Elizabeth Blackwell (1821 – 1910).

Elizabeth Blackwell was born in Bristol. In 1832, aged eleven, her family went to the United States to start a new life. As a young woman she was determined to study medicine and she became the first woman in modern times to graduate in medicine in America (1849) and the first woman to be placed on the British Medical Register when she was thirty eight years old (1859).

She played an important role in both the United States and the United Kingdom as a social awareness and moral reformer. She was also a pioneer in promoting education for women in medicine and women’s rights.

In her later years she spent many happy times on holiday in Kilmun and when she died in Hastings at the age of 89, her ashes were interred at Kilmun at her request.

James Duncan (1834 – 1905).  

James Duncan was born in Greenock. He studied chemistry at Glasgow University, but his main achievement was in sugar refining, and he made significant contributions to the sciences and the arts.

In 1870 he became the owner of Benmore House and Estate where he planted six million trees and made extensive improvements to the 12.260 acres of land.

Next to his house he built a substantial gallery to showcase his collection of fine art which included paintings by French artists Delacroix, Corot and the Impressionists.