Toravon House

SMR 1258 / NS 9454 7640

The estate of Toravon was created in the mid-nineteenth century by Walter Ferrier W.S. of Edinburgh. He became a Writer to the Signet in 1811 and in 1818 married Henrietta, only daughter of Dumfries merchant Thomas Gordon of Cludan Bank. She was related to Eugenie, Empress of the French. He made sufficient money to invest it in land to the south-east of Maddiston which until 1820 had been part of Parkhall estate. Toravon House was built on the ridge on north side of the old High Road, giving it magnificent views to the north. He lived at Toravon with his wife and children, the latter being Helen, Agnes, James Gordon, Thomas Henry, and Walter Hamilton. Thomas followed him into the family business, becoming a Writer in 1848, and both worked in Edinburgh. The Toravon estate included four enclosures making up 27 acres which Ferrier had properly fenced and drains put in to improve the land. Woodland planting in shelter belts framed the policy ground and the drive from the High Street to the House took a circuitous route. The Mansion consisted of two blocks, each of two storeys. That facing east contained the main entrance with a carriage turning circle in front of it. The other faced south into the privacy of a walled garden, amply provided with fruit trees and bushes. A shorter service drive ran along the outer side of the west wall of this garden and led to the coachhouse and outhouses.

Walter Ferrier died at Toravon on 13 August 1856 and the following year the mansion was put up to let:

“COUNTRY HOUSE TO LET (FOR THE SUMMER SEASON) THE MANSION HOUSE OF TORAVON, with a good walled GARDEN of about a Quarter of an Acre, excellent OFFICES, with STABLING for Four Horses, and PASTURE of the Lawn round the House, if desired.
The House, which is of modern architecture, is well furnished, and contains three public rooms, six bed rooms, with dressing room, besides kitchen, laundry, and servants’ accommodation.
The situation, on the ridge of the Muiravonside Hills, is one possessing great advantages as a healthy Residence, and commands extensive Views over a beautiful surrounding country, and the opposite shores of the Firth of Forth. The Polmont Station of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway, to and from which there are constant Trains in communication with Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the North, is distant less than two miles, the town of Linlithgow four, and the town of Falkirk five miles. The distance from Edinburgh by the Road is 21 miles. The Parish Church of Muiravonside is within three-quarters of a miles and the Free Church of Polmont District within one and a half miles. Orders to view the House will be obtained on application to T.H. Ferrier, W.S. No. 95 George Street, Edinburgh”
(Glasgow Herald 4 May 1857, 3).

The fields too were made available to let upon a five course rotation of cropping. The House was let on short-term leases and so was again advertised in June 1862. That August, however, it was decided to sell:

“STIRLINGSHIRE. There will exposed for Sale, early in January next, at an Upset Price to afterwards fixed. THE VILLA and LANDS of TORAVON, beautifully situated on the ridge of the Muiravonside Hills, within two miles from the Polmont Station of the Edinburgh & Glasgow and Scottish Central Railways.
The House, which is chiefly modern, contains 3 Public Rooms and 7 Bedrooms, besides servants’ accommodation. The Offices include Stable for four horses, a Coachhouse, Cart-shed, gardener’s House, & c. There is a good Walled Garden well stocked with fruit trees. The Lands extend to 38 imperial acres, including site of House and garden, & c.
The present Rental, including the rent of the house as let furnished, is £128 sterling, and an increase of rent is expected from the lands on expiry of the current lease in Whitsunday 1863.
There are several strips of ornamental and thriving plantation on the lands. The whole public and parochial burdens are under £3 sterling. The entry is taxed, and the fee full. For further particulars apply to T.H. Ferrier, W.S., 136 Princes Street, Edinburgh.”
(Falkirk Herald 21 August 1862, 1).

The upset price was fixed at £3,000, but without a buyer it was reduced to £2,600 the following January, and then to £2,300 in October. It was eventually purchased by William Hamilton Muir, who continued the letting of the House. The household furniture of the Ferriers was sold off in May 1864.

Muir’s first tenant was Mrs Smith, the wife of John Hamilton Smith, though he later attempted to have the lease put into his name so that it would appear on the valuation roll. It cannot be a coincidence that Thomas Hamilton Smith sold Toravon to William Hamilton Muir who let it to John Hamilton Smith.

