Category: Out and about

One of the important names in agricultural engineering in the north of Scotland was Elgin Central Engineers. In 1967 the business underwent a significant expansion with the opening of its works at Moycroft, Elgin. This had significant implications for the organisation of its departments and the way that it undertook its business. Because of the importance of this change, it was widely reported in the press in north east Scotland. The Aberdeen press and journal carried an extensive feature of the business, and its development, in its pages of 15 November 1967.

Today and in a further two posts we are going to quote from that extensive feature. It includes lots of insightful information on the development of the business and its activities in 1967.

“North firm that got to the top

Today marks the opening of Moycroft, Elgin, the new head office and agricultural engineering centre of Elgin Centre Engineers Ltd, now recognised as one of the leading firms of its kind in Scotland and indeed, the largest in the North and North-east.

Theirs is a success story from small beginnings-a bicycle shop in Moss Street, Elgin, to the most up-to-date premises covering a total area of 34,000 square feet in five acres of ground.

The new development at Moycroft was an inevitable step. Their former premises in Hill Street had become too small and cramped for the ever-increasing agricultural business. The Industrial Equipment Department assumed vast possibilities, and already their manufacturing plant is laying an important role in the growth of the company.

The proposed street widening at the west end of High Street has denied the company developing the car department’s accommodation there and accordingly, after re-organisation and constructional alterations, the Hill Street premises will be occupied by the Car and Commercial Vehicle Department for workshops and stores early in the New Year.

The new premises at Moycroft are vast, modern and well equipped for the purpose for which they are built.

Situated at the east end of Elgin (adjoining Alexander’s bus depost), they are only a stone’s-throw from the firm’s large used car depot at Pinefield, behind which is their extensive agriculture machinery storage and repair depot.

On entering Moycroft one gets the instant impression of immensity of space. A modern showroom is in front for the display of a comprehensive range of Ford tractors and farm machinery of international repute.

Behind this shop window of the farming world are sited the largest agricultural stores in Scotland, carrying a full range of spare parts and accessories for all tractors and implements.

To the rear of them, and within the area of the expansive workshops, are the workshop offices for the service manager, workshop foreman, stores manager and the costing and stock control staff.

Along the west wall of the workshops are the electrical shop and diesel shop with fully specialised diesel fuel injection equipment.

Adjoining them are the staff quarters-canteen and toilets – and an instruction room for staff training or for special film demonstrations, which may be organised from time to time to interest customers.

While an area in the wide expanse of the workshops has been earmarked for repairs, other enterprises of this big undertaking will be carried on here.

The manufacturing side of the business has been allocated half the available space; the other side of the building, to the tractor, combine, and baler repair sections and the Horticultural Department.

The entire area is heated by two giant high volume space heaters, the first of their kind in the North, which will ensure ideal working conditions even in the severest weather.

The manufacturing side of the business is probably the least known of the activities of Elgin Central Engineers Ltd, but for the past two years they have been manufacturing special transmissions and drives for road rollers which have been exported to India.

But the firm are no novices in the export trade, because they have exported hundreds of used tractors to Europe for the past eight years.

But this is only the beginning, a number of projects on the drawing board will make a practical contribution to timber handling, shipbuilding, the aircraft industry and grain drying for agricultural and distillery uses.

Plans are also afoot to produce a variety of farm machinery and equipment.

On the industrial equipment side, too, considerable expansion will be put into operation at Moycroft. Elgin Central Engineers Ltd were the first firm in Scotland to be appointed Ford Industrial Equipment distributors, and hold the distributorship for the whole of the North of Scotland.

It is their intention to handle a complete range of public works contractors’ plant, and they have already acquired some valuable agencies.

As headquarters for Elgin Central Engineers Ltd, it was important to focus the main offices of the firm at Moycroft, so here we find the accounting and administrative offices for all departments. These are located to the left of the showroom, with easy access for the customer.

The staff moved in nearly three weeks ago, but not until today are Elgin Central Engineers Ltd officially opened at Moycroft.

Formal individual invitations have not been sent out to customers. They number more than 3000. But those who are interested are cordially invited to attend the ceremony, which will be performed this afternoon by Lord Provost George Smith of Elgin, among a notable representative company of local dignitaries from Banff, Moray and Nairn.

Among speakers who will form part of the platform party will be Mr Norman S. Matheson, Chairman and Managing Director of the firm, which was originally started by his father: Mr Robert L. Prentice, a Director; Mr Michael Joughin, Past President of the Scottish Farmers’ Union, and Mr Geoff Buckley, Director of the Ford Motor Company Ltd’s tractor operations.

Many of the leading manufacturer, for whom Elgin Central Engineers Ltd hold agencies, will be putting on their own special displays at trade stands at the rear of Moycroft, which will add a novel touch to a very important occasion.

It is thus their tribute to a North of Scotland firm, who, through their own ingenuity and enterprise, have achieved such a high reputation far and wide.

From small beginnings Elgin Central Engineers Ltd have grown in size and reputation, and today they are fully geared for the future. There is no doubt that it will be successful.”

Newspapers are an invaluable source for recording information on the implement and machinery makers and agents. This is especially so when they are opening new premises, enlarging their premises, or launching a new agency.

The Falkirk herald published an informative account of one local agent in the Falkirk district in its pages of 31 December 1938: Mr Alexander McCutcheon.

The following is the account of his agency:

“Mechanised farming

Change from traditional methods

Use of the tractor

“Falkirk for beans and pease” is a phrase which indicates the former importance of Falkirk as an agricultural market. Even to-day, when the accent is placed on industrial activities, Falkirk is the centre of a prosperous agricultural district. On carse land and hill farming in the area has been brought to a high pitch of perfection within modern times.

