In Scotland ploughing matches started to be held in the late eighteenth century. By the first decade of the nineteenth century matches were held in a number of locations across Scotland and became more frequent in the following decades. Because of their local importance accounts of them were published in local newspapers. They included information on the location of the matches, the number of ploughs that started, the award winners and the judges. They usually noted the soil conditions and the quality of the work. Sometimes they made comments on the number of attendees, the weather on the day, as well as the ploughing technologies.
The following accounts give a flavour of what ploughing matches were like in 1825:
“Ploughing match
At Culter, Lanarkshire, on Saturday the 12th of February current, there was a ploughing match in a field belonging to Mr Dickson of Kilbucho. Fourteen ploughs, all of the parish of Culter, started, and each of them ploughed half an acre in a superior style. Three farmers from the neighbouring parishes of Biggar, Kilbucho, and Symington, were appointed judges. Several of the lots were so nearly equal in excellence, that the judges found difficulty in deciding which had the superiority; but after mature examination, they awarded the five highest prizes to the following persons:-
1. To Robert Ferguson, servant to Mr Andrew Watson, in Culterallers.
2. To Peter Watson, son to Mr John Watson in Nisbet.
3. To George Carrick, servant to Mr Syme of Culter-Mains.
4. To David Hunter, farmer in Highfield.
5. To Daniel Muir, farmer in Hanginshaw.
The day was exceedingly favourable; and though the competitors were limited to the parish of Culter, yet from other parishes there were above 200 spectators who witnessed the competition.” (Caledonian mercury, 21 February 1825)
“Ploughing match
On Monday last, the 21st February, a ploughing match took place in two parks on the estate of St Fort, possessed by Mr Robert Nicol, Brackmount Mill. Sixty-nine ploughs started, and although the ground they had to work upon was ten years old lea, and some parts of it rather thin land, yet the men finished their work in a very superior style. The Judges, Mr Dingwall, Ramornie, Mr Walker, Dairsie, and Mr White, Craigfoodie, had the greatest difficulty, from the excellence of the work, in declaring the successful candidates. After a minute and laborious examination they awarded the premiums as follows:-The first to Robert Melville, servant to Mr Mitchell, Straiton; the second to Peter Lonie, do; the third to James Band, servant to Mr Thomson, Pusk, the fourth to Thomas Rodger, servant to Mr Edie, Kilmany; the fifth to Robert Donaldson, servant to Mr Melville, Peashills; the sixth to David Cunningham, servant to Mr Thomson, Pusk; the seventh to Robert Robertson, servant to Mr Bogie, Rires; the eighth to John Finlay, servant to Mr Thomson, Pusk. The busy scene viewed from any of the surrounding high grounds was most interesting, and presented to the eye something more like a panorama, than bustling nature.” (Fife herald, 24 February 1825)
“On Monday the 28th March, a ploughing match took place on a lea-field at Abercairney, when twenty-eight ploughs started. The field was well adapted for the purpose, and the day being fine, a great number of spectators was drawn to the spot. After a laborious task, the judges awarded the prizes as follows:-
1st To John Ewan, son to Robert Ewan, Ballyclone.
2d To Peter Robertson, servant to Mr Moray of Abercairney.
3d To James Drummond, servant to David Young, Balyclone.
4th To Peter Carmichael, servant to Thomas Scott, Kintochar.
5th To hector Drysdale, servant to Mr Moray of Abercairney.
6th To William Rutherford, servant to James Dow, Shanacher.
7th To Andrew Rodgers, servant to the rev Alexander Maxton, minister of Fowlis Wester.
Besides the above prizes, a small sum was given to each of the unsuccessful candidates. A considerable number of the tenantry on the estate sat down to an excellent dinner provided by Mr Moray; after dinner a number of appropriate toasts were drunk, and the evening was spent in the utmost conviviality and good humour. On this occasion, the liberality and good humour of Mr Moray were particularly conspicuous and afforded the highest gratification to the company, who were extremely delighted with the kind attention, the endearing affilibility, and most engaging condenscention, of their generous and highly venerated landlord, for whose welfare, long life, and prosperity, and for the happiness of his amiable lady, they offered up their most ardent and affectionate wishes.”
(Perthshire courier, 8 April 1825)
“Newlands annual ploughing match was held 26th December, on a field of clover ley, on the farm of Stevenson, possessed by Mr Paterson. Twenty-two ploughs started in competition. The wile of them were of iron; part of them made by Wilkie, but the greater part by smiths within the parish. Good ploughing is now so common through the shire of Peebles that a bad ploughman is scarcely to be found; so that, in this instance, it was with difficulty the judges could adjudge a preference in awarding the premiums as follows:
The first to James Niven, servant to Mr Aitchison in Boreland.
The 2d to James Lewis, servant to Mr Gibson in Hallmyre.
The 3d to James Ballantyne, servant to Mr Stevenson in Noblehall.
The 4th to Robert Vetch, servant to Mr Stevenson in Deanhouses.
The 5th to William Baxendean, servant to the above Mr Aitchison.
The 6th to William Ketchin, servant to Mr Sanderson in Dovecote.
The 7th to John Dickson, servant to Mr Stevenson in nobelehall.
The managers, judges, and visitors thereafter sat down to an excellent dinner, at Mr Wilson’s in Romanno Bridgend, and spent the evening convivially over their whisky toddy.” (Caledonian mercury, 31 December 1825).
Wooden implements, especially ploughs and harrows, continued to be used into the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. There are numerous photographs of them being used in the Western Isles and Northern Isles, areas where traditional farming practices and techniques continued the longest. But they also survived in mainland Scotland until after the Second World War.