The next tenant was Thomas Wheatly, locomotive superintendent for North British Railway, a post he held from 1867 to 1874. In this short time period 185 new locomotives were added to NBR stock. His stay did not start well, for on 11 October 1867 his eldest son, Alfred, died at Toravon, aged 20 years. William Muir tried to increase the size of his estate and in October 1872 bid for the nearby lands of Gateside, Shankhead, and Candyhead, extending to 100 acres. Unfortunately for him the Carron Company was interested in the minerals there and paid £750 above the upset price. Instead, he invested £6,000 in the City of Glasgow Bank. When it went burst in September 1878 he was called upon to pay £30,000. Already in debt to the bank he had to surrender Toravon and his other assets. He never lived to see their sale for on 18 February 1879 he died at Toravon.

“To be sold, by Public Roup, within Mr Dowell’s Rooms, No. 18 George Street, Edinburgh, on Wednesday, 16th April, at two o’clock pm (if not previously disposed of by private bargain) – upset price £4200 – The Residential Estate of Toravon, situated in the Parish of Muiravonside and County of Stirling, extending to about 40 acres or thereby, of which about 33 acres consist of arable land, well drained and fenced, and at present all laid down in grass, the remainder being occupied by the mansion House, garden, policies, and plantations, which form the principal feature of the estate. The mansion House, which is most substantially built, and furnished with all the conveniences of a modern house, is beautifully situated, and commands an extensive view. There is a large walled garden, with greenhouse and vineries in full bearing, and a lodge at the principal entrance gate.
There are also a very good gardener’s house, stable, coach-house, byre, poultry-house, cart and tool sheds, &c, at the offices, all of which are in first-class order…
(North British Daily Mail 12 March 1879, 8).

During Muir’s time the main approach to the House was redirected to Vellore Road to the north and a lodge was built there and tenanted by the gardener. Muir had been a keen breeder of poultry and a large poultry house was erected, to be extended by subsequent owners. The estate was purchased by Robert Clarkson, Glasgow.

The listing of Muir’s furniture which was out up for sale usefully indicated which room the items were in:

DRAWING ROOM – mantelpiece and pier mirror, with marble step – size 10ft c 3ft 6in; rosewood centre sofa, tea and fancy tables; couch and four chairs, three sets window curtains, china bowls, ornaments, &c.
DINING ROOM – mahogany pedestal sideboard, set of dining tables, 12 chairs in Morocco, excellent Turkey carpet, &c.
LOBBY – gong and stand, oak table, two Glastonbury chairs, & c.
The BEDROOMS are supplied with walnut Elizabethan, Arabian, posted, French, and iron bedsteads, and bedding; winged and French wardrobes, chests of drawers, mahogany and marble-top washstands and ware, toilets, and mirrors, secretaire, & c.
MISCELLANEOUS – antique carved oak writing table, bookcases, eight-day clock, dinner, dessert, and tea china; crystal, carpets, rugs, window curtains, pots, pans, kitchen utensils, &c.
Also, phaeton, invalid chair, horse carriage, and cart harness, riding saddle, box cart, large iron roller plough, hay-cutter, implements, garden tools, & c.
(Falkirk Herald 8 May 1879, 4).

Like many of the estate owners in East Stirlingshire, the Clarksons soon guided their local community. Robert Clarkson was on the Library Committee, the Parochial Board, the School Board, the Licensing Board, and the Trustees of the Muiravonside Savings Bank. They also permitted local church and school groups to use the grounds of the house for their annual excursions, and in August 1883 the Muiravonside Horticultural Show was held at Toravon.

Several of the children of Mr and Mrs Clarkson were born at Toravon, but in February 1892 one of these, Chrissie, died there at the tender age of 11 years. They took to wintering abroad and letting Toravon out. In 1898 William Scott and his wife were resident there and took up posts on the School Board and opened fetes and flower shows. In 1902 William Scott presented prizes for the best-kept cottage frontages in the village of Maddiston – an excellent way to improve the locality.