Here, as elsewhere throughout the country, the agricultural revolution has taken its course. There has been a change from the old methods of framing-methods which had become traditional through constant repetition generation after generation. For many years the Scottish farmer has worked along orthodox lines, and the peasant labouring in the fields was a common sight in pre-war Scotland. After the war conditions changed rapidly. Prices of farm products dropped so low that the farmers, rooted in tradition as they were, found it necessary to improve production methods if they were to continue to win a livelihood from the earth they tilled. They did so by getting away from manual labour and stepping into the mechanised field.

Farming progress

From that point it did not take the farmers long to discover the advantages of the new methods, which enabled them to produce with much lower overheads and get their seeding and harvesting done at the right time of season. As a direct result farm mechanisation in the British Isles is abreast of that of any other agricultural country in the world.

To meet the changed conditions it was essential that firms specialising in the supply and maintenance of mechanised equipment for farmers should be established in the agricultural districts. Such a concern is that conducted by Mr Alexander McCutcheon, whose Stirlingshire depot is conveniently situated at the Auction Mart, Falkirk. The business has been established for five years. Mr McCutcheon has the distinction of being the only agricultural implement agent with a depot in Falkirk.

Mr McCutcheon is an agent for Massey-Harris Ltd, one of the premier firms of manufacturers of agricultural machines. The name Massey-Harris is known wherever “power-farming” has been introduced. They can offer the farmer a machine for any purpose, and the farmer who uses Massey-Harris mowers, swath turners, rakes, hayloaders and elevators, to name only a few of their specialities, will find that these machines are ideally suited for their individual jobs.

Value of tractors

Progressive farmers have not been slow to realise the enormous advantages which accrue from the use of tractors on the farm. In the spring it is often found that many a crop is spoiled by sowing before the land is on condition. Once the land is in condition speed is essential, and it is then that tractors prove invaluable. The same story is repeated at harvest time. Where binders are used on hill-land it will generally be found that leading-in will be accomplished much quicker if a tractor is used.

On this subject one well-known farmer has said: “I find that at leading-in time we can lift, bring home, and stack more with one tractor, one trolley, two men and a boy, than with three horses, three carts, two men forking in the field, and one man stacking with a woman to cran (assist the man on the stack)-a total of six men and a woman.” On sheep farms, when it is necessary to take feeding to the animals during snow-storms, it will be found that a track-laying tractor makes light of the task of travelling over frozen snow or soft drifts. Tractors, therefore, are exceedingly useful to farmers during the lambing season when such conditions are likely to prevail on upland farms. Massey-Harris is a concern which can be confidently consulted, through their local agent, if it is desired to purchase a tractor for any agricultural purpose.

Dairy equipment

Dairy farming is an important branch of the agricultural industry in Stirlingshire, and in these modern days it is essential that due attention should be paid to cleanliness in the dairy. For purposes of cleanliness the very best equipment is sound economy. Mr McCutcheon is able to offer farmers a full range of milk coolers, seamless strainers, milk receiving tanks, dairy pails, churns, and churn carriers, washing equipment, sterilising chests, dairy boilers, bottle washers, brushes, and other miscellaneous items at moderate prices.

In addition to his sales business, Mr McCutcheon is in a position to undertake contracts at farms in the Stirlingshire area. Farmers who require help with ploughing, sowing, harrowing, reaping, and so on will find that they can readily obtain assistance, with the use of modern tractors, by applying to Mr McCutcheon. The terms for this service are such as to place it within the reach of every farmer.

An indication of how Mr McCutcheon’s business is expanding as a result of supplying s definite need in the district is that on November 28 his firm took possession of Muirhall Farm to be used as a service depot for agricultural implements and machinery. The firm, it should be pointed out, carries out repairs of all kinds, thus obviating the necessity of Stirlingshire farmers taking their machines and implements elsewhere to be repaired.”

Did you do business with Alex McCutcheon?

In the second half of the 1870s when the chilled plough had been introduced into Scotland, there was considerable debate on its effectiveness including how much of a labour-saving implement it was. There were discussions in local and national agricultural societies as well as trials, demonstrations and new classes at ploughing matches. Reports of these were published in the Scottish agricultural press.

One such report was published in the North British Agriculturist, the most widely known agricultural newspaper in Scotland at this time, on 27 March 1889. It related to a discussion that took place at the Spey, Aven and Fiddichside Farmers’ Club. It is a really good account of the debates that farmers and agriculturists were having at this time. It lets the reader see what was important in the discussion and how they evaluated this new plough. It is worth quoting at length:

“Chilled versus swing ploughs

At a meeting of the Spey, Aven and Fiddichside Farmers’ Club last week, a very practical discussion took place on the relative merits of the chilled or American plough and the common swing plough. Mr Inkson, Kinermony, who introduced the subject, said he had tried the chilled plough, and the work it did was very satisfactory. It went deeper than the ordinary swing plough, and left nothing but what was turned over. The furrow, when turned over, was left entirely broken and loose, and the frost penetrated and pulverised the soil was very freely. When they came to harrowing after these ploughs, they would finish that a great deal less of that was required to produce the same effect as the other ploughs, and equally as good, if not a better, braird. Cross ploughing, or what was commonly called steering in the spring, was done with the American ploughs very satisfactorily. He had noticed the rigs which were ploughed with them had the best mould, and they were usually kept in the stiffest part of the field. This was of great consequence to the turnip crop. He had also ploughed lea and clean land with them, rig and rig alternately with the common plough, and he could not say that he knew any material difference in the crop. The American plough would do in the same time a half more work, and although turning a much bigger furrow, it had about a half less draught on the horses. It was also less costly to be maintained. He calculated from his own experience that there was. A saving in the blacksmith’s bill of at least £2 per plough per season when the chilled plough was used, as compared with the common plough. The majority of the speakers were in favour of the chilled ploughs, though it was generally admitted that they were not so good as the ordinary plough on rough land, and where there were many lodged stones or rocks. Mr Robertson, Aberlour Mains, believed the chilled plough to be far the best for stubble, but he would not care to use them on sandy lea. The soil was left too loose, and the drought might get in. The chilled ploughs effected a great saving in labour, and the draught was small. He had seen a pair of horses come in that had been working a common plough dripping with perspiration, and at the same time a pair working the chilled plough, and they had not a hair turned.