They were, for example, advertised at a large number of displenishing sales in north-east Scotland in 1950. These included:
Mill of Keig, Keig (and iron harrows) (11 February 1950)
Rashiepans, Cuminestown (22 February 1950)
Blackbog, Oldmeldrum (and 2 sets iron harrows) (25 February 1950)
Crichneylade, Fyvie (1 April 1950)
South Culsh, New Deer (22 April 1950)
Berryslacks, Hatton (and iron harrows) (1 May 1950)
Netherhall, Insch (1 May 1950)
Hillside, Mormond, Strichen (as well as iron harrows) (2 May 1950)
No. 4 Roadside Croft, Crimond, Lonmay (and iron harrows) (4 May 1950)
Broadshade, Skene (and iron harrows) (4 May 1950)
Hillside, Greeness, Turriff (also iron harrows) (4 May 1950)
Cairnpark, Fintray (and iron harrows) (5 May 1950)
Fechnie, Kinellar (and iron harrows) (6 May 1950)
Inverveddie, Longside (also 4 set iron harrows) (9 May 1950)
Viewfield, Cairnorrie, Methlick (10 May 1950)
Moss-side of Teuchar (11 May 1950)
Damfolds, Netherdale, Marnoch (11 May 1950)
Hindstones, New Aberdour (11 May 1950)
Bogdavie, Fyvie (11 May 1950)
Tillymauld, New Blyth (12 May 1950)
Moss-side, Allathan, New Deer (and 2 sets iron harrows) (13 May 1950)
Glashmore, Drumoak (as well as 2 sets iron harrows) (13 May 1950)
Loanhead, Rathen (as well as iron harrows) (13 May 1950)
Bankhead, Insch (15 May 1950)
Hosefield, Ellon (light wooden harrows) (15 May 1950)
South Redbog, Strichen (2 sets) (16 May 1950)
Coldswells, Craigston (18 May 1950)
Banks, Cairnie, Huntly (and 2 sets iron harrows) (18 May 1950)
Banks, Cairnie, Huntly (and 2 sets iron harrows (19 May 1950)
Auchandhandoch, Glass, Huntly (and iron harrows) (20 May 1950)
Parkshire, Alford (as well as iron harrows) (23 May 1950)
Agricultural and other newspapers sometimes publish accounts of changes that took place in agricultural practices, sometimes over a long period of time. The Buchan observer and East Aberdeenshire advertiser of 27 January 1948 published one such account. It looked at the changes that took place in the threshing mill and its use in the Buchan district. There were changes as a result of technical changes to the mills, but an even more important one was the motive power to work the mill. Rather that set out these changes, I’ll let the correspondent to that newspaper do that:
“On farm and croft.
Somewhere in Buchan a new threshing mill is being installed on a small farm of some sixty acres at a cost of over £260. The old mill being replaced is over 80 years old, and was still in use up to the date the new machine was erected. It was originally a two-horse lever mill, and had no fan, but just drum and tumbling shakers. It meant a lot of work with the hand “winnister”. But labour was plentiful and cheap then, and barn work provided a job for a rainy day. On a change of tenants a fan was put under the mill and travelling shakers were put in place of the old tumblers. Then an oil engine was got to drive the mill, and the old mill course and its levers were put aside. Over sixty years ago horse mills were by far the most numerous, though water power was always preferable where available.
At one time 80 per cent of the farm mills were driven by horse power, that meant a good deal of horse work, say a whole yoking at least once a week. On the two horse farm just mentioned a whole day was usually spent at threshing once a week, and dressing the corn, which had to be carried upstairs to a loft. Saturday was generally threshing day, because the schoolboys could be had to help with the work, such as “trampin’ the stae”, and handing sheaves to the person loosening the bands and throwing the untied sheaves upon the feeding bench. The feeding of a horse mill was done somewhat differently from that of a water mill. You had to study the fact that if you let the rollers get emptied, the levers would “come tee on the heels” of the horses. So the feeding had to be most carefully done. After an hour’s work the mill was stopped to breathe the horses. That afforded time for the sheaves to be carried nearer the mill from the far corner of the barn. Sometimes when hands were numerous, two or three men would make the straw into windlings or wisps, as it fell from the mill. That was usually hot work, especially at a big farm where a big water mill was at work. According to a bothy ballad of the period, “It’s sax o’clock the mull gangs on tae gie us a strett wark, an’ fewer o’s dae mak” tull her tull ye cud vring oor sark!”
Why did the straw be thus bundles, or make into windings? You may well ask that since scarcely any of the workers of to-day on a farm have learnt to “mak strae”, In the old days the farm steadings were not planned on labour-saving lines, but often there were several small detached byres and stables, and the straw had to be carried from the barn to these separate buildings. Now in days of wind the loose straw could not be carried. So the plan was to wisp or bundle the straw. A winding was of a size to meet the wants of a cow or horse, or perhaps two stirks. So common was the windling of straw that often when straw was bought or sold it was in windings, 60 to 70 per qr of oats. Straw at Fiars’ price was generally from 7/6 to 9/ per quarter. In seasons of scarcity straw was sometimes 6d a wisp. Over a considerable stretch of countryside you might see the tall stalks or chimneys when there was a fixed steam mill, and you would consider a wind mill as even a greater ferlie. Such stalks may still here and there be seen, but the steam mill has given way to the oil-power thresher, just as the old horse mill has made way for the up-to-date threshing and dressing machine driven by petrol, paraffin, or crude oil. One or two farm mills, obtain their power from the electric grid, which also supplies light for the buildings.
Before the oil engine came to the farm there was a period when travelling steam mills driven by traction engines were all the rage. Still, the majority of farms, if not also of crofts possessed a threshing mill of some kind. In Central Buchan were the “lam glums” of three fixed steam mills, and the sails of one wind mill. Sometimes a water mill was to be found at some distance from the farm steading, and that involved much carting of sheaves and straw. A straw shed in close proximity to byres and stable was large enough to hold a two or three days’ supply at a time.
In one case there was a steel rope run on upright pulleys, for over 200 yards from bucket wheel to the mill. Many of the water power mills have been supplanted by oil-power. But where there is “gang water”, or a plentiful supply from burn or dam, the water mill seems hard to beat, from point of view of economy. In very few cases may the tractor, be found driving the fixed threshing mill. Most of the mills since oil power became common were fixed up before the tractor arrived. A few farmers sold their engines when they got a tractor, but the greater number left the plant as it was, particularly if the engine was a good reliable one. In hauling and operating a portable mill the tractor has proved itself more efficient than the old lumbering traction engine of 6 to 8hp.
The traction and its train of two road waggons is now but a memory. The steam traction plant was hard on the roads, no tarmac then but often pot-holed, and half a foot deep in mud or dust. Large rakes of mud were piled upon the roadsides, where the foot paths ought to be, and often the cross-country roads were preferable to the turnpike or high way. The steam portable engine and mill which had to be moved from farm to farm by horses or oxen, was never very popular, though once got into position in a cornyard it gave a good day’s threshing. Fifty years ago the old portable mill had almost disappeared. Its engine might sometimes be seen in a wood being cut down to drive the sawmill. It served its day. Fancy a traction engine and its two waggons seated with people bent on a holiday jaunt, as to games or show, less than forty years ago.”
