Lauder Hall (Strathaven)

One time home of the legendary and world renowned music hall star Sir Harry Lauder.British Comedian and Music Hall Star. Born in Portobello, Scotland, he achieved worldwide fame singing songs that he wrote himself, including such classics as "I love a Lassie" and "Keep Right on to the End of the Road." Sir Harry is credited as the first British entertainer to sell one million records. During World War I, he played a major part in recruitment drives and lost his only son, Captain John Lauder of the 8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, in battle in France. In 1919 he was awarded a Knighthood for his tireless work in entertaining the troops at the front and for raising funds on behalf of soldiers from Great Britain and the Commonwealth countries, becoming the first music hall star to be honored in this manner. At the height of his fame he was reported to be the highest paid entertainer in the world. He was the friend of many of the stars of his day, including Charlie Chaplin, Laurel and Hardy, and Danny Kaye. Upon retirement he built a mansion in Strathaven, a small village in Lanarkshire, overlooking the heather moors, where he would entertain stars of both stage and screen and the political figures of the day. His funeral was said to be the biggest public display of sympathy ever to be seen in the United Kingdom (outside of the Royal family).