In 1846 James Simpson of Prince Street, Peterhead, described himself as a cart and ploughwright. By the following decade he had developed his business, becoming a coachbuilder and cart and ploughwright. In 1877 he described his business as an agricultural implement maker, becoming an agricultural engineer in 1902. The Edinburgh Gazette of 23 January 1917 described his business as “cartwrights, engineers and implement makers”.
While the business made a range of agricultural implements and machines, it was well known for its broadcasting sowing machine for grain and grass seeds from the early 1860s onwards. The high quality workmanship of the business was noted by the Aberdeen Press and Journal on 22 July 1915: “Mr Simpson’s work is widely known. Well seasoned material is used and the result is a strong, well build vehicle. The finish leaves nothing to be desired. The carts are fine to look at and as good to work and last.”
The business was a regular attender at the Highland Show from 1858 onwards, especially when it was held in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow. It also attended the local shows, especially the Royal Northern Agricultural Society Show. Its broadcast sowing machine for grain and grass seeds as well as its sowing machine for turnips were both awarded a first prize at its spring show in 1862. It also won sovereigns for the best one horse farm cart at the Highland Show of 1858.
The two men who came to be behind the business – John Simpson and Henry Francis Simpson – dissolved it in 1916. Thereafter John Simpson carried it on for a time. However, this was not for a long period. On 20 January 1920 the Buchan observer and East Aberdeenshire advertiser, advertised the business for sale:
“Agricultural implement and engineering works in Peterhead for sale
The old-established Business of Messrs James Simpson & Son, Agricultural Engineers, Peterhead, is for sale. The firm have been in existence for a period of over 80 years. They are widely and favourably known among the Agricultural Community of the North of Scotland, possessing a first-class reputation as makers of Farm Carts, Broadcast Sowing Machines etc. This offers a favourable opportunity for anyone possessed of the necessary capital, and energy, as the Business is being disposed of, solely on account of the advancing years of the Proprietor. Mr John Simpson, who will furnish all information on application.”
The business was bought and in June 1920 became known as James Simpson & Son (Peterhead) Ltd, Peterhead, Aberdeenshire. It continued in business until 1981. On 11 December 1981 the Aberdeen evening express included an advert from Shirlaw, Allan & Co. auctioneers and valuers, Hamilton, for the company’s displenishing sale of “extremely modern garage plant, equipment and tools, spares and accessories, 27 private cars, office furniture and equipment etc”. Most of the plant and equipment had been installed new in 1979/80. The company was withdrawing from car sales and servicing.