The estate was sold privately in 1903 to Major Charles Emil Salvesen, who was then aged 40 years. He was the youngest son of J. T. Salvesen, the founder of the firm of J.T. Salvesen & Co, shipowners and timber merchants, Grangemouth. He had been educated as Blairlodge School, Polmont, along with H. A. Salvesen of Lathallan, Mr Stewart of Polkemmet, Major Fenton-Livingstone of Westquarter, Mr F. Johnston, Woodville, Falkirk – all influential men in the locality. Charles Salvesen had then gone to the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich. He served with the Royal Engineers in the Bechuanaland Expedition in South Africa and the Chitral Expedition in India, before retiring to Toravon. It must have been the South African connection that brought one of Toravon’s most famous visitors to see him. General Baden Powell called in at Toravon on the afternoon of 24 February 1905. Salvesen married Agnes Wingate Miller in 1903 and it may have been this that prompted the purchase of the estate. Charles Salvesen soon fitted into the role of country squire and became a Justice of the Peace for the County in 1911. His wife was particularly active in the local community and barely a month went by without her opening a show of some kind. She was a keen supporter of the Polmont Nursing Association and the local Girl Guides. Although they welcomed visitors to the grounds, that was by invitation only and in 1910 a right-of-way was diverted to take a route a little further from the house. By this time the House had been connected to the public water supply, but it was intermittent and when the winter frosts came it froze and the supply stopped, as was the case for the neighbouring village of Maddiston.

Major Salvesen was recalled during the First World War and served as C.R.E. in charge of Portadown Defences, and later held a similar post for Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxon, being mentioned in Dispatches.

A large irregularly shaped boating pond with a wooden summer house on its east side was constructed to the north of the House. A causeway ran out from the hut to a circular island.

In the winters the pond would freeze over and it was then used for skating.

Agnes Salvesen died in Glasgow in June 1927, aged 61. Charles Salvesen married again in 1929, this time to Mabel Harper, when he was 65 years old. The new Mrs Salvesen also took her place in the community. They are mentioned time after time at various functions. At Toravon in 1935 they celebrated the Jubilee of George V with a bonfire and firework display. The grounds were converted into a fairy garden. Large Eastern lanterns were displayed among the trees, with all the national flags and other emblems of the Empire as a background. Over 120 workmen who, at one time or another had been employed on the estate, were entertained. In June 1939 they participated in the: Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary Nurses’ Home Appeal Fund. The gardens of Toravon were opened to the public, admission being by voluntary subscription. The proceedings took the form of a fete and the magnificent setting attracted a large number of people from the surrounding district. Light sports competitions were held on the lawn, the games including table tennis, deck tennis, and midget golf. Three small rowing boats were also put into operation on the boating pond. The income was further augmented by means of the sale of some handwork specially prepared for the occasion by Mrs Salvesen and it brought in the sum of £8 5s.

Another garden fete was held in August 1942 in aid of the Maddiston and Rumford Comforts Fund and included a treasure hunt, stalls for vegetables, flowers and fruit, and a baby show.

Charles E Salvesen had two children -Natalie born at Toravon in 1904, and Niels Alexander Charles Salvesen, born in 1906. Natalie died in 1915 at 11 years of age at Toravon. His son, Niels, followed an army career and achieved the rank of Second Lieutenant in the Royal Artillery based in Woolwich in 1940. He married in 1927 and died in Harpenden, Kent, in 1969.

Major Salvesen died at Toravon in June 1945 and the family moved elsewhere. Their furniture at Toravon was sold. In 1947 Mrs Gertrude Whitelaw, formerly of Hatton House, Kirknewton, Midlothian, was in residence. She and her daughter bred pedigree dogs. They continued the tradition of allowing the grounds to be used for flower shows. Bit by bit the northern and western parts of the estate were acquired by the Council for housing purposes. In November 1947 the first 21 houses were ready. They were steel houses of a non-traditional design meant to quickly bridge the gap in the post-war housing crisis.

Gertrude Whiteshaw died in November 1948 and her daughter, Rhoda, took over the house. In 1950 she helped to organise a garden fate in aid of the Animal Health Trust. By 1956 Toravon was once again up for sale.

“TORAVON HOUSE, POLMONT. — Attractive country property conveniently situated for daily travelling to both Edinburgh and Glasgow, within 1½ miles of main line railway station. The Residence, which stands in secluded grounds extending to 33 acres or thereby has a southerly exposure, is compactly arranged, easily worked and contains 3 public rooms, 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, staff accommodation and complete domestic offices; main electric light, gas and water, highly cultivated kitchen garden. Apply Walker, Fraser & Steele.”
(Scotsman 5 July 1956, 1).

In January 1958 offers over £3,000 were invited.

