Kilsyth had become an important quarrying and mining centre, as well as having a chemical works and coke ovens. Iron ore extraction was largely controlled by James Baird and his company, Baird Brothers of Gartsherrie. The ore was taking on an increasing importance as the best of the ores in the Monklands were being exhausted.David Turnock, The Historical Geography of Scotland Since 1707, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1982, The Bairds of Old Monkland at Monklands Memories, http://www.monklands.co.uk/kirkwood/bairdsofom.htm