A chilled plough would pay itself in two seasons. They worked best on strong clay soil, which it broke and pulverised better than the ordinary plough, while it saved harrowing and gave a finer tilth for the seed. Mr Cruickshank, Dandaleith; Mr Stuart, Inverfiddoch; Mr Craig, Gauldwell, and others, spoke in favour of the American style of plough. A number of the farmers had not tried the chilled ploughs, and one or two said they did not intend to; but others objected to them on the ground that upon hard, rocky-bottomed soil they were very liable to break. Mr Cumming, Cardow, and Mr Stoddart, Grange, stated. More serious objection in their opinion, which was that in ploughing lea they left a bit of pan in the bottom of the furrow. The Chairman (Mr Alex Cameron, of Highfield, Elgin), in summing up, said there appeared to be considerable difference of opinion, even amongst practical men, as to whether the chilled plough made better work than the old plough; but it was quite clear to him the chilled plough was certainly economical in working, and that it made a great deal less labour to the horses than the old plough did.”

What do you think of their discussion?

The photos were taken at B. A. Stores, May 2019

In 1923 a number of the local newspapers in north-east Scotland 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.

Let’s go and read about some of these new mills:

New threshing plant at Methlick (Aberdeen press and journal, 3 January 1923)

Mr George Beaton, Cairns, Methlick, has installed a new threshing mill and oil engine, supplied by Mr Taylor, millwright, Tarves. Mt Beaton invited some neighbours and friends on Friday night to see the onset of the mill, which have every satisfaction, dressing the corn ready for market. After the thresh the company were hospitably entertained by Mr and the Misses Beaton.

Ythan Wells threshing machine (Aberdeen press and journal, 17 January 1923)

A new threshing machine has been installed at the farm of Wells of Ythan, Ythan Wells, by the tenant Mr James Adam. The machine has all the modern improvements and accessories, and is capable of threshing out four quarters of oats per hour, is driven by an engine of about 4hp, and does excellent work. In a district like Ythan Wells, where roads are often impassible in the winter season for the steam threshing machine, it is almost a necessity for the farmer to provide himself with some form of stationary threshing machine.

Rothienorman threshing machine (Aberdeen press and journal, 18 January 1923)

A new threshing mill and engine has been installed on the farm of Hill of Wells, Rothienorman, by the tenant, Mr Alexander Keillah. The mill was made by Messrs Barclay, Ross, and Hutchison, Aberdeen, and has been fitted with high-speed drum and all modern dressing accessories and improvements. The driving power is supplied by a 6 ½ hp petrol engine from the same firm.

A few friends and neighbours were invited to see the set, and after giving the plant a fair trial satisfaction was expressed with the work. It threshed from 6 to 7 quarters per hour.

Afterwards the company adjourned to the house, when they were hospitably entertained by Mrs Kellah, and a pleasant hour was spent in song and story.

New Premnay threshing mill (Aberdeen press and journal, 21 August 1923)

On the invitation of Mr James Sharp, farmer and proprietor, Burryhillock, Premnay, a number of friends and neighbours assembled on Saturday to witness the start of a new threshing plant. The mill has a 36 in high-speed drum, and is fitted with the latest improvements, and gives an output of eight quarters per hour of finely dressed grain. The motive power is a 10-horse-power Allan oil engine.

The company was afterwards entertained by Mrs Sharp, when a pleasant evening was spent.

Kincardine O’Neil threshing mill (Aberdeen press and journal, 2 November 1923)

Mr David Middleton, Upper Craigton, Kincardine O’Neil, has installed a new threshing mill with all the latest improvements. The mill is driven by a 5 ½ hp petrol engine, and the first thresh n Saturday proved most satisfactory.

(Forfar herald, 16 November 1923)

Extensive structural alteration have just been made at Heughead Farm, on the Guthrie estate. The farm is newly occupied by Mr Alexander Martin, who has installed a new threshing mill by Messrs J. & D. Craig, Idvies Mill, Letham, and is driven by an oil engine supplied by Messrs Shanks, Arbroath.

At the starting of the new machinery, a number of the neighbouring farmers and tradesmen were present by invitation and in one hour fourteen quarters of oats were threshed, both engine and mill giving the utmost satisfaction. A granddaughter of Mr Martin’s had the honour of passing through the first sheaf, and Mr and Mrs Martin hospitably entertained the company.

Rothiemay threshing mill (Aberdeen press and journal, 21 November 1923)

A new threshing mill has been installed at his farm steading by Mr Dawson, Turtory, Rothiemay. It is a three-feet full finishing mill, with chaff blower and straw carrier. Water power drives the mill through a wheel with galvanised steel buckets.

