator, Glen Kidston and the 2nd Lord Beaverbrook. 

During her first marriage, as well as a number of infidelities, she also had the notoriety of falling 40 feet down a lift shaft in 1943, thankfully surviving by hanging onto the lift cable.

During her second marriage, to the Duke of Argyll, there was much infidelity again, with up to 90 men (inc. government ministers and members of the royal family), which culminated in her husband getting hold photos of her naked, wearing only pearls, and being photographed with a headless man. Much speculation took place as to who this man was … names bandied around included Lord Sandys, the then Minister of Defence. This episode was turned into ‘A Very British Scandal’ shown on the BBC in 2021. 

The Duchess once told  The New York Times: "I don't think anybody has real style or class any more. Everyone's got old and fat." She described herself as "always vain". Another quote gives an insight into her personality: "Always a poodle, only a poodle! That, and three strands of pearls!" she said. "Together they are absolutely the essential things in life."

The Duchess died on the 25th July 1993, aged 80 years … having had an adventurous and no doubt fun life! 

Probably one of Newton Mearns most famous daughters for sure. 

I hope you have had a good Saturday, but maybe not as adventurous as the Duchess’s.