Alexis King, the husband of Margaret Arnott, died at Toravon on 28 November 1963. It now seems to have taken on the function of a working farm and when it was again advertised for sale, in 1968, the estate included an intensive poultry house to hold 11,000 broilers. Offers were to be for the whole or in four lots: Lot I — The house and garden ground: Lot 2 — Two semi-detached cottages; Lot 3 – The broiler house and farm buildings; Lot 4 – Parkland and policies. The sale of Toravon was apparently completed in September 1969. The following month the contents of Lot 1, the country house with garden and policies, now only 4 ½ acres, was once more for let.

Not long thereafter the house was gutted by a fire and was demolished some time before 1980. The site was redeveloped for housing in the period 1995-2005.

Bibliography

NEWSPAPERS

Edinburgh Evening Courant, 14 August 1856, 2:
Died at Toravon on the 13th instant, Walter Ferrier Esq of Toravon, W.S.

Glasgow Herald, 4 May 1857, 3:
COUNTRY HOUSE TO LET (FOR THE SUMMER SEASON) THE MANSION HOUSE OF TORAVON, with a good walled GARDEN of about a Quarter of an Acre, excellent OFFICES, with STABLING for Four Horses, and PASTURE of the Lawn round the House, if desired.
The House, which is of modern architecture, is well furnished, and contains three public rooms, six bed rooms, with dressing room, besides kitchen, laundry, and servants’ accommodation.
The situation, on the ridge of the Muiravonside Hills, is one possessing great advantages as a healthy Residence, and commands extensive Views over a beautiful surrounding country, and the opposite shores of the Firth of Forth. The Polmont Station of the Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway, to and from which there are constant Trains in communication with Edinburgh, Glasgow, and the North, is distant less than two miles, the town of Linlithgow four, and the town of Falkirk five miles. The distance from Edinburgh by the Road is 21 miles. The Parish Church of Muiravonside is within three-quarters of a miles and the Free Church of Polmont District within one and a half miles. Orders to view the House will be obtained on application to T.H. Ferrier, W.S. No. 95 George Street, Edinburgh.

Falkirk Herald, 21 January 1858, 1:
LANDS IN MUIRAVONSIDE PARISH. To Let upon a Five Course Rotation of Cropping, THOSE FIELDS, PARTS of the LANDS of TORAVON, extending to 27 acres imperial measure, or thereby, and consisting of Four Inclosures, all well fenced and watered. Those lands lie to the east of the Village of Maddiston, on the ridge of the Muiravonside Hills, and have been thoroughly drained within the last few years. The Fences will be kept up by the proprietor during the Lease.
The boundaries of the Lands will be pointed out by David Henderson, farm servant at Toravon. Offers addressed to T.H. Ferrier, W.S., 95 George Street, Edinburgh…

Glasgow Herald, 24 December 1860, 4:
Mrs Walter Ferrier of Tor-Avon, W.S. Edinburgh was the daughter of Thomas Gordon of Cludan Bank, and was related to Eugenie, Empress of the French…

Edinburgh Evening Courant, 26 June 1862, 1:
To LET, FURNISHED, For the Summer Season, TORAVON HOUSE, with Garden, Offices, &c. The House well Furnished, and contains Three Public Rooms and Six Bed-rooms, with good Servants’ Accommodation. It is beautifully situated on the ridge of the Muiravonside Hills, one and a half from Polmont Station… Apply to Mr Boyd, 2 York Place.

Falkirk Herald, 21 August 1862, 1:
STIRLINGSHIRE. There will exposed for Sale, early in January next, at an Upset Price to afterwards fixed. THE VILLA and LANDS of TORAVON, beautifully situated on the ridge of the Muiravonside Hills, within two miles from the Polmont Station of the Edinburgh & Glasgow and Scottish Central Railways.
The House, which is chiefly modern, contains 3 Public Rooms and 7 Bedrooms, besides servants’ accommodation. The Offices include Stable for four horses, a Coachhouse, Cart-shed, gardener’s House, & c. There is a good Walled Garden well stocked with fruit trees. The Lands extend to 38 imperial acres, including site of House and garden, & c.
The present Rental, including the rent of the house as let furnished, is £128 sterling, and an increase of rent is expected from the lands on expiry of the current lease in Whitsunday 1863.
There are several strips of ornamental and thriving plantation on the lands. The whole public and parochial burdens are under £3 sterling. The entry is taxed, and the fee full. For further particulars apply to T.H. Ferrier, W.S., 136 Princes Street, Edinburgh.
[Upset price was fixed at £3000].