New threshing plant at Foveran (Aberdeen press and journal, 15 December 1923)

An event which excited interest in the district was the “trial run” on Thursday of a new threshing mill installed by Mr Willox, West Pitmillan, Foreran, Aberdeenshire. Supplied and erected by Messrs Barclay, Ross, and Hutchison, Aberdeen, the plant consists of a high-speed thresher with bagging elevator, and a 5/6 Ruston-Hornsby petrol-paraffin engine. The machinery performed its initial task with splendid speed and efficiency. The company was hospitably entertained by Mr and Mrs Willox.

Rothienorman threshing machine (Aberdeen press and journal, 18 January 1923)

A new threshing mill and engine has been installed on the farm of Hill of Wells, Rothienorman, by the tenant, Mr Alexander Keillah. The mill was made by Messrs Barclay, Ross, and Hutchison, Aberdeen, and has been fitted with high-speed drum and all modern dressing accessories and improvements. The driving power is supplied by a 6 ½ hp petrol engine from the same firm.

A few friends and neighbours were invited to see the set, and after giving the plant a fair trial satisfaction was expressed with the work. It threshed from 6 to 7 quarters per hour.

Afterwards the company adjourned to the house, when they were hospitably entertained by Mrs Kellah, and a pleasant hour was spent in song and story.

New Premnay threshing mill (Aberdeen press and journal, 21 August 1923)

On the invitation of Mr James Sharp, farmer and proprietor, Burryhillock, Premnay, a number of friends and neighbours assembled on Saturday to witness the start of a new threshing plant. The mill has a 36 in high-speed drum, and is fitted with the latest improvements, and gives an output of eight quarters per hour of finely dressed grain. The motive power is a 10-horse-power Allan oil engine.

The company was afterwards entertained by Mrs Sharp, when a pleasant evening was spent.

Kincardine O’Neil threshing mill (Aberdeen press and journal, 2 November 1923)

Mr David Middleton, Upper Craigton, Kincardine O’Neil, has installed a new threshing mill with all the latest improvements. The mill is driven by a 5 ½ hp petrol engine, and the first thresh n Saturday proved most satisfactory.

(Forfar herald, 16 November 1923)

Extensive structural alteration have just been made at Heughead Farm, on the Guthrie estate. The farm is newly occupied by Mr Alexander Martin, who has installed a new threshing mill by Messrs J. & D. Craig, Idvies Mill, Letham, and is driven by an oil engine supplied by Messrs Shanks, Arbroath.

At the starting of the new machinery, a number of the neighbouring farmers and tradesmen were present by invitation and in one hour fourteen quarters of oats were threshed, both engine and mill giving the utmost satisfaction. A granddaughter of Mr Martin’s had the honour of passing through the first sheaf, and Mr and Mrs Martin hospitably entertained the company.

Rothiemay threshing mill (Aberdeen press and journal, 21 November 1923)

A new threshing mill has been installed at his farm steading by Mr Dawson, Turtory, Rothiemay. It is a three-feet full finishing mill, with chaff blower and straw carrier. Water power drives the mill through a wheel with galvanised steel buckets.

New threshing plant at Foveran (Aberdeen press and journal, 15 December 1923)

An event which excited interest in the district was the “trial run” on Thursday of a new threshing mill installed by Mr Willox, West Pitmillan, Foreran, Aberdeenshire. Supplied and erected by Messrs Barclay, Ross, and Hutchison, Aberdeen, the plant consists of a high-speed thresher with bagging elevator, and a 5/6 Ruston-Hornsby petrol-paraffin engine. The machinery performed its initial task with splendid speed and efficiency. The company was hospitably entertained by Mr and Mrs Willox.

The farmers in Stirlingshire were innovative for introducing new plough types into the district. They had been early adopters of the steam plough in the mid 1850s, though its use was short-lived and the plough went to Alloa a short time afterwards.

That keen-ness to introduce new ploughs continued in future decades. In 1879 the farmers held an early trial of the American chilled plough in the eastern district of the county. This was held under the auspices of the Eastern District of Stirlingshire Agricultural Association. It was reported in a number of the newspapers including the Falkirk herald of9 August 1879. Here is an account of that trial:

“Eastern District of Stirlingshire Agricultural Association

Trail of the American Patent Chilled Plough

An important trial of the American patent chilled plough-under the auspices of the Eastern District of Stirlingshire Agricultural Association – took place on Wednesday, on the farm of Bowhouse, in the Kerse of Falkirk. Among those present on the ground were Ralph Stark, Esq, vice-president of the association; Findlay Anderson, Esq, Inchyra Grange; Henry Band, Esq, Abbots Grange; Andrew Nicol, Esq, Beancross; Mr Wm Calder, Mumrills; Mr Graham Hardie, Little Kerse, &c &c. The gentlemen interested in the trial met in a field of fallow, kindly granted by Mr Learmonth, tenant of the farm-who also supplied the exhibitor, Mr Thomas Scott of South Woodend, Denny, with a powerful pair of geldings, of the best blood of the Clydesdale breed. The start was made at tow o’clock; and after two hours’ ploughing-the work done being very strictly scrutinised by a number of the directors of the society and others interested in the trial – there was out one opinion as to the superiority of the American invention over the Scotch iron plough. The new plough has the following advantages over the home implement; it is one-third lighter in draught – which of itself is a very great recommendation. It was admitted by competent judges, that it would have taken three horses to go over the same breadth and depth of furrow, as was done by the two who were in the plough yesterday; and in addition to this the work was much better done-the American implement turning over the fallow in beautiful style. One “point” of the new implement will plough one hundred acres; so that no blacksmith is required, while a young lad, or a field worker, can hold it. The depth is regulated by a wheel in front of the plough; and this, too, is a great recommendation. The plough is about one half lighter in itself than the Scotch implement, and when the skim coulter is put on – which is a most useful and simple appendage – all wild grass is ploughed down into the furrow. Stubble or loose straw is also gathered as the plough progresses, and is entirely buried out of sight. After the completion of the trial, Mr Learmonth kindly entertained the directors of the society at his hospitable fireside; and after some pleasant talk on the event of the day, Mr Stark rose and proposed “Success to the plough, and a safe journey to Mr Scott” – who was about to sail for America personally to inspect the works and to bring home a consignment of the new ploughs. In giving the toast, Mr Stark spoke of the very successful trial which had just been witnessed; and said that judging by what they had all seen that day, there could be but one opinion as to the complete success of the trial, and the great advantage of the American over the Scottish plough. The directors were quite agreed on the merits of the new invention; and he had no doubt that plenty of orders would be received by Mr Scott when the implement came to be better known. The toast was cordially received and acknowledged; and after spending sometime longer under Mr Learmonth’s hospitable roof, the party adjourned, all well pleased with the success of the trial.”

