Robert Chapman was born at Croftfoot, Glenboig around 1840 and his first job was as a message boy in the Gartcosh store. In 1875 he opened his first shop in Glenboig and, over the next few years established a number of shops and public houses in the area. Additionally, he purchased a farm at Palaceriggs, Cumbernauld and began breeding sporting dogs and horses. He became one of the hargest breeders of sporting dogs in the world - his Glenboig kennels having over 200 dogs with the pedigree prefix 'Heather'. Within Gartcosh he purchased JOHNSTON FARM from which he bred horses and in 1902 he built JOHNSTON HOUSE to be his main residence.
Harry Lauder was a frequent visitor to Johnston House. Here he is pictured with the Chapman brothers.
JOHNSTON HOUSE (with JOHNSTON ROAD and JOHNSTON FARM)