Falkirk Herald, 29 January 1863, 1 – reduced to £2600.

Scotsman, 10 October 1863, 8 – reduced to £2300.

Scotsman, 23 March 1864, 6:
To be Let, for such Period as may be Agreed on, Entry at Whitsunday, the DESIRABLE RESIDENCE of TORAVON, beautifully situated on the Ridge of the Muiravonside Hills, within two miles of Polmont Station, Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway, as at present possessed by Mrs Ferrier.
The House, which is modern, contains three public rooms and seven bed-rooms, besides servants’ accommodation, &c. The Offices include a sour-stalled stable, coach-house, gardener’s or coachman’s house, and other outhouses. There is a walled garden of about half-an-acre, and every accommodation suitable for a family. The tenant could receive such portion of the Lands as might be agreed upon. Apply to Messrs Whytcock & Co, 9 George Street, of W.H. Muir, No. 18 Picardy Place, Edinburgh.

Falkirk Herald, 23 April 1864, 2:
AT TORAVON HOUSE, On SATURDAY, In MAY JAMES NEILSON begs to announce that he has been instructed to Sell by Public Roup, on Saturday the 7th May, 1864, the whole HOUSE HOLD FURNITURE, &c., within Toravon one mile south from Polmont …

Falkirk Herald, 5 October 1865, 2:
Valuation – In the case of John Hamilton Smith Esq, Toravon House, he claimed to be admitted as a tenant and occupant. He read a certificate from Mr W.H. Muir, the proprietor, to the effect that John H Smith was the tenant from Whitsunday 1865 to Whitsunday 1866, at a rental of £60 sterling. He also produced receipts for rent paid in 1864, made out in the claimant’s name. He had been in possession more than the requisite time, and the rent was sufficient… Mrs Smith was shown as the tenant in the valuation roll.

Falkirk Herald, 14 February 1867, 46-47:
To let for one or more years, TORAVON HOUSE, about a mile south of Polmont Station… The house consists of dining-room, drawing-room, parlour or library, 8 bed rooms, laundry, scullery, & c, with coach house and four-stalled stable, walled garden of about half-an-acre, gardener’s house, abundance of spring water, and every accommodation for a family. More or less ground could also be given. Grates and a considerable quantity of furniture already in the house…”
[Also EEC 6 February 1869, 3]

Scotsman, 19 October 1867, 8:
At Toravon House, near Linlithgow, on the 11th inst., in his 21st year, Alfred, eldest son of Mr Thomas Wheatley, Locomotive Superintendent North British Railway.

Falkirk Herald, 10 October 1872, 4;
The lands of Gateside, Shankhead, and Candyhead, extending to 100 imperial acres, were exposed for sale in the Red Lion Hotel at the upset price of £3750, and after a very spirited competition betwixt John Wilson Esq of South Bantaskine; W.H. Muir Esq of Toravon; and J.M. M’Kenzie Esq, W.S., the property ultimately fell to the bid of the latter at £4500, being £750 above the upset price, when Mr M’Kenzie declared his purchase to be made for the Carron Company.

Dundee Evening Telegraph, 3 October 1878, 3:
Shareholders of the failed City of Glasgow Bank included William Hamilton Mure of Toravon, £6000.

Glasgow Evening Times, 20 January 1879, 1:
At Toravon House by Linlithgow, on 18th inst, Mrs Thomas Main, a son.

Glasgow Herald, 19 February 1879, 1:
At Toravon Stirlingshire, on the 18th inst., William Hamilton Muir, Esq.

Scotsman, 3 March 1879, 3:
The late William Hamilton Muir of Toravon, Linlithgow S. S. C., Mr Muir, who was the holder of a large amount of the stock of the bank, and was also indebted to the bank in a considerable sum…

North British Daily Mail, 12 March 1879, 8:
To be sold, by Public Roup, within Mr Dowell’s Rooms, No. 18 George Street, Edinburgh, on Wednesday, 16th April, at two o’clock pm (if not previously disposed of by private bargain) – upset price £4200 – The Residential Estate of Toravon, situated in the Parish of Muiravonside and County of Stirling, extending to about 40 acres or thereby, of which about 33 acres consist of arable land, well drained and fenced, and at present all laid down in grass, the remainder being occupied by the mansion House, garden, policies, and plantations, which form the principal feature of the estate. The mansion House, which is most substantially built, and furnished with all the conveniences of a modern house, is beautifully situated, and commands an extensive view. There is a large walled garden, with greenhouse and vineries in full bearing, and a lodge at the principal entrance gate.
There are also a very good gardener’s house, stable, coach-house, byre, poultry-house, cart and tool sheds, &c, at the offices, all of which are in first-class order.
The property is conveniently situated…