While there were some well-known plough makers in Scotland there were also others who were only known more locally. Though only locally known, they were nevertheless important, with some of them being renowned for their ploughs. This was noted by the Aberdeen press and journal on 18 February 1913. It noted:
“Many a local blacksmith has fashioned a championship winning plough, and a few county plough-makers have even essayed the gaining of ploughing honours themselves. Mr Sutor, Mintlaw, maker of Champion Oliphant’s plough, is himself an expert “hauder”. Mr Stuart, Dufftown, made the plough which Mr W. Newlands, Botriphnie, Banffshire, held when he, at Morayshire match, in March, 1908, won the championship belt of Scotland outright. Mr Stuart turned farmer, and he has often proved his prowess at holding the plough. Other blacksmiths have occasionally, at small matches, taken a leading prize with a plough fitted up by themselves; but no one in Scotland has perhaps ever achieved a record like that of Mr David Paterson, Alloa, whose name as a plough-maker is far-famed indeed.”
One of the local plough makers was W. A. Mackintosh of Forfar. When he died in March 1944 the Brechin advertiser provided a short obituary of him:
“A well-known Forfar plough maker
Mr W. A. Mackintosh, who has died at Forfar, was the well-known manufacturer of the Mackintosh plough. An engineer and blacksmith to trade, he succeeded his father in the Canmore Iron Works about 1913. In his earlier days he was prominent in horse-shoeing competitions and later acted as judge. He retired about 14 years ago. He had not been in good health for some time.
Mr Mackintosh is survived by his wife, two daughters, and two sons, the latter being in partnership in an engineering and blacksmith’s business at North Street, Forfar.”
Another of the locally-known plough makers was Christopher Little of Woodhouselees Smithy, Canonbie, Dumfriesshire. Before 1908 his ploughs had won 13 Highland Society medals. He was from a line of plough makers. At that time Thomson’s weekly news of 15 August 1908 provides an account of him at his diamond wedding.
“Champion plough-maker
Celebrates his diamond wedding
Mr and Mrs Christopher Little, Woodhouselees Smithy, Canonbie, Dumfriesshire, were presented on Friday night with their portraits and a purse of sixty soverigns, the occasion being their diamond wedding and the completion by the husband of over sixty years’ of business at Woodhouselees.
Mr Little has long been one of the best known country blacksmiths in the United Kingdom being noted as a maker of prize ploughs. His ploughs won 13 Highland Society medals; and were sent out to America and Australia. His father and grandfather were also blacksmiths in Canonbie.
After serving his apprenticeship with his father he was in situations in Ewes and Carlisle in 1842 and 1845 at 3s and 6s per week and saved money off these wages. He is still hale and hearty and though in his 83d year he can shoe s horse with as much activity as a young man of twenty. His wife is also a native of Canonbie and before their marriage they attended roadside conventicles at Canonbie immediately after the Disruption of the Church of Scotland in 1843.”
In 1947 there was a lot of activity going on in the St Ninian’s Road area of Stirling. The Caledonian Implement Works was having a make-over and a new showroom built. In addition, the Works were extending and a new repair department built. Alexander Scott was also establishing himself as a Ferguson dealer.
All of that activity was recorded in the local newspapers. Let’s take a look at how they reported all this activity.
The Bridge of Allan gazette of 23 August 1947 included a short article on the development of the Caledonian Implement Works. It states:
“Local industry
The Caledonian Implement Works
Enterprise at St Ninians
A seventy-two yards long showroom frontage in the most modern style, and containing seven large plate-glass windows, will transform the present harled wall of the Caledonian Implement Works, facing St Ninian’s Road and Borestone Crescent, enhancing the appearance of the building on one of the best corner sites in Stirling. This is the most striking feature of an ambitious plan, executed by provost A. M. McMichael, architect, Stirling, on behalf of the proprietor of the works, Mr Alexander Scott, for the conversion of the building, recently acquired by Mr Scott, into a spacious showroom for Ferguson tractors and implements, and for the creation of implement stores, repair depot, and workshops for the building of the popular Scott-United balers, and other agricultural equipment.
Provost McMichael’s admirably conceived plans were submitted at Thursday’s sitting of Stirling Dean of Guild Court and approved.
The showroom alone will have an area of approximately 2000 square feet. In this extensive and well-lit department, prospective purchasers will be free to examine in detail the Ferguson tractors on display and all the implements of the Ferguson system, such as furrow ploughs, ridgers, disc harrows, tillers, transport boxes, and the time row crop cultivators.
Ferguson tractors, and the numerous implements of the Ferguson system, are well-known to the farming community of Stirlingshire and Clackmannanshire, in which area Mr Scott has been appointed sole agent. A British product, and specially designed to suit British farming, the Ferguson system enables the farmer to mechanise his farm as completely as a modern factory is mechanised. It transforms the tractor into a farming machine that gets more work done in less time, with less effort, at less cost, and with greater efficiency than was ever before possible.
Tractor and implement work as one unit in this system, because the tractor carries the implement by means of a three-point linkage and hydraulic finger-tip depth control. The use of natural laws makes the system fool-proof, the weight of the tractor being automatically adjusted to the job and an even working depth achieved in the implement.
Main entrance to the showroom will be a large glass-panelled door fronting St Ninian’s Road. Offices back the showroom, which has also direct access to the spare-parts stores. The floor space of these stores is equal to that of the showroom. Already in operation, the stores contain an impressive array of spare parts for the Ferguson system, indexed, arranged, and displayed in the most efficient modern method.
Linked with the spare-parts stores is the tractor repair shops. Three times the size of the showroom, it contains electrical welding machines, re-boring machines, vulcanising plant, etc. There is also machinery for the overhauling of all types of farm machinery speedily and efficiency. In addition, there is a battery-charging station, a compressor for servicing tyres and for cleaning and spraying purposes. The large blacksmith shop attached is also admirably equipped.”
The Callander advertiser of 4 October 1947 included a notice reporting that the Works had opened its repair department:
“Alexander Scott, Caledonian Implement Works, St Ninians, Stirling.
Notice to farmers. We have opened a separate repair department at Caledonian Implement Works for the repair of all farm machinery and are pleased to announce that Mr Charles Musgrave, late foreman with Robertson & McLaren, will be in full charge. Bring your repairs here for speedy and efficient service.”