Mr Scott had entered “Oliver’s American chilled plough [of Oliver Plow Company, South Bend, Indiana], and some grindstones of approved make” to the Highland Show at Perth of July 1879. According to the North British Agriculturist of 16 July 1879 it had “beam and handles of American oak, and fitted with skim coulter, the main advantages claimed for the plough were lightness of draught, adaptability for loamy soil, and the facilities it affords for ploughing down wild grass, stubble, or loose straw.”

By 1881 Thomas Scott of South Woodend, Bonnybridge, described himself as an “American plough importer”. In 1885 he advertised himself as “sole importer for Great Britain and Ireland of Oliver’s American chilled plough. By 1886 he had opened up premises in Glasgow at 6 North Coburg Street. In 1889 he had moved to 17 Kirk Street. He exhibited at the Highland Shows between 1879 and 1889. He entered his imported ploughs at a number of trials of the Highland Show: the exhibition of ploughs in 1881, the trial of implement for autumn cultivation of stubbles in 1885 and trial of implement for spring cultivation of land in 1887.

He made an important contribution to changing the face of Scottish ploughs and ploughing in the 1880s.

The photos were taken at the Scottish Ploughing Championships, 2016.

Visits to implement and machinery makers’ premises were sometimes recorded in the newspaper press. They record who visited, why they were undertaking a visit, what they say, and gave a thanks to the makers.

One such account recorded in the Aberdeen press and journal on 8 March 1905 recorded a visit of Aberdeen and North of Scotland practical agricultural class students to the works of Ben Reid & Co., Aberdeen. It includes an account of the wide range of implements and machines made by that distinguished maker. The account is quoted at length:

“Agricultural engineering

Demonstration at Ben. Reid and Co’s.

Yesterday the members of the practical agricultural class at the Aberdeen and North of Scotland College of Agriculture visited the works of Messrs Ben Reid and Co., when Mr R. B. Greig, lecturer on agriculture, gave a demonstration on agricultural engineering. Under the direction of Mr James Philip, secretary of Ben. Reid and Company, the students inspected, and had explained to them the construction and working of the spring tine harrows, and corn drills for sowing all kinds of grain on the force feed principle, by which the farmer may regulate the exact quantity of seed he desires to sow per acre. They also inspected manure distributors, turnip sowers, drain cleaning rods, and wire strainers. A high-speed dressing machine, with a drum 4ft wide, capable of threshing and dressing seed for the market at the rate of 9 or 10 quarters per hour, commanded considerable attention, as did also a smaller machine driven by horse-power, and capable of dressing about three or four quarters per hour. Dairying appliances and the Bon-Accord plough were also examined. At the close Mr Greig said they were very much indebted to Messrs Ben. Reid and Company for allowing them to see over the works, and he moved for a hearty vote of thanks to Mr Philip for his kindness in showing them the different machines. Mr Philip, in acknowledging said he was glad to see the students present, and would be pleased to show them the machines at any time they cared to come to the works.”

A visit of Scottish farmers to the Lister and Blackstone works in 1939

Have you been on a factory tour of an implement and machine maker? Specially arranged tours were an important way that farmers and agriculturists learned about how the implements and machines were made as well as well as a host of other information about the businesses making them.

Some organised tours were reported in the newspaper press and allowed even more farmers to read about them. One such one took place in 1939, when a large number of Scottish farmers visited the Lister and Blackstone plants at Stamford and Dursley. Her is an account of their visit that appeared in The Scotsman on 26 July 1939.

“Mechanised farming

Tour of engineering works

Scottish guests

Of all the departments of the farm none is subject to more rapid and revolutionary changes than the machinery and implements necessary for the economic development of the land.

The cost of labour required for farming arable land keeps mounting up, and it is little wonder, therefore, that the farmer has been obliged to abandon the methods of his forefathers and to look towards mechanisation and other new developments to assist him in his struggle for greater and cheaper production. He has been obliged to supplant the horse to a large extent by mechanical power, and had evolved a new system of mechanised farming to keep down costs and carry out essential operations on his land. It is generally recognised that a sound and live system of power farming must be pursued-a system which is regarded as highly desirable in times of peace, but essential in time of war.

A party of forty farmers from Scotland, including members of Council of the National Farmers’ Union and Chamber of Agriculture of Scotland, had the privilege last week, as the guests of Messrs R. A. Lister & Co., Dursley, Gloucestershire, and their associated company, Messrs Blackstone & Co., Stamford, of visiting the extensive agricultural engineering works at Stamford and Dursley, where they saw the latest developments in labour-saving devices. The part, which was under the direction of Mr James Picken, Milton, Kirkcudbright, was drawn from all parts of the country, from Ross-shire in the North of Galloway in the South.