Falkirk Herald, 26 April 1879, 2: We understand that the property of Toravon, which belonged to the late W. H. Muir, Esq, has been purchased by Mr R. Clarkson, Glasgow

Falkirk Herald, 8 May 1879, 4:
HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, PHAETON, INVALID CHAIR, HORSE, HARNESS, BOX CART, LARGE IRON ROLLER, PLOUGH, and other M1SCELLANEOUS Effects, within the MANSION HOUSE, TORAVON, On MONDAY FIRST, 12th MAY. MR DOWELL has received instructions to dispose of, by Public Roup, within the Mansion, the FURNISHINGS comprising for the
DRAWING ROOM – mantelpiece and pier mirror, with marble step – size 10ft c 3ft 6in; rosewood centre sofa, tea and fancy tables; couch and four chairs, three sets window curtains, china bowls, ornaments, &c.
DINING ROOM – mahogany pedestal sideboard, set of dining tables, 12 chairs in Morocco, excellent Turkey carpet, &c.
LOBBY – gong and stand, oak table, two Glastonbury chairs, & c.
The BEDROOMS are supplied with walnut Elizabethan, Arabian, posted, French, and iron bedsteads, and bedding; winged and French wardrobes, chests of drawers, mahogany and marble-top washstands and ware, toilets, and mirrors, secretaire, & c.
MISCELLANEOUS – antique carved oak writing table, bookcases, eight-day clock, dinner, dessert, and tea china; crystal, carpets, rugs, window curtains, pots, pans, kitchen utensils, &c.
Also, phaeton, invalid chair, horse carriage, and cart harness, riding saddle, box cart, large iron roller plough, hay-cutter, implements, garden tools, & c.

North British Daily Mail, 7 February 1881, 1:
At Toravon on the 3d inst, the wife of Robert Clarkson, of a daughter.

Dundee Courier, 18 July 1883, 4:
BIRTHS. At Toravon, Stirlingshire, on the 15th inst,, the wife of Robert Clarkson, of a son.
August 1883 – Muiravonside Horticultural Show held at Toravon

Falkirk Herald, 16 September 1885, 2:
Mr Clarkson, Toravon, appealed against the valuation of £3 put on a lodge which was an adjunct to his mansion-house, but from which he derived no rent and which was not occupied.

Dundee Courier, 4 February 1892, 4:
At Toravon, Linlithgow, on the 2d inst., Chrissie, the dearly loved and youngest daughter of Robert Clarkson, aged 11 years.
1898 – Mr William & Mrs Scott of Toravon – school board, etc
(owner wintering abroad)

Falkirk Herald, 30 August 1902, 5:
The handsome prizes given by Mr. William Scott of Toravon for the best-kept cottage frontages in the village of Maddiston have attracted great interest and keen competition, and the .

Scotsman, 19 May 1904, 1:
Cook and house-tablemaid wanted, term. Apply to Mrs C.E. Salvesen, Toravon.

Falkirk Herald, 21 May 1904, 5: Mrs and Major and Salvesen, Toravon.

Falkirk Herald, 25 February 1905, 5:
Yesterday afternoon General Baden Powell visited Major Salvesen at his residence, Toravon, and spent a few hours there with the Major and his brother, Mr H.A. Salvesen of Lathallan. The General was on his way to Edinburgh, and left Polmont with the evening train.

Scotsman, 18 May 1906, 10: At Toravon, Polmont Station, on the 16th instant, the wife of Major C.E. Salvesen, late R.E., of a son.

Falkirk Herald, 14 October 1908, 5:
Amongst his school associates at Blairlodge were H. A. Salvesen of Lathallan, Major Salvesen of Toravon, Mr Stewart of Polkemmet, Major Fenton-Livingstone of Westquarter, Mr F. Johnston, Woodville, Falkirk; and Mr John and Mr .