The Falkirk herald of 1 June 1947 reported his appointment as a local agent of Ferguson tractors:
“Business announcement
Alexander Scott, agricultural engineer, Caledonian Implement Works, St Ninians, Stirling has pleasure in intimating that he has been appointed sole agent for Stirlingshire and Clackmannanshire for the Ferguson tractor.
Enquiries and orders will receive personal attention.”
There are times in the history of ploughs, plough-making, ploughing and ploughing matches when there are a number of commentaries on the state of ploughing matches. These are usually at times when there are changes in these activities, such as the introduction of new technologies, such as double-furrow ploughs.
The mid 1920s, and especially the years from 1923 to 1925, saw a number of commentaries on the nature and value of ploughing matches published in local newspapers, especially in the north-east. At that time there was a growing resurgence in the number of ploughing matches that were held.
These commentaries are worth quoting for the insights that they provide into this resurgence and the different views that were circulating on the matches.
From the Buchan observer and East Aberdeenshire advertiser of 27 February 1923:
“The ploughing match
During the twenty years from 1860 to 1880 the popularity of the ploughing match may be said to have reached its height, Then gradually it declined in vogue until 1920, when it showed not only a “certain liveliness”, but an almost breakneck determination to eclipse all former records; and in the last two years, and also in the present one so far as it has gone, we have had ploughing contests all up and down the country on an altogether unprecedented scale both as regards the number of competitors and the excellence of the work done. Whatever may be said for or against them, they have this at least to their credit that they add to the neighbourliness of the countryside; and this probably is their chief recommendation in the eyes of many of their supporters.
But the question is beginning to be asked how far it is wise to encourage the present passion for purely artistic ploughing, and whether it results in the production of better crops than the commoner and rougher tillage of an earlier day. On this point there are great differences of opinion. Our own view is that reasonably rough ploughing is more likely to produce good crops than artistic ploughing, since it permits the soil to be more completely aerated, especially upon land which is naturally of a clayey composition. The great desideratum in all good tillage is to secure some portion of unexploited subsoil, and bring it to the surface to reinforce the too often used material which ordinary fine ploughing scarcely ever gets below. Deep ploughing, alternating with somewhat shallower ploughing, would, we believe, be found to give better crop returns than the orthodox system of always ploughing to one depth; for even a small percentage of virgin soil is equal to a fair manuring, and the beauty of it is that it incurs no extra expense.”
From the Northern ensign and weekly gazette, 28 February 1923:
“Ploughing matches
Ploughing matches are not held in such great numbers as before the war, but there has been a wonderful lot of them this year. A match is the great event of the winter months among the farmer folk, and, indeed, only takes a second place to the cattle show in the year’s entertainments. Not only are the best ploughed lots judged for places, but we also determine the man with the longest moustache, the best looking man, the man with the most bairns, and various other items that have as much to do with ploughing as a pick axe has to do with journalism. It is high time that these trivial and amusing items were discontinued, and the prizes presented for them given for a real trial of strength and skill in ploughing matters.”
From the Buchan observer and East Aberdeenshire advertiser, 29 April 1924:
“Plooin’ matches
Popular as ever
Ploughing matches appear to have lost none of their old-time popularity, for contests were never more numerous throughout the country than they have been this season. It was thought that during the wartime upheaval of farming work the fine art of the plough would rapidly pass into the limbo of forgotten things. Tractors and double and multi-furrow ploughs were fast displacing the old-fashioned two-horse team and swing plough; but a reaction has set in. the double furrow horse plough now mostly fills a slap in a fence, and the old plough with its single furrow speeds over the fields.
The slump in horse-flesh was a determining factor, and will be a determining factor, and will be for a generation at last. For the general work of the farm horses are practically indispensable. The tractor is at best but a useful auxiliary. Under suitable weather conditions a tractor can overtake an extraordinary amount of useful tillage, but it is practically useless for the numerous minor kinds of operations that constitute the routine work of the farm.
The tractor plough has done excellent work, and in more than one contest where it has been pitted against horse-drawn ploughs, it has come out on top. Nevertheless, the plough work of the tractor in general leaves much to be desired. Apart from the novelty of the thing, the same amount of human interest can never be concentrated so keenly on an exhibition of tractor ploughing as on the work of a well-handled horse team.
Thousands of spectators have visited some of the leading ploughing matches in the north this season, thus showing that interest in one of the fine arts of the farm is very widespread, for among the coat-clad crowd were many visitors from town and city-men who having left farm work for other employment, still retain a deep interest in ploughing contests. Among the competitors, too, were several ex-ploughmen, doughty champions of a former day still keen on exhibiting their prowess, and in pitting their strength and skill against those of the younger sons of the plough.
Educative advantages
Some farmers, it is true, take exception to prize ploughing, but all are agreed as to the educative advantages of competitions in hoeing and other branches of farm work. Of course, it is entirely out of the question to look for ploughing of an exhibition class to be accomplished every day on the arable fields; but the example set before the eye of the young ploughman at a match cannot fail to leave its impression on his receptive mind. He will strive to do something like it. Emulation is a grand thing. It brings out the best that is in a man. A champion ploughman requires to be something more than a good plougher. He must be able to adjust his plough irons to balance his team, to set out work in a field to the best effect, and to put that inimitable touch of perfection into the work which only a past master of the art can accomplish.
To the untrained eye the work of cutting and turning the green sward into a series of diamond-edged furrows may seem an easy task. Look how easily and how happily the ploughboy goes whistling at the plough. But it really is not so easy as it looks. And in a hot ploughing contest, where scores of competitors are battling for supremacy, there are no merry whistlers and no light-hearted striplings at the plough-handles.
The mathematical precision with which each furrow is cut and set out must, however, strike even the most casual of spectators as little short of marvellous. Many a farm hand spends the greater part of a lifetime at the plough without ever being considered a ploughman in the fullest of the word.
To be recognised among his compeers as a good hand is no small achievement. Every ploughman, good, bad, and indifferent is a bit of a critic. Comment is to be heard on every hand, and where a little group if spectators collects at the end of a ridge, you may be interested to hear one or two of the more discerning and experienced among them expatiating on pleasing points, the “readableness” of furrows etc or warmly debating with each other as to the respective merits of this plougher’s work or that. Often controversy waxes hot and loud, and there is frequently not a little good-humoured chaff and banter to boot.