Blackstone engines

The first day was spent inspecting the Blackstone works at Stamford, which were established 100 years ago to supply Lincoln and the counties that stretch to Stamford with agricultural implements. To-day the firm continues the old while making the new, and is best known for the manufacture of Diesel engines-and pumps. Every country in the world knows Blackstone engines and uses them. In this country they are to be found in factories as well as in countries and on farms. The Scottish party saw the various operations which go to their making in the foundries and workshop, and were much impressed by the skill of the craftsmen and the quality of the output.

The Blackstone works cover over 27 acres and employ about 27 acres and employ about 1200 men. With the reconstruction just completed there is now a total floor space in the shops of over 27,000 square feet. Concrete roads traverse the works in all directions. New cupolas have been erected in the foundry, each with a capacity of ten tons an hour. Castings up to seven tons are now made regularly, and the visitors were much interested in the process. Engine erection has been centralised and extended, and two engine test beds are now in operation. All tests are carried out with electric and hydraulic dynamometers. A similar programme of reorganisation has been carried out in the agricultural departments of the works.

The House of Lister

Proceeding across country by motor coach to Birmingham and thence by train to Gloucester, the party spent the night there, and set out next morning for the Dursley works of Messrs R. A. Lister & Co. The House of Lister, as it is a familiarity called, was founded 72 years ago by the late Sir Ashton Lister, and five of his sons, along with Mr A. E. Mellerup, constitute the directorate to-day. It is one of the few surviving “family” firms of the country. Started in a small way in a smithy, the works to-day cover 35 acres and employ over 3000 men. The firm was responsible for the introduction of the cream separator into this country and Canada, and it supplies the sheep-shearing machinery with which over a third of the world’s sheep are shorn every year. Its engines are working irrigation, farm, and industrial machinery all over the world, and its lighting plant provides light and power in many of the best-known houses of both the old world and the new. Lister auto-trucks, the latest of the Lister lines, are revolutionising internal transport in railway stations, docks, factories, and exhibitions. A fleet of 50 auto-trucks, it will be remembered, were engaged at the Glasgow Empire Exhibition, and carried one and a half million passengers in six months round the exhibition.

The various operations of the firm were closely inspected by the small groups into which the party was divided, and keen interest was shown in the wide range of finished products for which the firm is well known.

Government ploughing scheme

During the tour the party were interested to learn that following the Ottawa Agreements the firm entered into an agreement with the Cockshutt Plow Company of Brantford, Ontario, to market the famous Cockshutt tractor plough on a barter basis-Cockshutt selling Lister cream separators in Canada. This year, as a result of the Government’s decision to grant £2 an acre for all land ploughed and re-seeded before October 31, the firm have doubled their normal order for the Canadian plough. Early this year the firm set up a special A. R. P. department, staffed by skilled engineers, to advise not only on emergency lighting plant, in which they specialise, but also on other A. R. P. questions.

At both Stamford and Dursley the party were much struck by the facilities afforded for the welfare of the employees. Side by side with the large-side development in the plant has come a corresponding expansion in social activities. Large club premises adjoin the works, and there are facilities for all. Kinds of indoor games and outside sports. Clinics, provided at each of the works, supply the needs for first-aid, dressing, and dispensing.

Before returning to Scotland Mr James Picken expressed the thanks of the party to their hosts, and said they would have pleasant memories of their visit. Efficiency, he said, was stamped in all departments they had seen. There were, he added, many things in the factory which might usefully be copied by farmers. Mr Picken also took occasion to thank Mr E. Rea, agricultural adviser to Lister’s, who accompanied the party throughout the tour.

Mr Robert Lister, who replied, spoke of the pleasure it had been to welcome their friends from Scotland, and said they were not ashamed to show their plant or their products to anyone.”

By 1922 the Scottish agriculturist had a number of forms of power available to him or her: these included oil, gas, electric, steam and water power. While water power could be called the oldest, it still had its role. This was highlighted by an article in the Dundee Courier of 23 June 1923, which sets out new improvements made to the farm of Denmylne, Newburgh:

“Water power as asset in modern farming

In modern up-to-date farming it is essential that the equipment of both house and steading should be as nearly perfect as possible, and every proprietor and tenant should endeavour to introduce systems of electric lighting and instal suitable appliances for driving machinery. The use of water-power in both connections cannot be overestimated, yet it is amazing to find how much valuable power of this kind, easily available, is permitted to run to waste.

Quite recently Mrs Speedie, the proprietrix of Denmylne, Newburgh, in contemplating improvements on her property, found that by utilising the water running from the Loch of Lindores the efficiency of her threshing plant could be greatly enhanced and a more up-to-date, economical, serviceable, and brighter system of lighting for both the house and the steading introduced.

After consultation with the well-known firm of millwrights and engineers (Messrs Thos Morton & Co., Perth), Mrs Speedie installed a 14 by 4 feet over shot waterwheel, which is not only capable of driving a 48-inch finishing threshing-mill, but provides the power for supplying the whole establishment with a splendid system of electric lighting. Altogether, there are 70 lights throughout the farmhouse and steading. The driving power derived from the new system introduced is astonishing, for, apart from the driving of the mill, the dynamo generates electricity and charges accumulators. The simplicity of the plant and its reliability are amongst its best recommendations. The advantages it provides are apparent. In the matter of substituting for oil lamps an easier and cleaner method of lighting up the home, and steading, barn, stable, byre, loft, and courtyard-it effects a big economy in the management of a farm. Switches can be so arranged that every part of the buildings can be immediately illuminated with perfect safety.

