Micro-history
In 1912 several farms were held by the Spier's Trust and were subject to an official inspection by representatives of the trust. The Cuff, Marshyland, Bellcraig, Bogstone and Lugtonridge were all owned by the trust at this time.
Eglinton Street was formerly known as the Whang or Whang Street and the plot of land at No 62 was feued in 1826 from Lady Mary Montgomerie by Robert Spier. The small chapel in the grounds to the rear was apparently for the family's private use and is probably the same age as the house.
John Spier owned Cuff estate and through his marriage to Margaret Gibson acquired the estate of Marshalland. In 1870 Margaret Spier died and Whang House was purchased by by a Thomas Miller.
The rubble from the demolished school was take to Lyonshields Farm and used to infill an old limestone quarry.
In 1935 a cannon was located at the front of the school as seen in a photograph taken at that time.
The annual Cadger's races of the 19th century were held at the Marshalland Field.
The name 'Pow' or 'Poll' refers to a slow-moving ditch-like stream and this may be appropriate in regard of the name of the burn, the Powgree.
On May 11, 1912 an official inspection by the governors took place of the farms owned by the Spier's Trust, these being Cuff, Marshyland, Bellcraig, Bogston, and Lugtonridge.
A Spier's Knowe is marked on Windy Hill above Largs on the Muirshiel Hills.
The 1st Beith Company (Spier's) Girl Guides was in the 1930s the only Guides group in Beith and was based at Spier's. The Girl Guides had a centre in the field next to the school for some years; the Spier's Trust having sold them 2.2 acres (8,900 m2). This building was repeatedly vandalised. The site was sold and a dwelling built, but after two fires this was also demolished. Only a small building remains, also vandalised.
The 'Old Spierian' records that transport to the school was a regular and severe problem. The 'train students' in particular had to leave home very early and return late.
The 1910 OS map shows a 'Sheepwash' nearly opposite the side entrance to Marshalland farm. A house on the Barrmill Road where it joins the Beith bypass has the unusual name of 'Bellscauseway'. During the depression in the 1930s, times were hard and local people would go up to Spier's School to gather wood for the fire, but as often as not they got 'hunted' by the janitor. A mineral spring known as 'Spiers Well' existed near Gatehead in 1789.
The ghost of John Spier was said to roam the school tower, possibly to discourage students from exploring it, and that of his mother, Margaret Spier, the school grounds. The ornate memorial to John Spier was partitioned off due to its depressing effect on the students.
The Pirritt Hills in Antarctica are named for John Pirritt, Old Spierian, explorer and geologist.
The Powgree Burn name may translate as 'water or marsh (Pow) in an enclose area (Gree)' which is a good description of the area below the Hill of Beith where the Powgree has its source.
Donald Reid records that the school grounds were enclosed and laid out by Mr W. F. Love of Beith.
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