The work of organising a ploughing match is no light undertaking. Whether the match is merely a parish or inter-parish or inter-parish one, or even one of national scope and character, it is got up on pretty much the same lines, only there are big and handsome prizes (in money and trophies) at the larger meetings, while at the small district contests the awards, though quite suitable for the occasion, are on a relatively small scale. Honours count for much, and a competitor who receives a linen handkerchief, or a clay pipe, for the neatest ends, for instance, is just as proud of his award as is the champion who gets a dandy brush for best done up tails, says a writer in “Scottish Country Life”.
A committee is formulated to carry out the arrangements, select a field for the contest, appoint judges, and so forth. The judges must be men of great experience, past masters of the art of ploughing, and they must be known as men who will give their decision without fear or favour.”
From the Dundee courier, 17 December 1924:
“Forfar ploughing matches
A popular event in the ploughing match season is that held annually in the Forfar districts. The promoters are to meet in the county town to-night to fix a date and venue. The match will probably take place in the first fortnight of January, and Balmashanner may again be chosen as the site, as the fixture last year there was most successful.
There has been a revival in recent years of these instructive and useful competitions, and in pre-war days many ex-ploughmen used to form themselves into an organisation and provide interesting contests. Such a body used to be in existence in Forfar, and regularly held competitions, followed by a happy social evening. Many would like to see the ex-ploughmen’s matches revived.”
From the Aberdeen press and journal, 20 January 1925
“Ploughing matches
The ploughing match has lost none of its old-time vogue in the North of Scotland; indeed, as our agricultural columns have borne testimony for the past few weeks, this popular rural “institution” seems in some districts to have obtained a new lease of life. And it is well, in these times of rush and bustle, when the turning-over of a large area of lea or stubble is often counted of more importance than excellence of workmanship, that honest pride in the ploughman’s craft should be encouraged. An old-time Donside farm, long since gibe to his rest, was wont to cheer up his youthful ploughmen by assuring them that “the neeps ‘ill grow as weel in crookit dreels as straight anes”, but it is not by any means certain that that holds true so far as ploughing is concerned.
It has sometimes been urged against the “crack” ploughman that he sacrificed thoroughness of workmanship to the production of a rig of superficially-crested furrows, and at one time that was probably true, but in recent years more attention has been devoted by judges as well as competitors to the practical merits of the work done than to the superficial appearance of the “rig”. All this, of course, tends to promote not only skill in craftsmanship, but a more thorough grasp of the scientific aspects of cultivation. The demonstration given at the Huntly match on Saturday on the setting of ploughs, the testing of draught, and the art of ploughing generally forms another very interesting development in rural training. It was an example of the application of practical science to agriculture.”
James Crichton, master millwright, Turriff, died in Aberdeen in September 1952.
In March 1953 the contents of his works – Crichton’s Engineering Works, Turriff – were put up for sale. The notice for the sale in the Dundee courier, 3 March 1953
noted that it was an “Important two days’ sale of engineering, electric welding and woodworking plant and machinery, new threshing mills, consumable stores, home timber, motor vehicles, office furniture etc”. The advert for the sale also listed the contents of the business that were for sale. They provide an interesting insight into the tools used by an important millwright and engineer. The advert is quoted at length:
“(new 1951), Berry 8 ½ in centre motorised S.S. and S.C. gap bed lathe, 14ft bed (new 1950), Ormerod motorised shaping machine, 12 in stroke (in new condition), Holroyd electrically driven horizontal plain milling machine, electrically driven slotting machine, 7 in stroke, 3 motorised bench sensitive vertical drilling machines, 5 pillar vertical drilling machines, spindles from 1 5/8 in diameter, 5 motorised D.H. bench grinders, Flextol flexible shaft grinder, 36 in B.O.C. oxy-acetylene profile cutting machine, 2 Murex 12 K.V.A. welding transformers, Murex 9 k.w. welding motor generator, 2 motorised power hack sawing machines, 2 sets sheet bending rolls, light power hammer, Oliver 20 in x 9 in motorised surface planning and thicknessing machine, New Rex motorised hollow chisel and chain mortising machine, tenoning and scribing machine, 30 in band sawing machine, 3 motorised circular saw benches, vertical wood boring machine, Aerostyle electrically-driven paint spraying air compressor unit and equipment, 11 A.C. three-phase 50-period 440 volt motors, from 7 ½ to 1 h.p. with starters, 7 portable electric drills, portable electro shear, new milling cutters, drills, lathe tools and files, 1 in Coventry die head and dies, micrometers, hand shearing machines, chain blocks, jacks, screwing tackle, vices, sectional C.I. stoves, Armstrong-Siddeley hurricane coupe (1947 model), 5 ton Austin lorry, Fordson tractor, tractor trailer, timber pole waggon, timber bogie, office furniture, typewriters, time recorder, filing cabinets, new Crichton 42 in heavy model portable threshing, dressing, and finishing machine, new Crichton 54 in medium model barn type threshing, dressing and finishing machine, Crichton 54 in medium model portable threshing, dressing and finishing machine, with Hornsby trusser (reconditioned), 2 Hornsby and Massey Harris D.S. trussers, 150 lots new Crichton mill spares, Hornsby trusser spares, 2500ft new belting, from 6 in to 1 ½ in, 13 new endless mill and baler belts, 82 new 26 x 6 wheels, with tyres and tubes, 12 new wheels, 34 x 7 and 32 x 6, 28 tons steel sections, plates and sheets, 7 ½ tons bolts and nuts, 330 gross machine, wood and set screws, 200 new ball bearing P. blocks, from 2 ½ in to 1 in, 830 new ball bearings, 6 h.p. Petter oil engine, 6 new 1 ½ h.p Petter petrol engines, 21 new galvanised water tanks, 120, 75 and 50 gallons, 1000 sq yd fir lining, from 1 in to ½ in thick, 6000 sup ft ¾ in Planetree boarding, 1725 cub ft sawn ash, beech, oak, larch and fir, in planks, battens and posts, 1000 larch fencing stobs, 5ft long, 50 larch straining posts, 7 ft long &c at Engineering Works, Turriff, Aberdeenshire, on Tuesday, 17th and Wednesday 18th March 1953, beginning each day at eleven o’clock prompt. Shirlaw, Allan & Co., Auctioneers, Hamilton, have received instructions from Messrs Lyall & Wood, solicitors, Turriff, agents for the Executrix on the estate of the late Mr James Crichton, millwright and engineer, to sell, by auction, as above. On view Friday and Monday prior to sale. Catalogues from auctioneers, Hamilton, March 1953.”
