Lamlash House Lights Up Pink and Blue for Baby Loss Awareness Week

A personal connection to the history of Lamlash House brings special meaning to this year's tribute to babies who are loved, missed and never forgotten.

Lamlash House in Newmilns has been illuminated in pink and blue to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week 2026, joining communities across the UK in remembering babies who have died and showing support for families affected by baby loss.

For Lamlash House, this year's tribute carries a particularly personal historical connection. More than 140 years ago, the family who would go on to build the house experienced the devastating loss of their young son.

Remembering Laurence John Mitchell

Laurence John Mitchell was born in Newmilns on 22 January 1885. He was the son of Robert Carmichael Mitchell, a local bank manager, and his wife Lydia, daughter of Joseph Hood, a former Provost of Newmilns.

Tragically, Laurence died in 1886, aged just 13 months, at the family's home in Brown Street, Newmilns.

Four years later, in 1890, Robert and Lydia Mitchell moved into Lamlash House, which they had built as their new family home.

Although Laurence never lived at Lamlash House, his story forms an important part of the history of the family responsible for creating it.

Today, as the building's windows glow pink and blue, we remember the little boy whose parents went on to make Lamlash House their home.

A Family Story That Connects Past and Present

The history of a building is often told through its architecture, ownership and the people who lived within its walls. Yet behind these historical details are the personal experiences of the families who called these places home.

When Robert and Lydia Mitchell moved into Lamlash House in 1890, they had already experienced the loss of their young son.

While historical records tell us the dates of Laurence's birth and death, they cannot fully convey the impact his loss had on his parents and wider family.

What we do know is that Laurence was part of the Mitchell family's story, and that story is closely connected to the origins of Lamlash House.

By remembering him during Baby Loss Awareness Week, we recognise that the grief experienced by families generations ago is just as deserving of acknowledgement as it is today.

Lighting Up for Baby Loss Awareness Week

Baby Loss Awareness Week takes place annually from 9–15 October, bringing together families, communities and organisations to remember babies who have died during pregnancy, at birth or in infancy.

The campaign also raises awareness of the support available to bereaved families and encourages greater understanding of the emotional impact of baby loss.

Throughout the week, buildings and landmarks across the UK are illuminated in pink and blue as a visible symbol of remembrance and support.

At Lamlash House, taking part provides an opportunity not only to support this important campaign but also to remember a child whose family played a significant role in the building's history.

The illuminated windows are a simple but meaningful tribute to Laurence John Mitchell and to every baby whose life, however short, continues to matter to those who love them.

Remembering Together

At Lamlash House, preserving local history means remembering the people and families who shaped our community, including the personal stories that are not always visible in historical records.

This Baby Loss Awareness Week, we remember Laurence John Mitchell, born in Newmilns in 1885, and the many other babies who are loved, missed and never forgotten.

We also acknowledge the important work of organisations such as Ayrshire Baby Loss Support, which offers support and understanding to families affected by baby loss.

As Lamlash House shines pink and blue, we stand alongside everyone remembering a baby they have lost.

Together We Remember. Together We Support.