Messrs Morton & Co. have established many water-power systems throughout Scotland, and where water is to be obtained at hand farmers are well advised to try the experiment.”

Quite an installation!

Lifting turnips has always been regarded as one of the labour-intensive tasks on the farm. Not surprisingly, there have been a number of attempts to try to make harvesting of the crop a lot easier, whether in topping or tailing the turnips or both.

By the mid 1870s when the price of agricultural labour was rapidly increasing and labour was no longer as readily available as in previous decades, there were a number of competitions to try to find and demonstrate a satisfactory turnip harvester. These were undertaken by national societies such as the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland and local and regional societies such as those in Banffshire.

Turnip lifting trials were widely reported in the newspaper press, both agricultural and non-agricultural. One trial that received significant coverage was held in Banffshire, under the auspices of the United Banffshire Agricultural Society. It sets out the background to the event as well as the different machines available and their working mechanisms. Interestingly, most of the makers were local to the north east, the exception being Hunter of Maybole, located in another area where there were significant acreages of turnips grown.

The following account, published in the Aberdeen press and journal on 6 December 1877 provides much detail on the trial and the machines:

“A competition in a branch of agricultural machinery which is at present attracting much attention took place on Tuesday on the farm of Rettie, near Banff. Turnip lifting has always been – mainly in consequence, perhaps, of the inclement season at which it has to be performed – a laborious and painful task. Strange to say, the work is almost invariably done by females, who it might be expected would be unable to withstand the cold and its accompaniments, and who at least suffer exceedingly in the performance of the duty. Since the passing of the Education Act lads cannot be obtained, and the wages of men are too high to admit of their being put to such work. Undoubtedly, therefore, the question of providing a machine which should perform the work of topping and tailing the roots in such a manner that it might fairly be considered a substitute for hand lifting is one of considerable interest to turnip growers. Inventors have always found it a work of comparative ease to produce an implement which would, on an average, top every alternate turnip. And which, when it did not slice the roots in halves, might be relied on to tail them. But machines of this description are practically useless. In nearly all machines the mechanism for tailing the turnips is constructed on the same principle, and consists of a horizontal “coulter”, which travels along under the surface of the drill, and, having a sharp edge in front, deprives the turnips of their roots. To apply a principle by which the work of topping can be performed seems, however, to have exercised the ingenuity of implement makers pretty widely. Of the machines entered on Tuesday for competition no two could be said to be alike in this respect. In one. Case, the “shaws’ were cut by knives in a manner almost similar to that of corn reapers; in another, a shaft was suspended over the drill, in the end of which three knives were fixed horizontally, and resolved with the shaft; another machine had a saw attached on each side, and ranging backwards and outwards so as to lop off each of the tops of one drill. In another case, the top of the turnip was forced between two knives, and in the last case a single knife, placed horizontally, executed the work. It will thus be seen that opinions differ widely as to the manner in which the operation should be performed, and from this it may well be supposed the composition attracted a good deal of interest.

The match was held under the auspices of the United Banffshire Agricultural Society, and three prizes were offered of £3, £2 and £1 each. Horses were provided for the purpose of draught, and on the farm of Rettie two fields-one of yellows and the other of Swedes-had been set at the disposal of the society. The following five makers entered and competed in the order in which they are given:-Thos Hunter, Maybole (double); Francis Murieston, blacksmith, Itlaw, Alvah (single); James McDonald, Black Jug, Portsoy (single); P. & T. Thomson, Corrinzion, Perth (Single); and D. Munro & Son, Forres (double).

The implements were started to work amongst the yellows, which, though very good comparatively speaking, were yet very thin and uneven. Here Munro’s machine was unfortunately incapacitated for work by the breaking of the lever, by which the tailing coulters were set into the ground. This occurred at the commencement of the trial of the implement, and as the fracture could not be repaired in time to take part in this portion of the competition, the machine was disqualified. The trial in this field having been completed, a move was made to the Swedes, were the four competing machines were started simultaneously. Several drills were operated upon, and a minute and careful inspection was made by the judges-Messrs James Runcieman, Castleton; Paterson, Auldton; and Ogilvie. Tillynaught. Their decision was given by Mr Runcieman, who said-we have no hesitation at all in saying that the first prize has been gained by Mr Francis Murieson, the second by Mr James McDonald, and the third by the Messrs Thomson. The last machine, that of Messrs Munro, did not compete in the yellows, and was consequently not in the field. We also wish to say that we were greatly pleased with the work of numbers one and two, which was all that we need expect from such machines, and the judges were a little surprised at the commencement of the work when they saw the performances of the others. I do not know that I should say more. We had to consider as to whether we were bound to award prizes at all, because a good many of the turnips were so badly cut as to be useless for storing, and this is fatal to the success of the machine. We were rather of opinion that unless we were actually bound to award the prizes we ought to withhold them altogether. The machines, however, may be good. They have come some of them far distances, and may work better under more favourable circumstances. We, however, have just to take them as we get them.

Mr Morrison, Loanhead-I think the decision of the judges is generally approved by the onlookers (Applause).