When the sale took place, the business closed down. The Works Manager, William Finnie (who had been in the business for the last ten years), acquired the Station Works, Turriff, as well as permission to carry on business from these premises as a Millwright and Engineer under the firm name of “James Crichton”, and the right to manufacture and supply spares to “Crichton” Threshers. This new arrangement came into play on 30 March 1953 (Dundee courier, 12 March 1953).
In the mid 1930s a number of the local newspapers, especially in the north-east, reported the erection of new threshing mills on a number of farms as farmers up dated their machinery or moved from using the travelling threshing mill to their own ones.
The erection of this plant was a significant occasion. It marked the introduction of new technology, a substantial investment into the farm and its activities as well as a change in the management of the processing of the grain crop. Farms generally marked this occasion with a social event in which neighbours and others were invited to partake in food and drink, and a congenial evening of activities. They also got to see the new mill at work. The feeding of the first sheaf into the mill was at some farms seen to be an important event. That task was sometimes given to a special member on the farm; it could be a long-standing farm servant or a past tenant.
The accounts in the newspapers provide varying amounts of information about the new mills. Sometimes they record the names of the maker of the mill and the mode of power for the mill (water, engine or tractor).
The following are short accounts from newspapers that record the introduction of new threshing mills onto farms in the east of Scotland:
“Arbroath farm new plant
Mr Gordon Glennie, Mains of Letham Arbroath, has had installed by Messrs Craig, Idvies, a new threshing mill, high speed drum screen, and chaff blast.
The first sheaf was put into the new mill by Mrs Glennie in presence of a number of friends. The new plant is driven by oil engine.” (from Dundee courier, 11 November 1935)
“Knock installation
Messrs Wright Bros., millwrights, Boyne Mills, Portsoy, have installed at the farm of Mains of Raemore, Knock, Rothiemay, occupied by Mr William Adam, farmer, a new threshing mill, with semi high speed drum, driven by a six-horse power Lister Diesel engine. This mill was on view and seen working at the Highland and Agricultural Show at Aberdeen in June.” (from Aberdeen press and journal, 8 November 1935)
“Opening ceremony
Mr John Cunningham, Powguild Farm, has had installed by Messrs R. G. Garvie & Sons, Aberdeen, a new threshing mill, high speed drum screen, straw and grain conveyors. The plant is electrically driven, and in presence of a number of friends. Mr David fair, who was tenant of the farm 50 years ago, put through the first load. After this “ceremony” had been duly performed, the party were entertained in the farm house by Mr and Mrs Cunningham, and a few pleasant hours were spent in reminiscent mood. Mr Fair was duly thanked for the part he had taken, and the health and prosperity of Mr and Mrs Cunningham was ably toasted.
(from Fife free press, 23 November 1935)
“Monquhidder installation
Mr Alexander Walker, farmer, Wellside, Balthangie, Monquhitter, has just installed a new threshing mill, twenty seven inch drum, and fitted with the latest improvements in grain-dressing machinery, and driven by a Petter Junior oil engine of 5hp. The mill is designed to deliver the grain in the loft at right angles to the mill. The mill is the work of Mr W. Wilson, millwright, Maud.”
(Aberdeen press and journal, 2 June 1936)
“Mr Wm Winter, Tigerton, Menmuir, has installed a new threshing mill. The machine which was started on Tuesday afternoon, is of the latest pattern, and made an excellent job of dressing the grain.”
A number of premises belonging to the Scottish agricultural implement makers went on fire. Some of the fires were very destructive with the complete loss of premises, or significantly affected production of manufactures.
The accounts of the fires in the newspaper press sometimes include detailed accounts of the premises and the businesses which are not recorded elsewhere. They included the Aberdeen Implement Works of Barclay, Ross & Hutchison in May 1920, and Alexander Newlands & Sons, Linlithgow, in February 1944. Another significant fire destroyed the Banff Foundry of G. W. Murray of Banff, an eminent, noted and long-established maker. It manufactured a wide range of implements and machines such as broadcast corn sowing machines, serpentine harrows, zig-zag harrows, chain harrows, land rollers, drill ploughs, turnip sowers, circular frame grubbers, chilled plough, Anglo-American chilled ploughs, and reapers.
What is known about the destructive fire? A lengthy article on the fire was published in the Northern Scot and Moray & Nairn express of 17 September 1892. It also provides a good deal of information about the business:
“Destructive fire at Banff
Total demolition of Murray’s Foundry
Shortly before three o’clock yesterday morning fire was discovered at the premises in Reid and Carmelite Streets, known as Banff Foundry, and it resulted in the complete destruction of the whole of the buildings, the working and fixed machinery, and plant of every description, including a large number of reapers ready for delivery. The most serious loss was that of the stock of patterns, which must have cost many thousands of pounds. Some threshing mills and a large quantity of prepared timber have also been destroyed, as well as the engine. The foundry is surrounded by dwelling-houses, and some of these on the opposite side of Reid Street, caught fire and the occupants had their effects removed, but the flames were soon extinguished. The Town and County Bank house in Carmelite Street also caught fire, but no serious damage was done. The fire, from the nature of the materials, was very alarming and threatening throughout. There were a large number of hands and a plentiful supply of water, but the fire had got such a considerable hold of the building before being observed that from the first efforts were directed to save the adjoining houses. The firm have saved their books and papers, and it is understood that the buildings and plant are insured, but notwithstanding the loss will be a serious one, and meantime some 70 to 90 hands are thrown out of employment. The tradesmen have lost all their valuable tools. The flames were fanned by a strong wind from the south, and the houses in Carmelite Street, including the Salvation Army Barracks, were only saved by the greatest efforts. The origin of the fire is unknown, but it appears to have broken out in the upper flat of the main buildings, used as a pattern-making loft, and was first observed by the occupant of one of the houses immediately opposite, who was awakened by the howling of his cat and dog, and on rising to find out the cause, saw the glare of the burning mass, and immediately raised the alarm. The loss is estimated at about £3000.
The foundry is an old established one, and under the superintendence of the late Mr G. W. Murray, the last proprietor, the business was greatly extended. Not only did the firm employ a large local and district connection, but as exporters of machinery they did a large business abroad, the hand chain-pumps which they sent out to Egypt and other parts of the world bringing the firm into prominence. As makers of reaping machines and other agricultural implements the firm are well known, and throughout the north there has been sent out from the foundry large numbers of the “Victory” reaper. Mr Murray was himself an enterprising agriculturist of the advanced school, and his farm of Colleonard was one of the best on the Fife estate. He was thus well known in the farming world, and was the means of greatly extending the old-established business at the foundry, of which he was the managing owner. On Mr Murray’s death, some years ago, the foundry fell into the hands of Mr George Duncan, son of ex-Provost Duncan, and notwithstanding the keen competition which was experienced from other firms in the north as well as from those more favourably situated in bigger centres of industry, a good business was done both at home and abroad. In fact, under Mr Duncan’s management several new features for the more expeditious carrying on of the work were introduced, and there were indications that under the new management even a greater run of prosperity than formally was to be expected.”
