This letter from Andrew Ewing's wife to my grandmother, in 1934, highlights one of the many acts of kindness and generosity from a very remarkable man. At that time my grandfather had become seriously ill from working in the coal mine. This was typical from a man who ultimately gave everything away in his wish to die a poor man.

In the letter she writes, “My Dear Nan… This move on Mr Ewing’s part to take your husband from the coal pits has made me particularly happy. It is no life at all for a man but somebody must do it. However John has had his share and done his bit in the war so deserves a little bit of sunshine and air into his lungs more. These he will get at Clermiston Mains. You too deserve this wonderful change. Mr Ewing is taking such an interest in getting the cottage ready for you… [He] has just phoned to say he thinks the cottage should be ready in about a week’s time” The Buttercup: The Remarkable Story of Andrew Ewing and the Buttercup Dairy Company. See also http://www.buttercupdairycompany.co.uk/