Falkirk Herald,14 May 1910, 7:
DIVERSION OF A RIGHT-OF-WAY. A letter was road from Messrs John and W K Gair and Gibson, solicitors, on behalf of Major Salvesen, Toravon, asking for permission to divert the public right-of-way across his property, between the old road running east from Maddiston and the county road from Maddiston to Linlithgow. It was pointed out that the proposed diversion would simply make the road 30 yards longer, and would render Major Salvesen’s ground more convenient…

Falkirk Herald,15 February 1913, 9:
A letter was read from Major Salvesen Toravon, complaining that several occasions last year the supply to Toravon and to the village of Maddiston had failed. After statement… due to frost.

Scotsman, 11 February 1922, 14:
Gardener wanted, 2nd March, at Toravon, Polmont; two-roomed lodge, coal, and paraffin; married man, without children preferred. Apply Major Salvesen, Toravon, stating wages.

Falkirk Herald, 11 June 1927, 7:
THE LATE MRS SALVESEN OF TORAVON. It is with regret that we record the death of Mrs Salvesen of Toravon, the wife of Major C. E. Salvesen, R.E. (retired), which took place Sunday in Glasgow. The deceased lady was one of the most highly respected residents… president of local girl guides, helped the Polmont Nursing Association, member of Christ Church, etc
Agnes Wingate Salvesen.

Falkirk Herald, 11 May 1935, 5:
BONFIRE AND FIREWORKS AT TORAVON. On Jubilee night Major C. E. Salvesen had a bonfire and firework display at his residence, Toravon. For the occasion, the beautiful grounds were converted into a fairy garden. Large Eastern lanterns were displayed among the trees, with as a background all the national flags and other emblems of the Empire. Major and Mrs Salvesen entertained over 120 workmen who, at one time or another, had been employed on the estate. They also entertained a house party…

Falkirk Herald,18 June 1938, 7:
Falkirk and District Royal Infirmary Nurses’ Home Appeal Fund – The gardens of Toravon, belonging to Major and Mrs Charles E. Salvesen, were opened to the public, admission being by voluntary subscription. Inside the beautiful and extensive grounds of Toravon, Wednesday’s proceedings took the form of a fete, and the magnificence of the setting attracted a large number of people from the surrounding district who were eager to do their bit for the Appeal Fund, and at the same time anxious to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings….
Light sports competitions were held in the lawn, the games including table tennis, deck tennis, midget golf, etc; while three small rowing boats were also put into operation on the boating pond. The income was further augmented by means of the sale of some beautiful handwork specially prepared for the occasion by the hands of Mrs Salvesen. The work was the subject of much praise by those who attended the fete, and it brought in the handsome sum of £8 5s.
A novel feature of the function was the exhibition of a 1906 Cadallac motor car (10hp) and a 1904 Oldsmobile (8hp). A number of people were driven round the estate on these cars, both of which were in perfectly good mechanical order, by Major Salvesen and Captain Cedric Salvesen, and the fares brought in the sum of £1. The cars, capable of a speed of 25 miles per hour, have been carefully preserved, and though now naturally antiquated in appearance, were a source of interest and demonstrated the remarkably rapid progress in road transport services in post-war years.
The fete realised a total of £28 19s 6d…

Falkirk Herald, 1 August 1942, 1:
GRAND GARDEN FETE. in aid of Maddiston and Rumford Comforts Fund, ON SATURDAY,13th AUGUST, at 3 p.m., in the GROUNDS of TORAVON, MADDISTON (by kind permission of Major Salvesen). Amusements, Treasure Hunt; Vegetable, Flower and Fruit Stall: Baby Show…

Scotsman, 14 June 1945, 3:
DEATH OF MAJOR C. E, SALVESEN, — The death has occurred at Toravon, Polmont, of Major Charles Emil Salvesen, late R. E., in his 82nd year, youngest son of the late J. T. Salvesen, founder of the firm of J.T. Salvesen & Co, shipowners and timber merchants, Grangemouth. Educated as Blairlodge School, Polmont, and at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, he served in the Bechuanaland Expedition in South Africa and the Chitral Expedition in India. During the last war he was C.R.E. in charge of Portadown Defences, and later held a similar post in the south of England. He was keenly interested in geographical and zoological societies, was in his young days a prominent gymnast, and was an enthusiastic big-game hunter and expert marksman. His is survived by his wife and one son, Mr Neils Salvesen.

