Bob of the Burgh Hall

Robert Wilson (Bob of the Burgh Hall)

Caretaker of Dunoon Burgh Hall (1914–1948)

Robert Wilson, affectionately known as “Bob of the Burgh Hall,” was the caretaker of Dunoon Burgh Hall for many years, serving until 1948. He lived in the Hall, likely in the caretaker’s flat, with his wife Jane (Jean) McBeath and their family.

Born on 28 July 1872 in Dunoon, Robert played an active role in the community. In 1914, when he signed his father’s death certificate, he listed his address as “Burgh Building, Dunoon,” confirming his long-standing connection to the Hall.

Robert came from a musical family—his father, also named Robert Wilson, was known as “Robert Wilson Bandmaster”, as he was the first conductor of the Dunoon Silver Band/Dunoon Town Band.

Robert passed away on 29 August 1952 at Edward Street, Dunoon, and was laid to rest in Dunoon Old Cemetery, where his headstone bears the names Robert & Jeannie.

He married Jane McBeath (Jean) on 3 September 1904 at the Bath Hotel in Glasgow, beginning a life that would be closely tied to the Burgh Hall and its history.

Credit: Margaret White and Joyce Holt, great granddaughters of Robert Wilson Senior aka “Robert Wilson Bandmaster”.