How did the business respond to the fire and what steps did it take to rebuild its business? G. W. Murray & Co. published an advert in the Banffshire journal on 7 February 1893, noting its intention to sell the destroyed premises and utilising its other premises:
“Banff Foundry for Sale
Messrs G. W. Murray & Co., have been able, notwithstanding the destruction by fire of the Banff Foundry Buildings proper, to maintain the business in full efficiency by utilising their other premises connected with the foundry, and by outside arrangements; and they take this opportunity of thanking their customers and friends for the kind consideration extended to them in the trying circumstances in which they were placed.
Mr Geo A. Duncan, having been offered inducement to enter on other business arrangements elsewhere, his firm of G. W. Murray & Co., have resolved to offer the Banff Foundry, Plant and Stock, for sale, by private bargain.
Banff Foundry has been in existence for upwards of 60 years, and has a wide reputation, having a splendid business connection at home and abroad, and has done a large thriving business, which has been fully maintained. The Works are conveniently situated as regards transit by land and sea.
Offers will be received for the site of the old Foundry, on which the purchaser will have an opportunity of erecting buildings after modern designs, and of placing therein the most recent and improved machinery, and he will have to take over the plant and stock at mutual valuation.
The Premises will be shown on application at the Foundry, and the titles will be exhibited by Alexander George, solicitor, Macduff, agent for the Company; and Mr Geo. A. Duncan will supply other particulars.
Banff, 19th December 1892.”
Despite the significant difficulties faced by the business, it still had a very productive year in the following year. As the Aberdeen press and journal of 26 December 1893 noted:
“Trade in the north
Banff
At the Foundry, Messrs G. W. Murray & Company have experienced a very prosperous year-between 40 and 50 hands having been kept in steady employment. The export trade in hand-threshers, harrows &c has been exceptionally brisk, and there has also been a good run of local orders. A large number of “Victory” reapers have been turned out in addition to other implements. Mr Duncan, the managing proprietor, this year brought out a Lever Sheating machine for blacksmiths, which is said to have been largely run upon. In consequence of the limited accommodation and appliances at the works since the disastrous fire here, considerable difficulty has been experienced, and the resources of the firm have at times been severely taxed in fulfilling orders of agricultural implements; but the firm have now in contemplation the erection of a large smith’s shop, which will enable them to extend operations and cope with the increasing demands of the trade.
In the iron merchants’ business, also carried on by this firm, the year has been a more than usually busy one-the overturn surpassing very considerably the experience of several years past.”
George Sellar and Son, Huntly, Aberdeenshire, was renowned for its ploughs and spring implements such as harrows and grubbers. Between 1904 and 1914 there were a number of its employees and managers that were celebrated by the business.
Let’s meet them.
In March 1904 James Cook was honoured at an “at home” event to celebrate his 46 years’ service at the business. The Aberdeen press and journal of 5 March 1904 reported his presentation :
“Employees of Messrs George Sellar and Son
Presentation to Mr and Mrs James Cook
The employees of Messrs George Sellar and Son, implement manufacturers, Huntly, held an “at home” in Gordon’s Temperance Hall on Thursday night, when there was a large attendance. The object of the gathering was to do some honour to Mr James Cook on his severing his connection with the establishment after 46 years’ service.
Mr Alex Ledingham, the new foreman, presided, and was supported by Mr and Mrs Cook, Miss Brander, George Street; Mr and Mrs A. Morrison, Mr and Mrs J. Stephen, Mr Pirie, traveller, etc. After an excellent tea, the chairman thanked his fellow workmen for the honour they had done them in asking him to preside on that occasion, when they had met to do honour to Mr and Mrs Cook, to whom they accorded a hearty welcome. They also welcomed the friends who had come there to help them to spend a pleasant evening. [applause]
The Chairman then gave “The King”, the toast being loyally responded to.
Mr W. Brown having given an excellent rendering of “The Four Jolly Smiths”, the Chairman called upon Mr John Stephen to make the presentations.
Mr Stephen, in making the presentation, said-We have met together to do honour to one who has been a fellow-workman, and who also held the first place amongst us for a good number of years. I do not remember Mr Cook being in any inferior position, although I am aware that he began at the foot of the ladder just as many another successful man has done. (applause) He was always cheerful, sympathetic, and helpful amongst us. We claim him as our representative man. (Applause) I am sure we have often been proud to hear his voice at public meetings, even if some of us may not have always endorsed his sentiments. (Hear, hear) We are also pleased to remember that he served the town as a commissioner with much acceptance for some time, and our hope is that, now this time is at his own disposal, we may again have the pleasure of seeing him elected as a town councillor. (Applause) There are many things that one might refer to, such as his services in the management of the Cottage Hospital, which I believe have been valuable. In a word let me say that as a working man Mr Cook has been an example to working men of sobriety, persevering industry, wise and careful management, and high morality. (Loud applause) On behalf of your fellow-workmen, I have to ask your acceptance of those two pictures, and a silver salver for Mrs Cook, remembering that she has climbed the hill with you and helped to lighten the cares and worries which must have often assailed you in the discharge of the various duties which fell to your hand to perform. (Applause) We all hope that there may be many happy days yet in store for you both, and that the weight of years to come may rest even more lightly upon you than those of the past. (Loud applause)
The pictures presented were large copies of Mr Joseph Farquharson’s (A.R.A.) well-known studies-“Home through the wood”, and “The close of day”. The salver had the following inscription upon it:-“Presented along with two pictures to Mr James Cook by his fellow-workmen in the employment of Mr George Sellar and Son, on the occasion of his retiral after 40 years’ service with the firm-3rd March 1904.”