Falkirk Herald, 16 June 1945, 5:
THE LATE MAJOR C. E. SALVESEN Military Career The death took place on Monday, at Toravon, Maddiston, of Major Charles Emil Salvesen, late Royal Engineers, a member of well known Stirlingshire family. Major Salvesen… During the last war, however, Major Salvesen was recalled to service, first as C.R.E. in charge of the Portsdown defences, and afterwards as C.R.E. for Berks, Bucks, and Oxon, being Mentioned in Dispatches. Since then, he had led a retired life at Toravon… In 1911 he was made a Justice of the Peace for Stirlingshire…

1946 – sale of household material.
1947 – Miss Whitelaw now in residence.

Falkirk Herald, 22 November 1947, 6:
temporary houses – the 21 temporary houses on the Vellore Road, Maddiston, were let on Monday last. This scheme will be known in future as Murray Crescent. The chosen tenants were soon in occupation. On the Toravon site, 58 B.I.S. F. non-traditional houses are under construction, and it is hoped that these will soon be ready for occupation.

Falkirk Herald, 13 March 1948, 5:
A number of the B.I.S.F. (steel houses) on the Toravon Scheme have now been completed. Missives were received during the week by several fortunate tenants who have since moved in to their new homes. Steady progress is being made on the remainder of the houses on the Toravon Scheme, also on the Simpson Drive Scheme, and when completed should help considerably to ease the housing shortage of the village.

Falkirk Herald, 31 July 1948, 4:
Cook required early in August for modern country house; near bus routes; every consideration; good wages and outings. Apply Miss Whitelaw, Toravon, Polmont.

Scotsman, 27 November 1948, 1:
All parties having claims against Mrs GERTRUDE WHITELAW, formerly of Hatton House, Kirknewton, Midlothian, and latterly of Toravon, near Polmont, Stirlingshire, are requested to lodge the same with the Subscribers within fourteen days from this date… [Gertrude Thompson]

Falkirk Herald, 18 March 1950, 7:
An informal discussion on housing was then held HOUSING. – A start has been made at the Toravon scheme with the erection of another 24 houses consisting of ten 3-apartments, twelve 4-apartments and two 5-apartments. These…

Falkirk Herald, 29 July 1950, 6:
GARDEN FETE. —A garden fete was held within the grounds of Toravon House last Saturday. It was organised by Miss Rhoda Whitelaw, Toravon, and was in aid of the Animal Health Trust, a body which carries out research into animal…

Scotsman, 5 July 1956, 1:
TORAVON HOUSE, POLMONT. — Attractive country property conveniently situated for daily travelling to both Edinburgh and Glasgow, within 1 ½ miles of main line railway station. The Residence, which stands in secluded grounds extending to 33 acres or thereby has a southerly exposure, is compactly arranged, easily worked and contains 3 public rooms, 6 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, staff accommodation and complete domestic offices; main electric light, gas and water, highly cultivated kitchen garden. Apply Walker, Fraser & Steele.

Scotsman. 16 May 1957, 11:
TORAVON HOUSE, POLMONT. — Attractive country property in splendid order conveniently situated for daily travelling to both Edinburgh and Glasgow, within 1 ½ miles of main line railway station. Compactly arranged House containing 3 public rooms, 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, staff accommodation and complete domestic offices. Two excellent cottages completely modernised. Main electric light, gas and water. Approximately 24 acres of land in hand. Apply Walker, Fraser & Steele.

Scotsman, 28 January 1958, 8:
For Sale, TORAVON HOUSE, POLMON’T, and 2 Excellent Cottages, in splendid order, all completely modernised; Land extends to about 39 Acres, of which 23 1/3 Acres are Arable. Good Garage and Outbuildings. Burdens nominal. Offers over £3000. Apply John B Park, 182 Bath Street, Glasgow.

Scotsman, 30 November 1963, 13:
At Toravon, Polmont, on 28th November 1963, Alex S King, husband of Margaret Arnott, died.

Scotsman, 8 May 1968, 14:
The residential property of TORAVON Substantial House set in 40 acres or thereby gardens and wooded policy parks, with two cottages, garages and stables. Intensive poultry house to hold 11.000 broilers. Offers for the whole or in four lots: Lot I —The house and garden ground: Lot 2—Two semi-detached cottages; Lot 3 – The broiler house and farm buildings; Lot 4 – Parkland and policies.

September 1969 – sale of Toravon completed.

Scotsman , 11 October 1969, 16:
Toravon, Polmont. Country House with garden and policies. Four and a half acres in all. Four public, 4 bed rooms, etc.

G.B. Bailey, 2026