Lilias Graham of Gairbraid facts for kids

Lilias Graham (born in 1762, died in 1836) was a Scottish woman who inherited a lot of land and worked to make her community better. She was known as a social activist because she helped bring about positive changes in society.

Who Was Lilias Graham?

Lilias Graham was the oldest daughter of Robert and Mary Graham. Her mother, Mary, inherited a large area of land called the Gairbraid estate from her own father, Hew Hill. This estate is now a part of Glasgow known as Maryhill.

Lilias had one younger sister named Janet. Janet married a merchant from Greenock named Alexander Dunlop. Later, Janet's son, John Dunlop, became the next owner of the Gairbraid estate after Lilias passed away in 1836.

Making a Difference: The Temperance Movement

Lilias Graham is remembered for helping to start the first temperance movement in Scotland. She worked alongside her nephew, John Dunlop, and her friend, Betsy Allan.

John Dunlop was inspired to create these groups in Greenock and Maryhill in 1829. He had noticed that people in other parts of Europe seemed to live very healthy lives. He wanted to encourage people in Scotland to make similar positive choices for their well-being.

Even though they faced some challenges and people didn't always understand their ideas at first, John Dunlop kept working hard. He spread the message about making healthy choices for a better life across Scotland. On October 1, 1829, he formed Britain's very first temperance society in Gairbraid. At that time, about 1,300 people lived in Maryhill. There were also many places where people could buy drinks, about one for every 57 residents. The movement aimed to help people choose healthier lifestyles for themselves and their communities.