Welcome to Bonnie Montrose — A Family Story Reborn
Bonnie Montrose by WFMcHardy before you choose a wee gift for that someone special x
( Head to bonniemontrose.co.uk, for a copy of the special 120year Anniversary Hardback Edition)
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Hi, I’m **Bob McHardy**, great-great-grandson of author **William F. McHardy** — and proud keeper of a story that almost slipped through the cracks of time.
Back in 2014, I had an idea: to bring *Bonnie Montrose* — first published in 1899 — back to life as a surprise gift for my dad’s 70th birthday. Our original family copy was fragile, worn, and at risk of being lost forever. But this wasn’t just about a book — it was about our roots, our history, and the people who shaped us.
Fast forward to **2021**, when we sadly said goodbye to my dad, **Robert McHardy Snr**, on **19 March 2021**. To honour him, we released the **120th Anniversary Editions** — in hardback and paperback — now featuring **beautiful colour photos and illustrations** throughout.
This journey has uncovered family stories that run deep in **Montrose**, where my dad spent childhood holidays, and down through generations of **William McHardys** (yes, we’re at generation five — and still counting!). From the family homes on North Esk Road to the railway works of Springburn, every page of this book feels like home.
But this isn’t just about us. *Bonnie Montrose* has become a way to give back. **Every penny of profit goes to charity** — supporting **British Heart Foundation**, **Diabetes UK**, and **Cancer Research UK** through Tesco’s Charity Partnership. Tesco have even helped stock the book locally — keeping William F. McHardy’s words travelling further than ever before.
So, whether you’re here because you love family history, Scottish heritage, or simply a great story, welcome. You’re part of this journey too.
Want to get your hands on a copy — or help spread the word?
Click **Buy the Book** above and join us in keeping *Bonnie Montrose* alive for the next 120 years (and maybe go viral in the process — share it, tag it, tell a friend!).
Click here to read the history of William F McHardy
The family home back then was situated at 102, 104, and 106 North Esk Road, a three home plot stretching some distance down Broomfield Road and where Robertson’s Memorial business sits today. Dad also told us of a history going back to the 1800’s and a name that would be special to the family even today, William F McHardy.
As I thought about my plan, I wanted to do this tastefully and obviously tie my brother in and his son both William, as they carry the name on today and into the future. So as far as I know we are on to the 5th generation of William McHardy, although the author had another son James McHardy (the eldest), so there may be more out there.
I wanted to bring this book to print again, and also created this website with the hope of reaching other family members – some of whom moved to Dundee many, many years ago. My dad remembers his dad’s cousin also James, coming to visit at North Esk Road in the 1950’s.
I know at some point the author’s son William McHardy moved to Springburn, as did his son William, Margaret and my dad, although the dates are sketchy. There was a strong railway connection as Springburn back then was a hive of rail works at Hyde Park, Cowlairs and the famous Caley on Springburn Road. At some point my great grandad moved back to North Esk Road.
In bringing back this book, and a little slice of history, I wanted to also help some charities which are close to our hearts. All profits are being shared by British Heart Foundation, Diabetes U.K. Cancer Research U.K. through Tesco’s Charity Partnership. My family has a link, working as part of the Tesco family, and they have supported this project by stocking the book in the local stores. For a full list of Stockists, click on our Buy the Book link at the top of the page.
I hope you enjoy the book and the website which also includes a trip down memory lane with a gallery of old photographs – sadly some of our history was lost when our family home was damaged by a flood in 2007. We will continue to update this site and welcome any stories that tie in with ours and the McHardy history in Montrose and Springburn back then. These may be included as a feature or within the Testimonial pages.
Where ever you are and whatever you are doing please if you can, come and visit this beautiful seaside town that is still loved by my family today, support the book and spread the story to everyone linked to the town of Montrose…….
Kindest Regards Bob
Our TV advert is made and going to air from Wednesday 17th March 2021. We have produced a great ad with STV & Fraser Purdie, and hope the people get behind our book and we can return a boost to All 3 charities.
