Nicol Grahame

Nicol Grahame (1835 – 1857), Ardrossan-Born Soldier Who Fought in the Crimean War

Nicol Grahame was born 3^rd July 1835 at Ardrossan, the sixth of seven children born to parents Captain Duncan Graham of the 6^th Regiment of Foot and Mary Jane Love. His siblings were Duncan Daniel, born 1826 Largs; Robert Starrat, born 1827 Largs; Janet (Jessie), born 1830 Kilbarchan; John, born 1832 Kilbarchan; Mary Jane, born 1833 Kilbarchan and Christina Ann, born 1841 Irvine.

Captain Duncan Graham of the 6^th Regiment of Foot who lived at 17 Meadow Place, Edinburgh, and Mary Jane Love, daughter of the late Daniel Love Esq., of West Kilbride, who was resident at the same address, were married 21^st November 1825 at St. Cuthbert’s, Edinburgh.  Her father Daniel Love had been joint owner of the sugar plantation, Mount Rich in Grenada.

In 1841 the Grahame family were living at Greenfield, Annick Road, Irvine with four servants.  Nicol and his siblings attended Irvine Academy.  By 1851 Duncan Grahame and his children Robert, Janet and Mary Jane had moved to Hawhill, West Kilbride, where he was recorded as being a landed proprietor, a Justice of the Peace and ex-army.  Nicol remained in Irvine to finish to his schooling, boarding with Mrs Mary McLaren of Castle Street, Irvine.

A military family, Nicol followed his father and older brothers Duncan and John into the army.  Nicol served with the 90^th Regiment of Foot (Perthshire Light Infantry).  In June 1854 he was stationed at Ship Street Barrack, Dublin, prior to being sent to fight in the Crimean War against the Russians.  The 90^th Regiment of Foot took part in the Battle of Balaklava on 25^th October 1854.

By April 1855 the 90^th Regiment of Foot were stationed outside Sevastopol from where Nicol corresponded with Mrs Mary McLaren and members of his family.  On 8^th September 1855 Nicol’s ‘senior’ company led the assault on “Redan”, during which he was slightly wounded in the neck, but continued to fight with distinction. 

For his gallantry during the Crimean War, the Magistrates and Town Council of Irvine presented Lieutenant Grahame with the Freedom of the Burgh of Irvine.

At 3.15pm on Friday 6th March 1857, Lieutenant Nicol Grahame in full regimental dress, accompanied by his father Major Duncan Grahame and his brother Lieutenant John Grahame of the 27th Regiment of Infantry arrived at the Council Chamber in the Tollbooth, where he was met by the Burgh Officers.  The group then marched to the King’s Arms Hotel where the presentation took place in the main hall.

Baillie J. H. Watt presiding in lieu of Provost Campbell, presented Lieutenant Grahame with the Freedom of the Burgh of Irvine which was the highest honour that they could confer on such a gallant young man. 

Then John Smith, Esq., of Hamilfield presented Lieutenant Grahame with a sword which bore the inscription “Presented with the Freedom of the Royal Burgh of Irvine, to Lieutenant Nicol Grahame, of the 90th Regiment of Light Infantry by a few friends in Ayrshire in testimony of their esteem for his gallant services in the Crimea.”  After the speeches the toasts were given and those gathered drank to the health of Her Majesty Queen Victoria.

A few days later Lieutenant Nicol Grahame departed Scotland along with the 90th Infantry bound for China.  During the voyage they were diverted to India when the Indian Mutiny broke out, where Lieutenant Grahame once again displayed great bravery. 

Lieutenant Nicol Grahame was killed on 23^rd September 1857 during the Relief of Lucknow.  A letter to his father from Major Roger Barnston revealed that Nicol was “shot in the side while leading the column at the head of the first company of the 90^th regiment” and died from his wounds five hours later. He is remembered on his family’s headstone at Inchmahome Priory, Aberfoyle, Stirling.  His brother Robert Starrat Grahame died 5^th November 1864 and is buried in Irvine Old Parish Churchyard.