Mr Cook, in the course of his reply said-If Mr Stephen had difficulty in speaking to you, I have been greater difficulty. I am, however, very much indebted to you for the opportunity you have given me of meeting you all in a social capacity. I can assure you I appreciate your parting gift very highly, and shall always treasure it in remembrance of the many happy days I have spent amongst you. (Loud applause) This is not eth first occasion on which I have received a tangible expression of your kindness, and I beg to thank you one and all for the hearty co-operation and the willing support I have always received from you when called on to carry out an irksome duty. (Applause) No one in public business need expect to get through this world without some worry, and it is often a very useful discipline. Many are the changes that have taken place since May, 1864, when I entered the service of the late Mr Sellar, whose honoured memory is still in my recollection. (Applause) I am sorry to say that my colleagues of that date only five remain; the others have gone over to the majority. The alterations and additions that have been made at the works are of such an extent that the old place can hardly be recognised. They are now four times the size of what they were then, three additional branches having been added-the moulding, engineering, and pattern-making-and by the introduction of steam plant, and other modern appliances, the system of working has been entirely revolutionised. (Applause) The speaker having referred to the output of the firm annually, went on to say-There has been a corresponding increase in the number of men employed. At that time we did not exceed 20; now you will number between 70 and 80. In connection with this it has been a great pleasure to me that there was so little shifting amongst you, not a few of you being from 10 to 36 years in the firm’s service, besides that marvellous veteran, Mr William Smith-with the long record of 48 years-and on that account I suppose I will have to forgive him, but he has always been guilty of the great crime of looking down upon me as a newcomer. {Laughter and applause) The firm of George Sellar and Son had attained a world-wide reputation for plough-making before I entered it, and it has always been my ambition to do what I could do to keep it in the front rank. (Applause) In conclusion, I would again ask you to accept of my warmest thanks, and those of my wife, for all your kindness, and in bidding you good-bye we unite in wishing you much success in your daily employment and every happiness in your own homes. (Applause)
On the call of the Chairman the health of Mr and Mrs Cook was enthusiastically pledged, with musical honours.
The hall was then cleared and with music and dancing the hour of midnight was reached all too soon. A violin selection was played by Mr James Russell; a hornpipe was danced by Mr W. Mitchell, who also sang a song; and songs were contributed by Mr George Mitchell Jun, and Mr W. Brown.
The gifts presented were supplied by Messrs J. Cruikshank and Son, ironmongers, Huntly.”
A second member was Edward C. Sellar who died in March 1909. The recognition of his importance is seen in the account of his funeral, recorded in the Aberdeen press and journal of 18 March 1909:
“Funeral of Mr Edward C. Sellar, Huntly
The funeral of Mr Edward C. Sellar took place from his sister’s residence, Polmood, Huntly, yesterday afternoon, to the place of internment in Huntly Cemetery. There was a large attendance of townsfolk and of country people, and this in spite of the heavy and blocked conditions of many of the roads. Service in the house was conducted in presence of the relatives by Rev A. S. Lawrie, Strathbogie United Free Church. The remains were encased in a massive oaken chest, with brass mountings, which bore many beautiful floral expressions of sympathy. Behind the general public came the workmen employed at the works of Messrs G. Sellar and Son, agricultural implement manufacturers (with whom the deceased was a great favourite) Four of the employees carried the remains from the cemetery gate to the graveside, where an impressive shirt service was conducted by Mr Laidlaw. As the cortage passed through the town all places of business were closed, and private houses had their blinds drawn as a token of respect.”
The cashier of George Sellar and Son until June 1909 was John Mitchell. He had been employed for many years. The Aberdeen press and journal, of 14 June 1909, noted his death and his career at the business:
“Mr John Mitchell Huntly
Painful surprise was created in Huntly yesterday morning when it became known that Mr John Mitchell, cashier with Messrs George Sellar and Son, implement manufacturers, had passed away. He was in his excellent health on Saturday, and spent the afternoon with his sister-in-law at East Park Street, leaving her house after 8 at night. He had been taking a walk home by the Meadow Braces when he had suddenly become ill and fallen. Later in the evening he was found unconscious, and intimation was sent to his brother, Robert Mitchell, painter, who at once proceeded to the spot. Mr Mitchell was taken to the Cottage Hospital, but he never rallied, and died at 4 o’clock yesterday morning. He was the fourth surviving son of the late Mr George Mitchell, who was employed for many years with the firm of Messrs Sellar and Sons. Deceased joined the office staff in the late Mr Sellar’s days, and ever enjoyed the highest confidence and regard of his employers. He was of singularly upright character, and had a deep interest in religious work. In his younger days he was one of the most useful members of the cricket club. Of a quiet and retiring nature, he was much liked by a wide circle, who will regret to hear of his death. The deceased was in his 47th year. His relatives have much sympathy extended to them in their sudden bereavement.”
In April 1914 the Huntly express reported the death of John Bowie, who had been employed by the business for almost fifty years:
“The late Mr John Bowie, Huntly
By the death of Mr John Bowie, which took place at his residence in Old Road on Tuesday, another link with the business community of Huntly has been severed. John has not enjoyed robust health for some time, and though the end came somewhat suddenly, his intimate friends were not unprepared for the tidings of his death. John was one of the best known and most respected citizens; quiet and unostentatious to a degree though he was keenly interested in all that affected the welfare of the town. Born in Grange 73 years ago, he was engaged in farm service at Craigwillie, Ittingstone, and Comisty in his younger days; but it was as an employee of the well-known firm of Messrs George Sellar and Sons, implement manufacturers, that he was best known. He was in the service of this firm for almost fifty years, and during that long period was a faithful and trusted servant of his employers. Until a few years ago, John was for long a familiar figure at the shows of the Royal and Northern Agricultural Societies, in attendance at the stands of implements of his employers and Mr Sellar, the respected head of the firm, was wont to introduce John to the firm’s customers as one who had grown grey in their service. John was thoroughly conversant with all the implements which the firm from time to time introduced, and what he did not know about the famous Sellae plough and other implements was not worth knowing. John was until quite recently a regular attender of local ploughing matches, and could judge a rig with the best. The intelligence of his death will recall to many of the employees of the well-known firm now far away from the homeland, many pleasant memories of genial John Bowie. Deceased was an attached member of the Established Church, and in politics he was a staunch Conservative of the old school. He is survived by his widow, two sons, and three married daughters. One of the sons is Mr William Bowie, who served his apprenticeship in the Huntly “Express” and is now proprietor of the Balaclava Bar, Fraserburgh. The other son, John, has been in the employment of the Aberdeen Corporation for about 16 years as a blacksmith, while the daughters are in Manchester, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen respectively. The funeral takes place today to the Huntly Cemetery.”
