Lovaine, 10 Cupar Road

This house dates from around 1870, and was built by James Brown, the builder responsible for so many houses in East Newport. It was built for Newport’s first doctor. On the recommendation of Sir James Simpson (of chloroform fame), Doctor John Stewart had arrived in the village in 1866, and first lived immediately opposite in St Phillan’s House.

Surgery Attached

Access to the surgery

Dr Stewart, with his wife and four sons, soon settled in Lovaine and the surgery was established in the back area of the house, accessed via the rear courtyard. The surgery was held here for over 100 years Many older Newport residents still recall the much loved rocking horse in the waiting room.

Family Business

Doctor Stewart was later the owner of the first motor car in Newport. By the late 1890s Dr John was being helped by his sons Dr Fred and Dr Thomas Stewart. The latter was affectionately referred to as Docy Thom and he eventually took over the practice on his father’s death in 1908.

Later years

One of the two consulting rooms

Docy Thom continued to live at Lovaine, and he was assisted by the colourful and flamboyant Dr Montague Rust. From the 1930s Lovaine was occupied by Dr Taylor. He was joined in the practice by Dr Mackintosh, who was followed by his son and grandson. From 1965 Lovaine was occupied by Dr McLeod, and the surgery was housed here until a new purpose built surgery was opened in Victoria Street in
1978.