Mr Murieson’s machines is certainly a model of simplicity. It is, to begin with, of very light draught, can easily be managed by one horse, and takes one drill at a time. The topping apparatus seems to be almost complete in its arrangement. Between the front wheels two “skips” of wire (similar to the guides usually fixed on the extremity of the guards of corn reapers to part the corn for the knives) are suspended. They are placed close beside each other, the space between them being only sufficient to allow the top of a turnip to pass. Two blades are fixed between the “skips” in scissor fashion, so that anything which gets between the skips is cut on passing back. The skips are so joined together that they may be called double, and the mode of working is this-whenever the point of the double skip (which is turned up snow shoe fashion) strikes a turnip it lifts up and passes over the object. The shaws, however, are caught between the skips, and travel back to the knives. These latter are so placed that when the root reaches them the knives lop off the tops and do not touch the turnip itself. The shaws are then run off to one side by a slanting board, and the tailing is performed by a horizontal; “coulter”. The Portsoy machine is constructed on a principle somewhat similar. The tops are caught between projecting wirework, and in passing back are cut by a horizontal knife, while a coulter tails the roots and shoves them off to the right side. This machine costs about eight guineas, as also does Mr Murieson’s. The third prize machine is of rather heavier draught than the other two. For topping the turnips two shafts are suspended over the drills (of which two are lifted each round). In the end of each shaft three knives are attached horizontally, and revolve along with the shaft. A coulter tails the roots, which are then caught by a wheel in potato digger fashion and flung out to the right side of the drills. This machine took the first prize at a competition held under the auspices of the Highland and Agricultural Society at Inverurie last year, and cost 19 guineas. Of the other machines Mr Hunter’s tops the roots by means of saws, and that of the Messrs Munro performs this work in corn reaper fashion.

After the competition the judges and a few friends dined at the house of Mr Longmore, Rettie, and a pleasant evening was spent.

The day was dry and otherwise favourable, and a good many influential farmers and others watched the competition very closely. The ground in both fields was very stiff, and added considerably to the draught of the machines.”

There had been an agricultural implement and machine maker at Gighty Burn, Kinnell, Friockheim, Angus, since at least the early 1880s. At that time George & John Fitchett were implement makers, smiths and smiths and farriers, making a new improved broadcast sowing machine. They became well-known for their barn machinery, and installation of that machinery. This included barn machinery. In 1891, it installed at Pitreuchie a system of pulping turnips, cutting hay and straw, and bruising corn or feeding purposes. In 1899 a threshing mill and Campbell oil engine at Wemyss, Forfar, in 1899.

By 1923, the business was described as “a well-established connection in agricultural circles all over Forfarshire and beyond it, and has been carried on by the present proprietor for over 40 years.” It comprised a millwright and blacksmith business, including workshops, smithy, 2 dwelling-houses, with 7 acres of arable land and outhouses. Its plant was described to be “in excellent condition, driven by water and engine power, and lit by electric light, and the premises are commodious and recently renewed”.

The business was put up for sale in April 1923 as a result of the “continued ill-health of the proprietor”. The proprietor, John Fitchet, died in April. Obituaries provide information on the business and its reputation:

“Kinnell (Arbroath guide, 28 April 1923)

Death of Mr J. Fitchet, Gighty Burn

The death occurred on Thursday at Gighty Burn of Mr John Fitchet, agricultural engineer, who was well known to agriculturists throughout the country. The deceased, who was 67 years of age, had been in indifferent health during the past six months. Mr Fitchet was a son of the late Mr Alexander Fitchet, who for the long period of thirty years was huntsman to the late Squire Hay at Letham Grange. Two brothers, George (who died 21 years ago) and John, served an apprenticeship with the late Mr Finlayson, millwright, Gighty Burn. They were then for some time employed at Hartlepool, and when Mr Finlayson retired 45 years ago they acquired the business, which was considerably extended under their management. Messrs Fitchet specialised in the erection of threshing mills, and their workmanship soon gained for them the confidence of farmers throughout and beyond the county. Mr John Fitchet was a familiar figure at the weekly markets, and his genial, kindly presence will be missed by his numerous business friends. Mr Fitchet is survived by a widow, a son, and two daughters.”

(Forfar herald, 4 May 1923)

“The death has occurred at Hatton Mill, near Arbroath, of Mr John F. Fitchett, millwright, who was well known in agricultural circles throughout Forfarshire.

Mr Fitchet, who was 67 years of age, was sole partner of the firm of Messrs G. & J. Fitchet, millwrights and engineers, Gighty Burn. He had been in business for forty years, and many of the threshing mills on farms in the county bear the name of the firm.”

The business was taken over by another millright, Mr John Dargie, son of the late Wm Dargie, Brechin. He placed an advert in the Dundee courier of 4 August 1923 announcing his purchase of the business:

“Notice

Mr John Dargie, son of the late Wm Dargie, millwright and ironfounder, Brechin, begs to intimate that he has taken over the business of millwrights, blacksmiths, implement makers, and joiners, so long carried on by the late G. & J. Fitchet at Gighty Burn, by Arbroath. The business will be carried on under the firm name of G. & J. Fitchet, and by careful and strict attention. Best materials and workmanship, it is hoped to earn a continuation of the support and confidence so generously extended to this firm in the past.”

Significant changes were made to the business in the next few months, as was announced in the Arbroath guide of 11 August 1923:

“Wm Fitchet, millwright (previously at Gighty Burn), begs to announce his change of address, and also to intimate that he is in a position to overhaul thrashing machinery. By giving strict personal attention to all repairs, he hopes to merit a share of public patronage-Wardmill Foundry, Arbroath, August 6th 1923.”

The business exhibited at the Highland Show of 1924. The Dundee courier noted that the business was a “well-known” one: “the firm have specialised in threshing machinery, and their exhibits include a threshing and dressing mill priced at £190.”

Directories continue to record the business in operation until at least 1928.

The photos were taken at the Aberdeenshire farming museum.